Goats have a long life-span, some living close to twenty years. How to Make Half and Half- Super Easy at Home, How To Build a Cow Milking Stanchion (Elevated), How to Make Butter in a Jar (From Udder to Butter), How to Raise Baby Chicks- Everything You Need to Know, How to Root Tomato Plants for Extra Harvest. This worked out perfectly for our family and homestead. Hey, y’all! She writes a blog (ruminationsongoats.blogspot.com) and is an expert on goats at allexperts.com. A mature doe weights 35 to 60 pounds. The primary difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and Nigerian Pygmy goats are their body proportions. I just don’t want to raise them. The primary difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and Nigerian Pygmy goats are their body proportions. Most people trim hooves every 4-8 weeks, deworm several times a year, and vaccinate annually. Many people find that a normal dog house is perfect for a Nigerian Dwarf buck or a dry doe. For starters, they pee on their own faces. Nigerian Pygmy goats tend to have stocky, barrel-like bodies, a bit like normal-sized goats with short legs. Training Nigerian Dwarf Goats: How hard is it? Get our new posts directly in your inbox! I have written the story as to why and how we got them and how to prepare for owning them already. Nigerian Dwarf Goat book for pros and cons, housing, keeping, diet and health. They are excellent mothers and should be left to tend to their kids. I enjoy all things farmy, family, crafting, old fashioned, and homemade. This buffer zone will not only prevent unwanted breeding through the shared fence, but it will also discourage him from attacking the fence and putting undue strain on it. The best way to secure your Nigerian Dwarf goats is with a woven wire fence with 2x4-inch openings too small for adults to put their heads through: woven wire is strong enough to withstand the chewing, leaning, and standing that the fence will endure. You need to have a permanent area for the guy, away from his concubines. A couple of years ago we invested in a top-of-the-line camera system for our barn so that we could watch goats in the birthing stalls and see if a birth was immediately pending. There are also two different breed standards for Nigerian Dwarf goats, depending on whether they are being used as dairy goats or not. They are commonly used as dairy animals and pets. They weigh around 75 pounds at maturity which is small compared to other meat goat breeds. You’ll never meet two goats who are alike. Nigerian dwarf goats make good pets due to their personalities, according to the NGDA. … Goats have their own charm when it comes to personality, but we are going to try and take a practical look at the pros and cons of each. Remember that your Nigerian Dwarf goats will need more water than usual in hot weather or when lactating. The barns should always be dry and clean. As an alternative, you may find a neighbor with a buck and arrange periodic “dates” for your does when you are ready for them to come into season and to breed. There are a lot of different breeds of goats. Nigerian Dwarf does give 1-8 pounds of milk per day when lactating, with an average of 2.5 pounds per day. Nigerian Dwarf Goats As Pets. The Pros & Cons of Owning Goat Herdsires Owning your own goat herdsires gives you the most control over the genetics of your herd (after all, they should be selected to improve the does in your herd), and it’s much more convenient when it comes time to breed the does because they’re right there. See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. The American Goat Society and American Dairy Goat association have different conformation standards than the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Nigerian Dwarf Goat. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarf goats are useful in pastures to clear weeds and underbrush and improve grass for grazing animals. Situate your shelter well away from your fence, so that goats aren't able to jump from the roof of their shelter over the fence, and avoid situating the shelter on low ground that would accumulate rain. Goats destroy things- Fruit trees, bushes, gardens, basically anything that you want to keep around and nice goats will find a way to destroy it. Nigerian Dwarf Goat. Now that I’ve shared my personal experiences on the pros and cons of raising goats, I hope it has given you information to think on while considering if they are the right animal for you. Even some stray dogs can pose a threat to Nigerian Dwarfs. If you choose to keep a buck, it is best to not have him share a fence with the does. Repeating this a few times will help you ND’s break into your routine. This, along with their sweet temper, makes them a family-friendly addition that can easily get along with your other pets. When a doe is coming into heat, she will generally show signature behaviors, such as: Nigerian Dwarf goats produce milk for about 300 days per freshening, and breed throughout the year, rather than seasonally. You may use hay or straw as bedding. Unregistered Nigerian dwarf goats will cost between 50 and 100 USD. You can learn more here. You may find yourself quickly overrun with goats. