- Feeding Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats Hay. There are two main types of hay, leguminous (nitrogen fixing) and grass hay. ...
- Feeding Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats Forage. Access to outside vegetation can reduce the amount of hay that it’s necessary to feed goats and the exercise is good for them.
- Goat Mineral. Goats need minerals and vitamins but the amount that they get from their hay ration can vary tremendously depending upon where the hay was grown.
- Water. Access to a continuous source of clean, fresh water is very important for goats. They’re actually rather particular about their water.
- Extras. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another item that many goat owner’s offer free choice to their goats.
- Feeding Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats – Who Gets What. Although all goats basically need the same foods, each goat requires differing amounts of hay, mineral, water, and grain depending upon ...
- Mature Does. Lactating does need higher protein levels and benefit from legume hays and a higher protein (14 – 18%) goat feed.
- Bucks and Wethers. To maintain condition and avoid issues with urinary calculi, bucks and wethers should be fed a diet low in protein and calcium with a specific ratio of ...
- Growing Kids. Goat kids should receive goat milk for the first eight to ten weeks until they are weaned. ...
How much hay per day for Nigerian Dwarf goats?
- A friend – Never keep just one goat, or at the very least keep them with a horse, cow, or sheep.
- Milk or hay – depending on how old they are.
- Water – fresh water is very important for their health.
- Clean living area – Poop is normal so don’t go crazy, but remember they are babies and their immune systems are just getting started.
What is the life expectancy of a Nigerian Dwarf goat?
What is the life expectancy of a Nigerian dwarf goat? Nigerian Dwarf goats generally have easy births with few problems and kids are born at an average of around two pounds. When cared for properly, the Nigerian Dwarf goat can have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years.
How to raise and care for Nigerian Dwarf goats?
- Watch Out For Collars. Most new goat owners know that collars can be a problem for goats. ...
- Fencing Issues (Even for short Nigerian Dwarf Goats!) The saying goes that if a cat can get through your fence, so can your goat. ...
- Manure Removal. ...
- Picky, picky goats. ...
Can you milk a Nigerian Dwarf goat?
You can milk a Nigerian dwarf goat quite easily with the manual method of milking. This will only involve a few easy steps such as deciding on a convenient pumping method without involving any kind of tugging and managing with a well-practiced finger technique like the one we have discussed.
How often do you feed Nigerian Dwarf goats?
Nigerian dwarfs and pygmies only need about 1/2 cup each per day while standard sized goats need about twice that much. Bucks and wethers should not have grain after about six months of age, and does only need grain at the very end of pregnancy and while in milk.
Do Nigerian Dwarf goats eat everything?
They only seem to nibble at everything while only really eating mostly feed and plants. Ensure the safety of your goats by checking their pasture for toxic plants.
What fruits and vegetables can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat?
Tasty Treats Feed only small portions during each snack time. Goats also enjoy munching on healthy fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, pears, peaches, bananas, grapes, carrots, lettuce, celery, pumpkin, squash, and spinach.
Will Nigerian Dwarf goats eat grass?
What do they eat? Goats eat primarily hay or pasture. They love variety so they'll eat up your trees, bushes, & weeds before they'll nibble on the grass.
How often do you worm Nigerian Dwarf goats?
every 4-6 weeksDeworm every 4-6 weeks through September. Change to clean pasture at each deworming. Trim feet.
Do goats need a salt block?
Salt is essential to good goat health. Goat salt comes in salt and mineral blocks or loose salt. Unlike wild goats, domesticated goats cannot wander and find the salt they need in their natural environments. Salt blocks or loose minerals are a necessary supplement for goats.
What is poisonous for goats to eat?
Some examples of poisonous plants include azaleas, China berries, sumac, dog fennel, bracken fern, curly dock, eastern baccharis, honeysuckle, nightshade, pokeweed, red root pigweed, black cherry, Virginia creeper, and crotalaria. Please see Goat Pastures Poisonous Plants.
What should you not feed goats?
What Should You Not Feed Your Goats?Avocado.Azaleas.Chocolate.Plants with oxalates such as kale.Any nightshade vegetable.Holly trees or bushes.Lilacs.Lily of the valley.More items...
