They will also need to be tested for worms via a faecal egg count twice a year, and should be routinely treated against lice during the autumn and spring. For more details and references to other sources about goat housing etc. Pygmy goats genetics are designed for meat production, so they tend to have a much thicker build in general. Producing and selling top quality pygmy goats focusing on hand raised bottle babies for the ultimate family pet, and breeding stock to fit any need.
The book is full of sound advice and answers to your questions. I cant emphasize enough how terrible this really is. Nigerian dwarf goats have a more slender neck, and thinner, longer legs. Npga is a multifaceted organization with many talented and experienced people in its ranks. You will receive all the information you need to prepare your pygmy goat enclosure and to stock up on necessary supplies to. Keeping them with other goats, or even with grazing animals or dogs, will help satisfy the social needs of this outgoing little animal. Meat goats are bred to grow faster and relatively easier than other types. And as more and more people look for ways to live sustainably and grow their own food, goats are a wonderful option for raising meat and milk, and you can harvest their fleece, as well. That is solely because different people look for different things in their pets. Although you will get different views from different people about raising pygmy goats as pets. There are a few things that are necessary for keeping goats healthy and happy. While fullsize goats need larger shelter, a big dog house is sufficient if youre only keeping a couple of pygmies in a suburban backyard. Nigerian dwarf goat book for daily care, pros and cons, raising, training, feeding, housing and health by peter patterdale 2015, paperback at the best online prices at ebay.
Smith has raised a small herd of dairy goats under the herd name mystic acres since 1998. As far as housing them in a dog house, thats what we use and it works great. Pygmy goats are very popular as pets mainly for their small size and very friendly nature. Children love to spend time with the pygmy goat, as they are small, friendly, docile, playful and intelligent. An adult pygmy goat weights about 75 pounds and stand about 16 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Whether your intentions are to raise goats for dairy, meat, fiber, or to raise goats as pets, this post will help you get started. But in africa, they are raised for meat production. Like all goats, pygmies are herd animals and will not be healthy or happy when kept alone. Pygmy goats as pets backyard chickens learn how to.
Add who you bought the goat from or if the goat was born on your farm here as well. Pygmy goats may be as sweet as cats, but they are definitely more interesting. The main difference is in the coat characteristics. The video goat husbandry and health also provides further information of value to all goat keepers. Raising pygmy goats as pets is very popular in some countries. By patrice lewis goat meat recipes may have slipped out of popularity in the united states, but goat is the most widely consumed red meat worldwide. Raising, breeding, keeping, milking, food, care, health and where to buy all included. Growing vegetables and fruits in our backyards, canning to preserve fresh food for later, cooking from scratch and raising small flocks of backyard. The meat goat goat meat has lower fat content than lamb or beef. The pygmy goat is a small, hardy, adaptable goat breed that is increasingly popular in the united states.
Guide for raising pygmy goats modern farming methods. This book has me sold, i need a pair of pygmy goats now. 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. Established in 1982 amber waves is an international known breeder, exporter, and specialist of pygmy goats. It sets down the breed standard and is responsible for the registration of herds and individual goats. The dairy goat in some areas, goat milk is better than cow milk. Owners not wishing to breed should chose two wethers. Attendance at pgsi meetings and the ability to exhibit at pgsi shows. Their small size and good nature make them attractive dairy goats, where they require less space and feed than larger goats, and are suitable for smaller farms in. The truth about keeping backyard goats living homegrown. The book is written in an easy to read and understandable style. She is less bullheaded and so much more gentle, plus the fact that she is giving something back to my family. An introductory guide to keeping and enjoying pet goats.
These castrated males make excellent pets, with none of. You may also have the vet do it if you have one in your area. The nigerian dwarf and mini dairy goat magazine and goat health care. If they do allow goats, more than likely they will have a size andor weight limit. Pygmy goats, mini goats or dwarf goats facts and information. It is the regulating body and official breed association of the pygmy goat. Pygmy goats are not a dairy breed and most owners do not milk their female goats. Unlike the usually domesticated animals, keeping pygmy goats as pets is a very unique experience. The pygmy goat club was established in 1982 to protect the interests and improve the status of the pygmy goat in britain. Pygmy goats need the company of their own kind and should not be kept alone.
