Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Look at the seller's environment
Look around the goats' home for signs that the seller is responsible and cares about the goats.
Goats that have been valued and well maintained are more likely to be healthy. Check for
signs of cleanliness in the barn. Is it well swept and is there good air circulation? Are the
goats tied? Do they have plenty of room for exercise and good shelter from the elements? Are
feeders and stalls clean? Is the water clean and fresh? If the seller's barn records are incom-
plete and poorly kept, chances are his or her goats have been equally neglected.
Buying your goats
When you purchase a goat, it is important to have a written contract between you and the
seller that specifies who is responsible for what, how payment will be made, who will trans-
port the goat, what kind of health testing will be done, and what will happen if the goat dies
after the deposit is paid. Many breeders use standard contracts; if your seller does not have a
contract, prepare one yourself. Read the terms of the contract carefully before you sign it.
Here are some general guidelines for the purchase of your new goat:
•
Communicate clearly.
Tell the seller upfront what you are looking for, and do not waste
the seller's time. If you think a seller might be waiting to hear from you and you are not
interested, say so as soon as possible so the seller can show the goats to another buyer.
•
Settle any outstanding health concerns.
If there has been a problem with disease in the
herd, or you suspect a problem, request a blood test. You may be required to pay for this,
but it may save you hundreds of dollars in veterinary expenses later on. Be firm about
health concerns — a responsible seller will not mind your diligence.
•
When negotiating a price, be polite.
You may want to buy from this seller again, so do
not burn your bridges by being pushy or rude. If you decide against the sale and walk
away, doing so politely can preserve the relationship, and because gossip travels, it can
protect you in encounters with other sellers.
•
Expect to pay a deposit.
This will not be returned if you back out of the sale, because the
seller has spent time on you and has perhaps kept other interested buyers away for you.
If the animal dies unexpectedly or if kids are miscarried, the deposit should be refunded.
