Buying a dairy goat

[mtwildflower]

I am thinking I would like to buy a dairy goat, but I know very little about them. Does anyone have some books or places to recommend where I can read up on them and the whole deal? What are the better breeds, what I should expect to pay for one, how long can I expect a goat to milk not just how long during the year, but until what age, etc.

Also, I read that the cream in goats milk doesn't seperate as easily as it does in cows milk. Is that true? If so, do I need a special seperator? Do I really need a seperator for just one goat for our family? How much do goats produce?

I basically need to know everything.

[mtwildflower]

one hand typing = oht....baby nursing in lap.... ;)

ah geez...just saw the other goat threads further down. i'll read those comments as well, but anything anyone can add here would be appreciated.

[goodwifefarm]

I think this is the best dairy goat site around http://fiascofarm.com/ Pretty much anything you want to know you will find here.

I've got Kinders and I love them. I'm sure you will get lots of responses from everybody here who has goats, trying to convince you that their breed is best ;) My kinder doe Tulip is due any day now and I can't wait. We've been without fresh milk for 2 months now and it's been hard!
Goat's milk is naturally homoginized (sp?) and won't seperate without a seperator. I don't have one, just use the milk as is, but if you want cream you will need one.
Good luck with whatever breed you get! You won't regret it. I love my goats and wouldn't ever want to be without them. You can see pics of mine at http://goodwifefarm.com/

Happy new year!