Parasites are becoming more resistant to dewormers, so its best to only deworm as necessary. Raising goats can be quite rewarding and pretty entertaining. They are intelligent and respond readily to human company, however they are herd animals and should be kept with at least one other goat for company. Their body shape is very similar to that of the nigerian dwarf goats. Raising pygmy goats as pets modern farming methods. This breed has the same western african origins as the nigerian dwarf goat. An introductory guide to keeping and enjoying pet goats, from feeding and housing to making your own cheese. Goats should be bathed in warm weather and placed in the sun to keep from getting cold. A clean and cozy environment can help to protect these goats from seasonal or viral diseases. This book is so adorable, that students will choose it just for that, and end up learning a lot. Keeping pygmy as a pet is as always fun and filled with a lot of outdoor activities. Pygmy goats make great pets for people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Unlike other pets, miniature goats dont bite, kick, or scratch.
Attach the collar or halter to your pygmy goat and attach the leash to the metal ring on the collar or halter. An introductory guide to keeping and enjoying pet goats, from feeding and housing to making your own cheese weaver, sue on. Raising, breeding, keeping, milking, food, care, health. The pygmy goat in this country is kept as a pet and not as a utility animal. The national pygmy goat association is available to help new pygmy goat owners and future pygmy parents. The pygmy goat is hardy, alert and animated, goodnatured and gregarious. Feel free to ask questions, post pictures, or just hang out. To keep your pygmy goats healthy they should be provided with a yellow mineral lick in the goat shed. Everything you need to know about pygmy goats as pets. Basic goat care for new goat keepers farming my backyard. In this book you will learn the basics about pygmy goats including their origins as pets, what they look like and how to care for them. Readers learn about how pygmy goats are different than goats, how they are born and raised, their behavior, and their needs as pets.
The online herdbook is available to npga members for a small fee. Basic accomodation requirements a dry, draught free building to shelter from the elements and sufficient headroom for the. This book is a must have guide for anybody passionate. You should be able to pick it up from the feed store to administer yourself. Reviews my son keeps pestering me to buy a pygmy goat as his friend has some at his home. Pygmy goats care, housing, interacting, feeding and health. Keeping a small herd goat record book faithful farmwife. Because of this, raising goats for their meat is becoming very popular in the united states. A practical guide first edition by mercer, pat isbn. It also includes a few additional livestock record keeping sheets.
Pygmys tend to have a limited amount of colors and markings and only have brown eyes. How to use this small herd goat record book goat identification record. Pygmy goats have mediumlong soft coats that can be in many colors. It is the ideal pet for those who want to keep goats but do not want the bother of milking every day. They have goodnatured and distinct personalities that differ from one goat to another. In a straight forward, no nonsense fashion, elliott lang covers all aspects of keeping pygmy goats. Membership offer registration with the club for one year. The goat identification record is where you can keep basic information like your goats name or id, breed, registration information, pedigree, and a photo. If you are keeping a pygmy as a pet, they will often not do well in an environment where they are alone for extended periods. If you dont have enough pasture, feed each goat 12 pounds of alfalfa hay per day. The truth about keeping backyard goats as a city homesteader for the last 23 years, i couldnt be happier about the current trends aimed at a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our families. Livestock expenses, livestock addition and losses, and a livestock feed schedule. Tie the end of a leash to a tree or fence post that is located in the sun. A runin shed facing south provides basic pygmy housing.
To be honest, i like my saanenalpine cross milk goat better than my pygmys. Pygmy goats pros and cons, daily care, milking, health, training and costs. Nigerian dwarf goat book for daily care, pros and cons, raising, training, feeding, housing and health. Guide to keeping pygmy goats things you should know if. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. In order to keep your pygmy goat safe and healthy, you need to provide it with proper goat housing. This is why the smallest goat breeds are the most popular in urban and suburban areas. Conventional goat keeping advises treating goats with a dewormer every six months. If you have several goats and live in a colder climate, a small barn or shed in the winter should suffice.
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