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarfs are herd animals and will not be healthy or happy when kept alone. It seems that every goat owner has a strong opinion for or against goats with horns. Nigerian Dwarf goats are adaptable to a variety of weather conditions and are a low-maintenance animal. Ewwwwww. They smell. Water. Goats love food, so treating them with foods they love will encourage them to follow your instructions. They will welcome tree stumps, cable spools, and even large rocks for climbing and jumping, but keep these toys well away from fences. Forage and feed. Many people provide toys for their Nigerian Dwarf goats, to suit their playful nature and need for exercise. But then, the Nigerian dwarf goats have shorter ears as well as noses. Let me preface this with saying that I like goats. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There are definitely some good reasons to own goats. Now, we no longer have goats but I thought that I would share my thoughts on the pros and cons of raising goats based on my own personal experience. They will be everywhere you don’t want them to be. In the early- to mid-twentieth century, the goats were imported on ships along with big cats and African predators destined for American zoos. Forage and feed. The best source for the best Nigerian Goat breeders is the website of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association. Nigerian Dwarf Goat book for daily care, pros and cons Once upon a time we had goats on our homestead. Read More…, Copyright © 2020 The Flip Flop Barnyard | All Rights Reserved | | Built on Genesis Framework. There is no question they are adorable and amazing! Goats get parasites- Remember that whole goats trying to die thing? You see goats are born pretty much trying to die. Menu. Grains are also an important supplement, particularly for mothers and kids. I love visiting goat farms and playing with them as they are certainly fun creatures but they are just not ideal for me to raise. How much space do Nigerian Dwarf goats need? They like to be heard. They are charming, playful and friendly. You may give your does a 6 month break which means you can breed then three times in two years, Nigerian dwarf goats are excellent mothers and have little kidding problems, Kids weigh 2 pounds at birth and grow really quickly, Bucklings can be fertile as early as 7 weeks of age, Does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 kids being common. How long are Nigerian Dwarf goats pregnant? Nigerian dwarf goats need to be hoof trimmed and wormed. Nigerian Dwarf Goat book for daily care, pros and cons, raising, training, feeding, housing and health. Disbudding, the procedure to burn of the horn buds off of goat kids, is not a pleasant procedure. There are two breeds of miniature goats: African Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf. Nigerian Dwarf Goat book for pros and cons, housing, keeping, diet and health. Being wet can make them stressed and even sick! It’s good stuff, man! Keep in mind that bucks can breed at as young as 2 months old, and they should be kept away from does if you don't intend any accidental pregnancies. Fortunately, their small size makes handling them easy. Goat price tags vary greatly, but expect to pay anywhere from $50-$300 for a starter goat–depending on the age, breed, and whether or not it is registered. I’m Jenna, wife to my amazing husband, Derek, mom to 8 beautiful farm kids, homesteader, homemaker, homeschooler, and lover of Jesus. Use a mineral supplement designed for goats or cattle, and avoid supplements designed for sheep, because goats and cows require copper, which is toxic to sheep. Adult goats have a height range of between 21 inches for does and 23 inches for bucks. Nigerian Dwarf goats reach maturity at one year, unlike most standard-sized breeds which aren't fully grown until around two years. They come in a variety of colors and are known for producing large quantities of milk. We were able to raise them for a year which resulted in 5 additional goat kids and then we sold them all and bought a family milk cow. Goats are noisy- Excessively noisy. NDGA standards allow does no taller than 21 inches at the withers, and bucks to be no taller than 23 inches. Perhaps you have already bought a few goats. Have fencing that is five feet high as goats are very agile and good jumpers. Start them off young, and make them feel loved as they’re learning. They’ll eat more than they need if you let them. It’s not that they try to die, it’s just easy for them to do. Raising Farm Animals Raising Goats Hobbies For Men Hobbies That Make Money Trimming Goat Hooves Fainting Goat Goat Shelter Feeding Goats Goat Care. This is the biggest culprit. I really do. If you learn how to milk a goat, then it will take you less than 5 minutes milking a goat. This breed can produce kids year-round which makes them valuable. Nigerian dwarf goat fence – tips for best fencing, Taking care of Nigerian dwarf goats – best practices. Fences should be about 4 to 5 feet high since these small breed can’t jump higher than that. Learn to naturally raise your livestock today! Nigerian Dwarf goats, on the other hand, are proportioned more delicately overall, like normal-sized goats scaled down smaller. Goats don’t respect boundaries- This goes back to being pesky, goats know no bounds. