Personality
Pygmy Goats are friendly when they want to be and always
comical if you have a good sense of humor. Sometimes they will do things that
you don't necessarily think is cute but it is rather difficult to train them to
stop doing goat things, But it is not impossible, because after all a goat does
have an I.Q. of 60. By goat things I mean, like jumping on your car, pulling
your clothes off your clothes line, or eating your favorite rose bush. Of course
they do these things only because they are curious, not because they don't like
you. You can however, goat-proof your yard and everyone will be happy.
All in all goats do make really nice pets, and I know
that you would enjoy having some. I say some because goats are herd animals and
are not happy unless they have a friend. Does not necessarily have to be another
goat but they do prefer them.
Housing
A sturdy, well ventilated, draft-free barn is a must for
your pygmy goat. They really hate to sleep outside in the cold months and they
actually panic if it rains on them. Without these qualities in your barn there
is a chance that your animal will become ill.
Feed
I feed my pygmies, alfalfa hay. They also receive a
little grain about three times a week. Too much grain can ferment in your goats
belly and cause a painful death. We also give them fruits, vegetables, bread,
leaves etc. Do not give your animals, onions, house plants,
oleander, rhododendrons, or any bulb plants, for these are poisonous to them.
Depending on where you live, you will need to supplement with a vitamin salt
mixture. Ask your vet.
Things that are poisonous to goats are: house
plants, bulb type plants, oleander, caster bean, rhododendron, and onions.
Health Care
Vaccinations-Annual
CD&T with Tetnus.
Hoof care-Trim hooves every 2-3 months as needed.
Lice control-Use any livestock lice powder as
needed.
Worming-Every 4-6 months with any livestock paste
wormers, except for pig wormers, which can be dangerous.
Breeding
Please wait until your females are 1 year old before you
breed her, or you really could have problems, she is not fully developed any
earlier. Females can have their first heat cycle as early as 2 months old, and
the males are actually fertile at 2 months old. So separation after this age is
a must. The females have a heat cycle every 18-23 days and stay in heat
for 3 days. They have a 5 month gestation period.
Have Any Questions?
ask Professor Goat
I am sorry, but I no longer raise or sell any pygmy
goats
