I've been obsessing (what's new) about finding appropriate homes for any kids I create. In my area - there are 8-9 Nigerian Dwarf Goat herds - all producing kids around now. That is a lot of kids flooding the market. I don't know how others find homes although some use craigs list. I'm doing it by careful placement of ads in places that attract the "type" of people I'd like to attract.
I'm not established enough to harvest a lot of long-distance homes that focus on natural choices, so I've been focusing on people who like to connect to the does/moms before birth and think it is great to be part of the hope and waiting. It is something I love- temperament and history and connection.
Today - a woman and her 4H hopeful came to visit. I have 6 does and 4 wethers, 3 of the does are pregnant. 3 of my wethers are really super friendly. It was SUCH a delight to see this little girl of 7 connecting to the goats. The goats adored her and my one young wether really liked her - followed her everywhere - actively solicited hugs and snuggles. It gave me a chance to see how she'd be with her own goats. I have a dry older doe who also super liked the little girl. These are goats that are in general friendly but the amount of attention they gave this girl was beyond what I've seen in the past.
My pregnant girls are not interested in mingling too much - I've noticed this different behavior in the last couple weeks - as they are less than a month from kidding. They seem more protective of their watermelon bellies. Is that my imagination or something others see.
The mother of the little girl was super excited and asked great questions and left having given me a deposit. I'm thrilled since I'll be picky like all of you and these people made me feel how fun it is to share the love of these great little goats. They'll be back to take some walks with us as soon as the darn snow clears out. And exgtra bonus - the are SUPER attracted to the boys since my boys gave them such a huge welcome - always nice to find good homes for wethers.
Judy
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I don't have a lot of experience but my two pregnant FFs are much less friendly than they used to be and I raised them both. The one who is about to pop (2 weeks-- eeek!!) doesn't want me to touch her belly at all although i brush her and she'll stand for that. The other little FF is due in 6 weeks and she doesn't like anyone but me anymore and runs away when people visit. My boys are both super friendly to anyone anytime (both bucks). My oldest 6 year old doe will push her head into people to be petted and has always been very friendly, pregnant or not. I guess they all come with their own personalities and isn't it wonderful?
All of our bucklings have been friendlier than the doelings until my recent twin doelings. They're the friendliest kids we've had! I've definitely noticed my pregnant does more standoffish than the others, right up until they're ready to kid. Then is a perfect time to bond with them because a lot of times they really want their human caretakers with them. This FF doe of mine cried for us constantly for two days even though we had penned her with her own mother to await the birth. She wanted to be right in our laps, and she's always been a less friendly girl. Best wishes with everything! Glad you had some great interested buyers. It's always fun to talk goats with someone else who's interested. :)