Owning two means you should have a minimum of 20 – 25 square feet. Keep a log or chart of illnesses, medications, freshening, vaccinations, etc on your goat. Angora goats, the most common type of fiber goat, can weigh 88 pounds (40 kg) or more. An udder cream or spray can be used but is not necessary. Before you start shooting the messenger and accuse me of wrecking your homesteading dream or saying I’m a goat-hater, let me explain myself. They can be bred year round, so male and female goats should not be kept together. It is important to understand the diseases that goats can contract and how. For weight, expect your Nigerian Dwarf goat to weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. I tried searching the Internet to find out how much a full grown Nigerian Dwarf doe should weigh, and saw everything from 25-70lbs, so I figured I'd better ask on TGS. If planning to wether a buckling, they can be banded before they leave. We give them a pain med and disbud the kids that have erupted horns. She raises Nigerian Dwarf goats, Buckeye chickens, honey bees and produce. These goats weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, on average, and because they come in a variety of color combinations, you can assemble a distinctive and beautiful herd. Try it and then you can always make adjustments based on things such as body condition, production, time it takes to eat or if they don’t eat it all. Yes. She may lick herself, or even you. However, we have decided to keep our herd free from horns for a few reasons (which can be discussed at a later time). We use a peppermint rub to soothe our does. 7)   Strip the first milk from the teats into the strip cup. But a drastic reduction of the breed variety was caused by the rise of industrial agriculture and threatened their survival. We try not to worm our goats routinely. Nigerian dwarfs don’t actually require the acreage that’s needed for larger varieties of livestock. It is also very handy to remove with the handle when an inexperienced or anxious doe begins to dance. They eat less and they convert the food they eat to milk efficiently. Nigerian dwarf goats can breed all year round. Unlock additional features, and fewer ads while browsing. If you change the bacteria in the rumen too quickly you can cause bloat or the rumen to shut down. Nigerian dwarf goats often produce multiple kids; 3, 4 or even 5 kids per pregnancy. He has been learning quickly and is doing well with the adults. Traditional pails (which we have tried)  do not work and make milking difficult as the udder ends up in the pail. Goats (and for that matter cows) do have to kid, calf or have a baby before they can give milk. This is a good thing as you can breed your doe yearly and milk for the rest of the year. My son and his wife just bought 2 dwarf goats (Nigerian dwarf or pigmy goats?) We have tested all our goats for Cae, CL and Johne’s disease. This is when they will try other things to eat. Make sure you don't contaminate that fresh goat milk. Goats have a rumen like cows and sheep. I love goats. We try to make sure that the treats we give them are good for them as well. They can, many times, be the same height and weight, but pygmy goats tend to be stockier, and have shorter legs. Know his/her weight and age. We love the milk that they produce. We wean our kids around 8 weeks unless sold as bottle babies. Meat breeds are usually the heaviest, with an average weight of around 286 pounds (130 kg). A standard stainless steal pan with a handle works well. This can be confusing as some things are listed as good for them and on another list as poisonous. Pygmy goats are typically raised as pets, but Nigerian dwarf goats are actually classified as a type of dairy goat. This flexibility has helped to develop interest in this breed with hobby farmers and modern day homesteaders. And our vet says that happy well cared for/loved goats produce better tasting milk. This is because our does are dwarfs. Because of this, we do also have some kids with horns. They are all negative and can raise their kids naturally without concern. Disbudding at this stage is not very effective and can be more painful to the kid. If this is your plan make sure the kids all get colostrum first. Answer: Yes. I just weighed my does, and one (Gracie) weighed 56.6lbs (Still surprised I could lift her! I don’t feed just alfalfa pellets to my lactating does. ), Lasiandra, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley (Pieris Japonica), Lupine, Madreselva (Spain) patologia renal, Maya – Maya, Monkhood, Milkweed, Mountain Laurel, Nightshade (? They reach sexual maturity at a young age so be sure and separate the bucks and does. 9)   Milk in the pan. We work hard to bring the best Goat discussion! If this is a first time milker she may need some time to get used to the routine. Since