EDUCATION & TRAINING
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Buyer & Seller Checklist DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! This article can be used by both Buyer and Seller and is a good foundation CHECK LIST that covers some of the most important basics of the buying & selling processes….. You have decided to purchase your first pair of miniature goats, first thing to check is with your local council and livestock rules; are you allowed to keep goats and how many are you allowed to keep? If the answer is YES, the next job is to apply for a property identification code (PIC). This is FREE with your local government – it can be done online, you will need rates details for property description etc. PIC obtained. While you are waiting for this to be processed, now would be a good time to check where you intended on housing your new editions. They will need; shelter ; good fencing to keep them in and keep dogs out; clean water and; feed containers for hay, chaff & grain if fed.
Check that you have a stock feed supplier close by and now would be a good time to call the Vets in your area to check which one(s) care for farm livestock and not just small animals. Livestock Vet phone:___________________ Livestock Vet phone:___________________ Seller’s will want to know these things have been done before starting a sale. What do you want to do with them? PETS; BREEDING; PETS WITH OPTION OF BREEDING; SHOWING; MILKING; CHEESE MAKING; SOAP MAKING; HAIR FOR SPINNING; WEED CONTROL; COMPANION ANIMAL(S); SUPPORT ANIMALS…. Each will have its own list of questions and animals will need to meet certain criteria to be able to fulfil your needs for example – a female goat will need to have kidded and be a milking breed to produce enough milk for cheese and soap making; a goat would need a mohair or cashmere coat for spinning, desexed males make the best pets but they are not your option if you want to breed down the track….. Once you have an idea of what you want to do with your new goats, you will have an idea of the type of goats you will be looking for. Now….Surf, Surf, Surf, Surf, SURF!!! Youtube, Facebook, goat association sites, goat health, goat care, books, breeders, go to shows and talk to exhibitors / breeders / judges / stewards, there is a wealth of valuable information
