Sold!

It's been a whirlwind of a year here with new goat kids, a new human kid :), new Alpines, learning how to milk, and the list just goes on. We had been talking about eventually selling our Nubians and focusing on our Alpines but planned on keeping the Nubians in milk in order to sell milk shares until the Alpines were producing enough to meet demands.

Since it is breeding season for the goats, we were looking at being able to sell shares and have a good milk supply for about a month or two, and then needing to dry off the does so they could grow their kids out well, and then picking the shares back up in the Spring. With the cost of feed for 11 goats we decided to sell the Nubians that aren't in milk to lower our feed costs. After thinking about it some more, we decided that if someone really wanted our Nubian does in milk, we could sell them, too. It would make life a bit simpler right now, and we've delayed selling shares this long, what's another couple of months? So, I listed them on Craigslist.

What a response!!! I had several inquiries within a matter of minutes! I was happy, yet sad at the same time. Everyone seemed to like a different doe the best, and I thought they would all be separated. I know that's how it goes when you sell livestock, but I thought it would be nice if they could at least go in pairs or something, so they'd have a buddy in their new home. And then I got a phone call...

A lovely, sweet couple from Norene TN asked if they could come out and take a look at my herd. When you've got goats for sale, you certainly don't tell someone that it isn't a good time, but I was really nervous! Our lawn isn't mowed. Our driveway hasn't been blown off recently. I haven't vacuumed the house in a week or so. And the goats have been somewhat out of order emotionally since the arrival of the Alpines with everyone trying to establish the new pecking order and all...

I discovered that they sold their herd of Boers (meat goats) and wanted to buy dairy goats. We talked for quite some time, and they offered to buy ALL of my Nubians! They said I could go visit when I liked, and they baby their goats like children. I couldn't have asked for a better situation! They also gave me one of the best compliments that a goat breeder could ever receive. They said they've gone to several shows, visited several farms, asked lots of questions, etc. Of all the places they've been, my Nubians looked to be the best cared for that they've seen. You could have knocked me over with a feather! Now, I tend to feed my girls awfully well, and that very well could have meant that I have the fattest Nubians they've seen, but nonetheless, it was an amazing compliment and one that is sure to make my heart sing for quite some time!

So, come Saturday, my barn will be far less inhabited, but that will be good for the winter. Herd shares will have to wait until the spring, but my work load will be cut for the winter, and that is very appealing! I'm so thrilled the Nubian girls will be going to such great folks, that they'll get to go together, and I'm certain they'll be spoiled and happy! It's a nice idea, too, to know that I can visit when I like, and I'm certain I'll take them up on that, particularly when the does kid! :)