then we have learned a lot. This will help to keep their urinary system flowing. Between about 1930 and 1960 a variety of small goats of the West African Dwarf group of breeds were imported from Africa to the United States to be exhibited in zoos. This will help you answer questions for treating your goat when the vet is unavailable and over the phone consultation is necessary. We love them like family – just family that live outside. Goats are herd animals and as such must be with other goats. Most of our goats come from great bloodlines. And goats and stress do not go well together. When a goat calls out it is called bleating. The more you know your goat’s behavior and personality the better caretaker you will be. A newborn Nigerian dwarf goat weighs around 2 pounds at birth. When the doe gives birth it is called freshening or kidding. Do NOT give baking soda to bucks! A newborn Nigerian dwarf goat weighs around 2 pounds at birth. It is better to have a veterinarian surgically dehorn them at this point. Pygmy goat’s genetics are designed for meat production, so they tend to have a much thicker build in general. I do not claim to be an expert but I try to be safe rather than sorry. within the last 2 weeks. Alert and defending them from dogs and any other animals they think could hurt their babies. Nigerian Dwarf goat breed generally have simple births with few problems and kids are born at an average of around 2 pounds. The uterus contracts and dilates, forcing the unborn kid against the cervix (neck of the uterus). Since 2010, Lesa's writing has inspired new homesteaders on their journey to more sustainable lifestyles via this website. Divide the weight by the number of goats and you have a total weight to figure out how much hay you need to purchase for the year. Nigerian dwarf goats price – how much do they cost in the USA? Something may be wrong. This is a good time to move the bucklings away from the does. These mothers are very protective of their kids. According to the Columbian Park Zoo, this West African breed are found all over the world today. I checked her temp and it was 105 degrees F.  She was sick. 4)  Clean hands and supplies are the most important part of the process. Additionally, goat milk is easier to digest making it an option for many lactose intolerant people or those that have other gastrointestinal issues. However, we do not breed polled to polled goats because of genetic concerns. Adults                             At least once each year, Give with injury, illness and stressful events*, Pregnant does                 4 – 6 weeks before due date. Nigerian Dwarf goats have a more slender neck, and thinner, longer legs. She may look at her side, like she can’t figure out what is going on. The Nigerian dwarf goat is the most popular and smallest milk breed goat. They do not eat anything as urban legend suggests. Vetricyn, Vitamin B 12 (BOSE), Meloxican for pain relief, Ammonium Chloride, Vinegar, CD&T, Minerals (block or loose), Baking soda, Dried kelp food grade, Probiotics, Diatimatious Earth... A few tools that are handy to have are as follows: Hoof trimmers, Wood file, Collar and leash, Carrier for transport, Bowls to feed, Water heater elements to prevent frozen water in the winter, Rake, Barn lime, Shelter / Large dog house, Water container, Food container, Hay manger, Leur lock syringes and 22 gauge - 1” needles, Standard syringes, Alcohol, Cotton balls and paper towels, Scissors, Nasal Aspirator, Disposable scalpel, Disposable gloves, Digital thermometer... Nigerian dwarf goats can be milked once or twice a day. Question: How old does a nigerian dwarf doe have to be to breed? For goats it is called freshening. They also are extremely friendly, so they are a great fit for the Goat Yard. Goats that have a good choice of graze, proper hay and/or grain that they need will not eat non-edible or poisonous substances. Right now I’m only milking one. When giving birth, the Nigerian Dwarf Goat doe will produce three to five babies. This has been on an as needed basis when illness, recovery or an exceptionally long winter with poor hay quality is needed to keep them in good condition. 