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Associations: What are the major Nigerian Dwarf Goat Associations in the USA? After logging in you can close it and return to this page. A Nigerian dwarf goat is a breed of goat that is much smaller in size and weight as compared to the usual goats. Woven/goat wire can be purchased in rolls that are already 4 feet high. The gestation period of a Nigerian Dwarf doe is between 145 and 150 days. Fences should be about 4 feet high since Nigerian Dwarf goats can't jump higher than that. Intial purchase costs Regardless of goat breed, unless you are buying a pedigreed show goat, you will find that you can buy 2-3 goats for the price of a single heifer. The good thing about Nigerian Dwarves is that they’re quick learners. Known to be sociable and friendly, their small size makes them easier to care for than larger goat breeds, because they require less space and less feed. The cost of feeding him throughout the year. Free shipping for many products! Goats tend to be very susceptible to parasites and can quickly become deathly ill from them. Breeding schedule and choice depends on the farmer. If you are on a smaller homestead, a goat may be perfect to fit your location. Your goal is to trap the milk in the teat and you do so by pinching your thumb and first finger. Does live longer than bucks. Goats clear out brushy areas- Goats are browsers by nature so they are great at clearing out brambles and brush. They often run around randomly singing the songs of their people. These goats also originated from West Africa, and their height ranges from 17 … Cons: The standard size of 4 feet tall may be too short for some breeds. You may decide to give goats a try and find out that they aren’t for you. As you do your research, peruse our guide to goat breeds to learn more about the uses, temperament, and health of each type of goat, as well as a summary of its pros and cons. Goats are escape artists- Goats will get out of their fence period-exclamation point. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Book for Daily Care, Pros and Cons, Raising, Training, Feeding, Housing and Health by Peter Patterdale (2015, Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! Be sure the plants they're eating aren't harmful and aren't ones you don't want them eating. Keeping Nigerian Dwarf Goats as Pets. Produkty; O mnie; Blog; Na zamówienie; Kontakt; 0 PLN Wózek They can thrive with simple housing, fresh water, and a balanced goat feed. Nigerian Dwarf goats have a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years old. This makes their polyestrous nature favorable. Dairy breeds: Nubian, La Mancha, Alpine, Oberhasli, Toggenburg, Saanen, Sable, and Nigerian Dwarf goats. Cost: Dairy goats are generally much cheaper to purchase than a milk cow. Price New from Used from Paperback, May 22, 2018 "Please retry" $9.97 . There are two types of pygmy goats that are sold in the US: Nigerian Dwarf Goats and African Pygmy Goats. Their milk averages 6.5% butterfat, but can reach as high as 10% late in lactation. They are prolific breeders, and does can give birth to 3-4 (sometimes even 5!) Pros: Dependable, strong, and one of the more often-recommended methods for fencing goats. However, they are not heavy producers. Compatible with the pygmy goats, they look small. Purchasing through an affiliate link comes at no extra cost to you. Due to their miniature size, these goats require only a 1/3 space of what large goats require. Because they are smaller than standard goats, and have a friendly disposition, they are easier to manage and live with, making them popular as pets. Children are immediately attracted to these handsome, approachable little animals, and they soon found their way onto farms and pasture as pets. 5.0, 1 Rating; $4.99; $4.99; Publisher Description. The short answer is yes. Purchase very high-quality hay for the healthiest goats and best quality milk. They can easily get along with other pets and are loyal to their owners. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, which is essential when goats are kidding and producing milk. Keeping them with other goats, or even with grazing animals or dogs, will help satisfy the social needs of this outgoing little animal. If you’re looking to start a farm, start with at least two so that they have a companion. Nigerian Dwarf goats have got to be some of the cutest animals on the planet. Again, not a huge deal, but something to consider, no doubt. Basic Information on Nigerian Dwarf Goats . Nigerian dwarf goats can be bred all year round. Their milk is exceptionally high in butterfat, making it excellent for goat cheese, creams, and other goat milk products, They are polyestrous and can be bred all year long, so a small number of does can maintain a steady supply of milk, They typically produce 3-5 kids per kidding, so a small herd can grow fast, or kids and wethers can be sold as pets. Neighboring farms will know you have a Billy goat. Beware if you have a garden. The high butterfat lends to it’s a rich, creamy and sweet taste that people love. They seek out and enjoy interacting with people, and will respond readily to vocal calls. Nigerian dwarf goat shelter – what is the best shelter? The Pros and Cons of Raising Goats. The gestation cycle of a doe is approximately 155 days where they can give birth to most commonly three or four kids. Nigerian Dwarf Goat. These goats browse on grass, weeds, plants and shrubs. They also like to be in your face. I only recommend products and services I trust to serve you. However, unlike many breeds, Nigerian Dwarf bucks are more docile and easy to handle, so they are less of a challenge to keep or contain. