Goat Sales Policy

Bittersweet Barn maintains a waitlist for planned breedings, providing interested buyers with the first opportunity to reserve a kid once it is born. Joining the waitlist is free of charge. Following the birth of a kid, buyers have 48 hours to submit a deposit equal to 50% of the purchase price in order to secure their reservation. This deposit will be applied toward the final purchase price. Deposits are non-refundable except in the event that medical issues arise or the kid is deemed by Bittersweet Barn to be unfit for breeding, in which case the buyer may request a refund or apply the deposit toward another available kid. Bucklings will only be retained intact if deemed suitable for breeding, based on their dam’s udder and overall conformation.

Buyers are welcome to request photographs and/or videos of a kid prior to placing a deposit. Deposits may be submitted via cash, Venmo Friends & Family, PayPal Friends & Family, or PayPal/Venmo Goods & Services if the buyer elects to cover any associated transaction fees. If a deposit is not received within the 48-hour timeframe, the kid may be offered to the next individual on the waitlist or made available to the public. Please note that Bittersweet Barn reserves the right to retain any kid from any pairing, regardless of reservation status. We also reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to decline any sale.

Adult goats are occasionally offered for sale. A 50% deposit must be received within 24 hours of agreeing to purchase an adult goat; otherwise, the goat will be listed as available and may be purchased by another buyer.

Reservations and inquiries may be submitted through our Facebook page, Instagram page, email, or via our website.

Goats purchased from Bittersweet Barn are presumably healthy at the time of sale. All goats will be current on applicable vaccinations, coccidia prevention, and deworming (if deemed necessary). Buyers are strongly encouraged to evaluate the goat, either personally or through a veterinarian of their choice, prior to taking possession.

Because goats are herd animals and do not thrive in isolation, buyers must already have other goats of a similar age. If the buyer does not have similarly aged goats, a minimum of two goats must be purchased. To facilitate an easier transition, we always recommend purchasing a pair.

Bittersweet Barn cannot guarantee the health of a goat after it has left the farm, as we are not responsible for management or care once the goat is in the buyer’s possession. Due to biosecurity considerations, goats cannot be returned after sale. All kids will be disbudded; however, buyers acknowledge that not all disbuddings are fully successful and that the presence of scurs is possible. Registered kids will be tattooed prior to leaving our farm. 

Buyers are encouraged to contact Bittersweet Barn if any medical issues arise. We are always happy to provide guidance, mentorship, and information regarding goat health and care to support the well-being of your animals.

Dam-raised kids are ready for pickup at about 8 weeks of age (bucklings) and 10 weeks of age (doelings). Bottle babies may be purchased as early as 2 weeks of age, but this arrangement must be made with us prior to the kid’s birth.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to coordinate and confirm a pickup date and time with Bittersweet Barn. If a kid or adult goat is not picked up within 7 days of the scheduled date, a boarding fee of $5 per day will be charged. After 14 days past the scheduled pickup date, the buyer’s deposit will be forfeited unless alternate arrangements have been made with us in advance.

We are willing to meet buyers within a 60-mile radius of our farm at no additional cost. Transportation beyond that distance can be arranged for a fee. We are also willing to work with both ground and air transport and are happy to provide recommendations. All air transport is arranged from either Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Transport to either airport requires an additional $50 fee. All costs associated with Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) and transportation are the responsibility of the buyer.

Registration paperwork will be transferred to the buyer at the time of sale, unless it is not available at that time. In such cases, paperwork will be mailed to the buyer within 30 days of the sale.

On occasion, Bittersweet Barn may request the right of first refusal when selling a goat under our herd name. If applicable, this condition will be included in the buyer’s contract. Under this agreement, the buyer must notify Bittersweet Barn in writing of any intent to sell, lease, or otherwise rehome the goat. Bittersweet Barn will then have 7 days to respond with intent to repurchase the goat at fair market value.

For the purposes of this agreement, fair market value is defined as the average price of comparable registered goats of similar age, quality, pedigree, show record, and/or production record, based on recent sales within the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) community, regional breeder sales, or public online sales records. This value will take into account the goat’s current health, condition, and reproductive status.

If the buyer fails to honor the right of first refusal, a penalty equal to the original purchase price paid for the goat will be due to Bittersweet Barn, in addition to forfeiture of future purchasing privileges.

Sales prices for registered kids vary based on factors such as conformation, awards, and the genetics of the parents. Buyers on our waitlist are guaranteed the price listed at the time their reservation was submitted; however, prices are subject to change. Prices may also increase for goats that earn their milk star or achieve notable Linear Appraisal scores.

The only discounts offered are for performance and 4H homes. Each discount is $50 per goat, for a total possible discount of $100 per goat when both apply. Performance homes must provide proof of participation in at least two performance programs within the last year. 4H homes must provide verification of 4H involvement. Buyers must mention these discounts at the time of purchase to receive them. No other discounts will be offered, as we invest significant time and resources to ensure the health and quality of our goats.

A signed sales agreement is required when placing a reservation or requesting to purchase a goat. Please email the completed agreement to BittersweetBarnRPK.com.