What should goats not eat?
But, just like other animals, goats shouldn't consume things like garlic, onion, chocolate or any source of caffeine, to name a few. Although most goats wouldn't eat leftover meat scraps, they shouldn't be offered them either. Citrus fruits should also be avoided, as they can really upset the rumen.
What do Nigerian Dwarf goats like to play with?
Add things that they can climb on Goats love climbing on all sorts of things. They enjoy this and it allows them to show which ones are the dominant ones in the group. You have several options such as tables, benches, tires, pallets/crates, wooden cable spools, large rocks, or a kid's playhouse.
Can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat apples?
Yes, goats can eat apples, but they need to be sliced into small pieces. They are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamin C, two essential components of a goat's healthy diet.
Can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat too much hay?
A goat can not eat too much hay. Given the choice, a goat will eat what it needs.
Can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat too much hay?
A goat can not eat too much hay. Given the choice, a goat will eat what it needs.
What are the best goats for eating weeds?
Specialist meat-producing goats, Boer goats, rangeland goats and their crosses are most commonly used for weed control. Fibre-producing Cashmere and Angora goats are also well suited to weed control, although care should be taken to avoid fibre entanglement and contamination.
How much space does a Nigerian dwarf goat need?
Even mini goats need a decent amount of space. You'll need about 135 square feet (12.5 m2) of space per goat that you have in your herd. Nigerian dwarf goats are very playful, and they love to romp and climb on things. So if you have 3 goats, for example, you'll need about 405 square feet (37.6 m2) of space.
How many flakes of hay does a goat need?
Goats require about two pounds of chaffhaye for every 100 pounds of body weight. A 50-pound bag of chaffhaye equals about one 90-pound hay bale. Goats also can be fed grain or grain pellets.
How many liters of milk does a Nigerian dwarf goat have?
That’s 3.79 liters for you non-Americans out there . Nigerian Dwarf Goats, despite their small size, have relatively big utters which makes the milking process a cinch. Owners of Nigerian Dwarf Goats rave about the quality and taste of the milk that their pet produces.
Why are Nigerian dwarf goats so popular?
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are valued largely for their even tempers, calm demeanors, and friendly and playful dispositions. These qualities make them great pets to have, even for families with children.
How long does a Nigerian dwarf goat live?
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat lives between fifteen to twenty years on average. Compared to the lifespan of other potential pets, the lifespan of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat ranks above the average dog and slightly longer than the average cat.
What diseases do goats have?
Diseases can be prevented with proper research into the goat’s health before purchase and with regular checkups with a vet. Below are some common diseases to watch out for in your pet Nigerian Dwarf Goat: 1 Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is similar to AIDS in humans in that it negatively affects the immune system of the goat making it susceptible to many other illnesses. 2 Caseous Lymphadenitis is a pus-filled swelling that develops around the goats lymph nodes and can burst and infect other goats. 3 Coccidiosis is a parasite that can infect goats and cause digestive, hide, and general health problems. 4 Finally, pink eye can affect goats as well. The treatment for this in goats is similar to that of humans: quarantine them from the rest of the herd, treat them with medication, and wash your hands after handling them.
How high should a fence be for a Nigerian dwarf goat?
Make sure that the space is enclosed with a fence at least four feet high to prevent any run away pets. In this space, your pet Nigerian Dwarf Goats will need some place to take shelter from Mother Nature’s bad days. A structure as simple as a house for a large dog can suffice for a Nigerian Dwarf Goat.
What are the colors of a Nigerian dwarf goat?
They come in numerous different colors. Of these numerous possibilities, the ones seen most commonly are black, chocolate, gold, red, and white .
Can goats get pink eye?
Coccidiosis is a parasite that can infect goats and cause digestive, hide, and general health problems. Finally, pink eye can affect goats as well.
What should I feed my goat buck?
To maintain good condition and avoid issues with urinary calculi(where the urinary tract becomes blocked by stones that have formed), bucks and wethers should be fed a die t low in protein with a specific ratio of calcium to phosphorus.