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarfs are agile and ready jumpers, and require ample space to roam and exercise to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your fencing. How big do Nigerian dwarf goats get? They are small and easy to manage, making them an excellent candidate for children's projects like 4H and FFA, They give a good quantity of high-quality milk for their size. Just stop with the bleating, please! by Macy Peterson available from Rakuten Kobo. Nigerian Dwarf Goats have the highest level of butterfat content of all the other milking breeds. The cons of owning a male goat (buck). How much milk does a Nigerian dwarf goat produce? You can milk your doe twice in a day. Read "Nigerian Dwarf Goat. We were devastated! Keeping these goats with other animals will help satisfy the social needs of the goat. A couple of places that ship Nigerian Dwarf goats nationwide include: Training goats, in general, takes patience. The Pygmy has a muscular build and is great for meat. Here's the low down on what you need to know. The cost for registered Nigerian Dwarf breeding stock is $200-$500 per goat, depending on their availability and bloodline. Milking a goat is an easy procedure if you do it right. Shelter and fencing: Nigerian dwarf goats require at least 135 square feet per goat. If you have no milking machine, then this is how you should milk your goat. Un-castrated Billy goats can be aggressive and have a strong odor that radiates quite a distance. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Book for Pros and Cons, Housing, Keeping, Diet and Health by Macy Peterson (2018, Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! Allowing them freedom of pasture also gives them the exercise they need to stay healthy and prevent health problems. As mentioned above, Nigerian Dwarf goats have two different breed standards. If you want to see results, nurture them with guidance and patience and they’ll be doing what you want in no time. Their docile nature makes them easy to keep with grazing animals and not require special care or quarters, As a livestock breed, they are eligible for 4H projects. I think that goats are the perfect animal for many people. Your email address will not be published. Bedding should be dry. Nigerian Dwarf Goat book for pros and cons, housing, keeping, diet and health." Most goats are hoof trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks and wormed after several months and vaccinated annually. Goats have lots of babies so you can make money selling them- Goats will usually give birth to at least 2 kids a year. It can be hard to teach an older Nigerian Dwarf goat new tricks. Which means you can keep 10 goats per acre. Goats can be great pets and livestock to keep, but there are many pros and cons to them. Dirty and wet living condition may cause. Don’t force your goat to do anything. Here are a few reasons people enjoy Nigerian Dwarf goats: In short, for people who already have a small or large farm, it's easy to simply add Nigerian Dwarf goats and enjoy their many benefits. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for being friendly, playful, and outgoing. If they do allow goats, more than likely they will have a size and/or weight limit. Male goats are disgusting creatures- If you’ve ever spent even a few minutes observing a male goat you know exactly what I mean. I’ll explain what I mean about all of this with weighing out the pros and cons of goat ownership. Companionship. This breed is tough and can easily escape from their containment areas if they aren’t strong enough. I enjoy all things farmy, family, crafting, old fashioned, and homemade. Per acre of pasture for grazing, most sources recommend 1/10 of an acre per goat, making 10 goats in an acre a reasonable number for grazing. Nigerian dwarf goats also are much, much easier to milk on a milking stachion, which would require building one or buying one. Goat milk can be gross- When goat milk is fresh and handled properly , it is tasty. Breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats presents the challenge that all goat farmers have: keeping a buck so that you can breed your goats when desired, but isolating him from the does so that they don't breed to early, or more than once. If you are providing high-quality food, they may only require small amounts of trace minerals. The best way to secure this breed is to have a woven wire fence with 2 by 4 inch openings that the goats can’t put their heads through. Goats: The Pros. Free shipping for many products! Be sure to check the area for toxic plants before letting them browse. Nigerian Dwarf goats, on the other hand, are proportioned more delicately overall, like normal-sized goats scaled down smaller. If she is exposed to a buck, she will usually show greater interest in him and seek him out. According to the NDGA, Nigerian Dwarfs make wonderful pets due to their size and playful personalities. Keeping Nigerian Dwarf Goats As Pets. Many people bottle feed them to ensure human bonding and make them better pets, but many others feel that bottle feeding makes them actually too human dependent and demanding. Goat’s milk soap is awesome- If you want something for smooth and silky skin, try (or make your own) goat’s milk soap. Goats eat toxic