General Information

    The Nigerian Dwarf Goat originated in West Africa.  It was initially brought to the United States as large cat food when transporting large cats on ships to the zoos.  However, some found their way to zoos and private hands. They eventually took two courses: One as a miniature meat/dairy goat - Pygmy goats; and two as a miniature dairy goat - the Nigerian dwarf goat.

    The Nigerian dwarf goats are wonderfully curious animals.  They are always looking or should I say "tasting" to see if something is worthy of their palette.  Many times they will nibble on a plant or your clothing to find that it is not what they were looking for, and spit it out.  This dispels the myth of goats eating tin cans and rubber tires!!  Also, they are herd animals and do best when living with friends.

     Housing

     A great thing about the dwarf goats is that housing can be very doable and affordable for just about anyone.  A large dog house can serve the same purpose as a barn.  Just make sure that it is free of drafts and that extreme weather cannot get inside.  Goats do not like to be wet!!  Just a few sprinkles and they are heading for shelter. 

    Protection and Fencing

     While browsing and looking for that newly sprouted weed or fallen leaf, a goat needs to feel safe in it's surroundings.  A strong fence that deters dogs and other predators from penetrating is suggested.  While fencing is a must, a great Livestock Guardian Dog is essential.  There are several different breeds that do a great job.  We have had the best luck with Great Pyrenees.  Not only are they great with the goats, they are one of the sweetest dogs we have ever been around!! ( However, they are distrustful of strangers). We cannot say enough on how important it is to provide protection for your goats.  They cannot defend themselves against predators.  We have friends that have lost goats to coyotes, bobcats and hawks. 

    Food and Water

    The main thing is to make sure they have free choice browsing and or hay and clean fresh water.  When milking, a combination mixture of feed is suggested.  We let the does in milk eat their fill while on the milk stand. Also, the pregnant and young does get some feed as well.  The feed mixture is debatable.  Some give their goats only soaked oats or grains while on the milk stand,  while others feed a mixture of alfalfa pellets, goat feed, black oil sunflower, and a 14% all natural horse feed.   There are several books and web sites that have feeding suggestions. 

 Goats love treats!! Fresh cut apples, carrots, horse treats or a stalk of Johnson grass are favorites.  Weeds, leaves from trees, underbrush, and poison ivy are also favorites.

    Minerals and Salt

    We cannot stress how important it is that the goats have free choice minerals and salt.  This small thing is so important to the goats overall health.  Without these vital nutrients a weakened immune system can result causing illness and difficulty when kidding.  FYI - goats and sheep are different in their mineral needs.  A goat must have copper.  Copper will kill a sheep.   Another thing that is a prevention to bloat, is having free choice Baking Soda.

 Shots and Worming

  Shots- consult your veterinarian.

   Worming  This should be done to keep the internal and external parasites  down in your goat.

   Disease testing Consult your veterinarian on the different test that are needed to maintain a clean animal or herd.  Some diseases cannot only devastate the goats but the soil as well.

   "Goat Talk" Common Terms

  Wether - neutered male

   Freshen - a verb meaning to give birth

   Poled - genetically does not have horns

   Kidding - giving birth

   Disbudded - horns have been removed at a young age.   Scur - an       improperly disbudded horn that is misshapen.

   Doe - female goat

   Buck - male goat

   Kid - young goat

   Sr. Doe - a doe that has freshened

   Weaned - a kid that no longer nurses