What is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in goats?
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in the goat mineral should be at least two to one, with some recommending ratios as high as four to one .
Do goat buckers need water?
Goat Bucks & Wethers Need Fresh Water. Access to a continuous source of clean, fresh water is also very important. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush excess minerals from their systems and discourage the formation of any stones that could cause a blockage.
How much does a Nigerian dwarf goat cost?
The cost for registered Nigerian Dwarf breeding stock is $200-$500 per goat, depending on their availability and bloodline. Wethers to be sold as pets are generally available for as little as $50-$100.
What is a Nigerian dwarf goat?
Nigerian Dwarf goats are compact, docile, and productive little animals… . 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. But they are also low-maintenance dairy goats, giving a surprising amount of high-quality, ...
How long does it take for a Nigerian dwarf goat to produce milk?
Nigerian Dwarf goats produce milk for about 300 days per freshening, and breed throughout the year, rather than seasonally. This makes their polyestrous nature favorable. If you want a steady supply of delicious, high-quality goat milk, you only need a couple does, and to stagger their breeding.
What is the difference between a Nigerian dwarf goat and a Nigerian pygmy goat?
The primary difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and Nigerian Pygmy goats are their body proportions. Nigerian Pygmy goats tend to have stocky, barrel-like bodies, a bit like normal-sized goats with short legs.
Why are Nigerian dwarf goats so popular?
Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarf goats are useful in pastures to clear weeds and underbrush and improve grass for grazing animals. Their docile nature makes them easy to keep with grazing animals and not require special care or quarters.
How high should a fence be for a Nigerian dwarf goat?
Fences should be about 4 feet high since Nigerian Dwarf goats can't jump higher than that. 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.
What do you use for goat bedding?
You may use hay or straw as bedding. Due to their miniature size, these goats require only a 1/3 space of what large goats require. A dry floor is better than a wooden floor because when wet, a wooden floor can be slippery and cause hoof related problems to your goats. Nigerian dwarf goat fence – tips for best fencing.
What is Nigerian goat milk?
Nigerians are a dairy breed and can produce large amounts of valuable milk. This goat's milk can be used to make a variety of consumer items such as cheese, soap, and lotion. We recommend this breed to anyone interested in getting a goat. We suggest visiting the NDGA website for recommended breeders in your area.
What to put on kennel floor for goats?
Goats have hooves, and hooves and slippery floors do not mix well. A simple solution is to put a thick layer of hay or straw on the floor of the kennel. A small rug also works well, as long as there are no loose parts. pinterest-pin-it.
How to keep goats from ramming fence?
Make your fence extra sturdy. Goats love nothing more than ram, jump on , and rub their sides against the fence, and if it is not strong enough, they will not stop until they knock it down. Use locking gates with extra safety clips. Goats are notorious escape artists.
Do goats need vets?
Veterinary Care. While goats are generally pretty hardy animals, they do require the occasional visit to the vet. We live in a rural area, with a thriving agricultural industry. In our area, finding a veterinarian that cares for goats is quite easy. However, this may not be the case in your local area.
Do Nigerian dwarf goats need to be grazed?
As with all goats, Nigerian Dwarf goats do not require much in the way of care. They can thrive with simple housing, fresh water, and a balanced goat feed. Providing them with plenty of room to graze on good grass and brush also makes for a better herd.
Can goats eat trees?
Never fence in plants or trees that you want to keep, goats will eat any plant they can reach. Many landscaping plants can be toxic. Also remember that goats love to climb, rub against, and hoofbeat everything in their path. Check your pastures for toxic plants.
Is it easy to raise a Nigerian dwarf goat?
Goats Are Fairly Easy. As with most livestock, Nigerian Dwarf goats are fairly easy to raise and maintain. They only have a few basic requirements, and most goats are pretty tough. Even so, a good book on the breed is always great to have on hand.
How much milk does a Nigerian dwarf goat produce?
Nigerian dwarf goats, despite their small size, are capable of producing roughly a half gallon of milk daily. The milk produced has a higher butterfat content than other breeds of goats. The milk garnered from lactating Nigerian dwarf nanny goats also has a higher protein content than milk produced by other goat breeds.