plants- Unfortunately, our Tango goat did just this and she didn’t make it. It is better to have a dry dirt floor than a wood one; wood flooring can get slippery with mud or manure, and potentially injure a goat or cause foot problems. When free-fed, goats will only eat as much mineral supplements as they need. Should I buy dairy goats? Do you have to milk Nigerian Dwarf goats? Keep at least two breeds of the same kind. There are a growing number of people who appreciate the easy care and versatility of these goats, and they can be enjoyed both as companion animals and for profit in a dairy farm. There are pros and cons of raising goats. You can make some extra income by selling the excess of goat kids. I’m Jenna, wife to my amazing husband, Derek, mom to 8 beautiful farm kids, homesteader, homemaker, homeschooler, and lover of Jesus. Disclosure: I may earn money or products from companies mentioned in this post. [Patterdale, Peter] on Amazon.com. Pasture provides all the required nutrients the goat needs. Height and weight. Goats can range anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on various factors including sex, weight, size, age, and temper. They can produce up to 3 quarts of milk a day depending on their lactation cycle. Supplement their diet with high quality hay greens and grains. Nigerian Dwarf goats can quickly become lonely if they’re the only one. A Nigerian dwarf goat is a breed of goat that is much smaller in size and weight as compared to the usual goats. And for those looking for a fun, friendly, charming pet, a Nigerian Dwarf goat doesn't require much more space or care than most breeds of dog. kids per kidding. Goats are cute-Baby goats are the cutest! Generally speaking, Nigerian Dwarf goats should look like a smaller version of Swiss Alpine goats. Paperback – May 22, 2018 by Macy Peterson (Author) 3.6 out of 5 stars 6 ratings. Alfalfa hay can be expensive, so some people supplement other high-quality hay with alfalfa pellets instead. Nigerian Dwarf goats are personable and friendly, and the sight of them kicking up their heels in a lush pasture is the stuff of rural daydreams. An enclosed area of approximately 200 square feet per goat with a fence at least four feet high should keep your Nigerian Dwarf goats happy. Make sure you have access to a veterinarian who is familiar with the needs of goats. They were intended to be a low-maintenance food source for African predators on the long journey across the ocean. All goats need shelter at night and in poor weather. January 2019. Now put pressure on the teat using your other fingers while holding the part that is pinched. Fancy-pants breeds that produce fibers for fabric: Angora and Cashmere goats. Nigerian Dwarf does can come into heat when they are as young as 4 months, but breeding them that early should be avoided, and it's better to wait until they are 8-12 months old. Meat breeds: Spanish, Tennessee, Boer, and Kiko goats. I can respond to #2. Depending on the plants in your pasture, local soil composition, and nutritional composition of your hay, it is likely that your goats will need mineral supplements. If you want a steady supply of delicious, high-quality goat milk, you only need a couple does, and to stagger their breeding. (Roughly $300-$400 per year depending on the size of the goat) The pros of owning a male goat (buck). Nigerian goats require 1/10 an acre per goat. Goats are pesky- That whole personality thing is great until you get an overbearing goat that climbs in your car, on your picnic table, all over your porch, anywhere and everywhere you don’t want them to be. Their milk is high is butterfat with a level of up to 10%. AGA standards require Nigerian Dwarf does to be no taller than 22.5 inches at the withers, and bucks to be no more than 23.5 inches. It is important to know what you are getting into! We had Nubian goats and I loved their long ears. Jo Hunter wrote:I've been planning Nigerian dwarf goats for years (literally-- it's part of year 5 of our 5 year plan).They're very expensive in South Africa, as they are relatively unusual here (in fact, they may not be the same breed as is classified as Nigerian dwarf in the U.S.-- … Nigerian Dwarf does will continue to produce milk whether you milk her or not, and that may cause your doe pain and could lead to mastitis, which is an inflammation of the udder because of an infection. Goats such as the pygmy (smallest meat breed), Nigerian Dwarf (smallest dairy breed), and the pygora (smallest fiber breed) are going to be your best bets. Goats will lean, stand, rub, and chew on fencing, particularly if they have smaller pasture, or if there seems to be attractive forage on the other side, so posts should be no further than 8 feet apart. Establish a trusting and loving relationship with your Nigerian Dwarf, and they’ll be eager to comply with your wants. Goats are fun- Talk about personality! That’s just a common (but kind of true) joke amongst goat owners. The price will vary depending on the goat performance i.e champion pedigree, the production capabilities, health etc. We have both Nigerian Dwarf goats and East Friesian sheep that we milk and use the milk for personal consumption. This is a popular method for keeping constant milk production, while avoiding some of the expense and challenge of owning your own buck. BoerGoatProfitsGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.