06-23-2016, 09:27 AM
Disbudding needs to be performed as soon after after birth as possible, and is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed by someone experienced in animal husbandry, with the right tools. lquade is absolutely correct that a farmer will likely do this upon request, if he/she has not already done so. I have never paid for it as a service, so I can't comment on the potential cost. Dehorning is another matter altogether. While dehoring can be done at any age, the risk of complications, such as maggots infesting the sinus cavity or a bacterial infection, increase greatly when compared to disbudding. Dehorning is not an insignificant procedure, and should be performed by a large animal veterinarian.
In your situation, perhaps I could recommend against goats altogether, and suggest hair sheep instead. It would likely produce an experience much more akin to your expectation than having goats would. Goats make reasonable livestock, however, hair sheep make better pets. They can be kinder gentler animals than goats. In my observation persons who get goats for pets are less satisfied than those instead choose hair sheep. Sheep are far easier to raise. They are less destructive; as in they are less likely to tear up a fence, or say chew on things like equipment.
As livestock, goats make more money than sheep - especially hair sheep. If you were looking to produce milk, or raise a herd for meat, I would say goats are by far the way to go. But, in the short statement of your intent, it doesn't sound like that is what you are after.
Just food for thought.
ETA - omitted word
In your situation, perhaps I could recommend against goats altogether, and suggest hair sheep instead. It would likely produce an experience much more akin to your expectation than having goats would. Goats make reasonable livestock, however, hair sheep make better pets. They can be kinder gentler animals than goats. In my observation persons who get goats for pets are less satisfied than those instead choose hair sheep. Sheep are far easier to raise. They are less destructive; as in they are less likely to tear up a fence, or say chew on things like equipment.
As livestock, goats make more money than sheep - especially hair sheep. If you were looking to produce milk, or raise a herd for meat, I would say goats are by far the way to go. But, in the short statement of your intent, it doesn't sound like that is what you are after.
Just food for thought.
ETA - omitted word