Who developed the Nigerian dwarf goat?
The goats that resemble a dairy goat more closely were then deemed to be Nigerian dwarf goats and cultivated by breeders to expand upon their milking abilities and physique. Sharla Parker of Willows farm and Kathleen Clapp of Goodwood Farms have been credited with the development of the Nigerian dwarf goat breed.
What are pygmy goats called?
All of the goats left at the zoo were then referred to as Pygmy goats. But, after a few years of growing, zookeepers noticed only some of the now mature goats developed a stocky body style common to meat goat breeds, and others remained slender and took on traditional dairy goat characteristics.
How long do Nigerian goats live?
Nigerian Goat Facts. Nigerian goats hail from Africa. On average, Nigerian goats have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. Nigerian dwarf goats have coats that come in a variety of colors, although black or brown hair tends to be the most common.
What is the best goat to keep on a homestead?
Nigerian Dwarf Goats – Everything You Need To Know. April 15, 2021 December 29, 2019. by Tara Dodrill. Nigerian dwarf goats are an ideal livestock to keep on homesteads both large and small. A small stature or “mini goat” of this type can even be kept on a suburban homestead, using a dog box as a shelter and the fenced in backyard as its home.
How much does a Nigerian goat weigh?
A Nigerian goat weighs in at about 50 to 80 pounds (22 to 36 kilograms) once it reaches maturity – with very little size difference between males and females. Billy goats (intact males) do tend to weigh slightly more than wethers – or castrated males.
How tall are Nigerian dwarf goats?
Male Nigerian dwarf goats are about two feet tall, on average. Females of this same breed stand a little more than 22 inches high. Males reach sexual maturity when they are only three to four months old. Female goats are not ready to reproduce until they are seven to eight months old.
How to care for a Nigerian dwarf goat?
Some other things that are handy to have on hand when caring for Nigerian Dwarf baby goats: 1 Collar & leash – not entirely necessary and many people choose not to put a collar on their goat kids, but it does make moving them easier. 2 Hoof trimmers – hooves will need to be trimmed regularly (once a month or so). 3 Brush – this helps you get your goats used to being handled and they love a good brushing. 4 Goat Electrolytes – you can find a recipe online or purchase some at the store.
How to care for a baby goat?
Water is another really important part of caring for baby goats, goats need access to fresh clean water all of the time. Just be mindful of the vessel that you use to hold it. Use a shallow bowl to give you Nigerian Dwarf kids water, this way if they do fall in they can easily get back out and won’t be drowned.
How tall should a fence be for a baby goat?
Make sure your fence is at least 4 feet tall. Some other things that are handy to have on hand when caring for Nigerian Dwarf baby goats: Collar & leash – not entirely necessary and many people choose not to put a collar on their goat kids, but it does make moving them easier.
How long does a baby goat need colostrum?
For the first few days, your baby goat is going to need colostrum, if for whatever reason it can’t get it from its mother you can purchase colostrum at your Tractor Supply. It will need this for the first couple of days of its life. This is really important because without the colostrum the baby goat will not survive.
Can a bottle baby goat eat dog food?
Our bottle baby learned to eat it by watching our older girl eat. It’s so important to remember that Nigerian Dwarf goats are not dogs, you can not just go to the store and buy a bag of “goat food” and expect it to be enough for them to survive. In fact, doing this can kill your baby goats.
Can you give baby goats probiotics?
This will help to activate their rumen, if you feel it’s necessary you can also give your baby goats probiotics to help prevent bloat and get their rumen going with good bacteria production. Introducing hay when caring for baby Nigerian Dwarf goats is where having older goats is so helpful.
Can a mom reject a baby goat?
Unfortionetly things happen, a mom will sometimes reject a kid, or a goat kid may be orphaned causing us to have to step in. Or you maybe you brought home a bottle baby. In this situation caring for Nigerian Dwarf baby goats become a little more complicated. Just like human babies, a baby goat requires feedings around the clock.