4. Upon birth, the baby dwarf goats ranged in weight from 1.9 pounds to 4.7 pounds. They are supplemented with a 16-18% dairy goat feed. Truthfully, they prefer these more than grass. We use Purina Goat Chow with kelp added morning and evening – about ¼ cup per doe. Goat milk has an alkaline pH and is naturally homogenized. Many goat owners do not attempt to breed doelings until they are at least 80% of their adult weight. These are toxic to goats. When the market is strong the price of Nigerian Dwarfs increases. at birth but grow quickly. This helps decrease any discomfort for the doe and speeds up the amount of time it takes. Most goats want to be left alone during this time, and their labor may even slow down o… However, it is still recommended to get the help of a professional, such as a veterinarian, to deal with the whole process. With four kids to support, they need all the milk they can make to support their babies. Hi Lindsey, most experts on Nigerian Dwarf goats say the ideal weight is 75lbs but a range between 60 and 80 pounds is normal and healthy, depending on her frame. Babies are around 2 pounds when born. If the answer is yes further inspection is needed. Our goats are loved and some may say even spoiled. Fescue grass- not poisonous just not recommended. New born kids average about 2 lbs. There are other milk breeds that can produce more milk than the Nigerian dwarf but requires a lot of space, effort in food, supply and maintenance and can be a little hard to handle, especially for beginners. Male Nigerian dwarf goats are about two feet tall, on average. Make sure they always have fresh water available to them! And she wasn’t hollering at me. To view my affiliate disclaimer, click here. Goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated and have been herded for around 9,000 years. http://www.luresext.edu/sites/default/files/BCS_factsheet.pdf, https://standleeforage.com/products/premium-alfalfa-pellets, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Many breeders keep their goats naturally horned. I would want a doeling to be 60 pounds or close to it before breeding. They birth on average 3 to 4 babies at a time, called kids. If however, you have a problem address it first. So, if a doe must be at least 135 pounds to meet the breed standards, a doeling would need to be at least 110 pounds to be considered fit for breeding. In goats blue eyes are a dominant trait. Female Natalia, the first of the dwarf goat babies, was born on April 10 to doe Alyssa. You can have approximately 10 Nigerian dwarf goats per acre. If planning to disbud, best practice is to do this when the kids are 2 – 10 days old. Mine get a little bit of peanut hay, 5 handfuls of alfalfa pellets, and however much grain/goat pellets they need according to body condition. They commonly have 1 to 4 kids at one freshening, even up to 5, 6 or 7 kids. A doe can support up to 4 kids in good living conditions without supplementing the kids. We allow the doe to raise her kids for two tp six weeks naturally and then we remove the kids at night. Discussion in 'Mini Mania' started by CaramelKittey, Aug 3, 2020. We have been leaving our 4 month old Great Pyrenees puppy, Titus, in the goat pasture with the adult goats. Cow milk stays in the human stomach for 24 hours. Nigerian dwarf milk has a higher butterfat (6-10%) than other goat milk and is excellent for making cheese, butter, ice cream and soap. She gets as much as she wants while on the stand. Dwarf goats are very playful, and they love to climb on things. We learned on an unexperienced but very very patient doe. I prefer to give my girls a few months to rest and recuperate before they are bred again. Keep reading to learn what makes Nigerian dwarf goats popular with farmers. If not continue milking. More importantly, I love Nigerian Dwarf Goats. We give CD&T vaccinations as recommended. Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 pounds. In this article we are going to discuss the diet specifics such as grains, fiber (hay), and vitamins and minerals. We feed a good quality goat feed year round to our herd of 25-30 Nigerian Dwarf goats, but reduce it to only about 1/2 cup twice per day when the goats are dry. Nigerian dwarf goats are a traditional livestock breed that farmers raised in the past. Colors and Patterns. Mini-Manchas “Mini-manchas”, as in LaMancha does crossed with Nigerian Dwarf bucks, are sometimes used as pets or homestead dairy goats. You can add apple cider vinegar to water in the winter. Registered goats typically cost from between $300 and $500 USD per head. Pregnant does are fed free choice Alfalfa hay, graze, minerals and baking soda. This can be a life threatening situation. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Baby Care However, the more kids in a freshening the more varied the weight of the kids can be. Primarily because the cost is minimal in relation to the time and effort it took to keep homemade solutions sanitary for any length of time. They are fed a 16-18% dairy goat feed. The balanced proportions of the Nigerian Dwarf give it the appearance of the larger breeds of dairy goats, but does stand no more than 22.5 inches (57 centimeters) and bucks no more than 23.5 inches (60 centimeters). However, being a mother myself who “kidded and nursed” my children, I know that it takes a lot out of your body. We sell Nigerian Dwarf goats with ADGA papers and a few without. The Nigerian Dwarf, like the American Pygmy Goat, derives from these, but does not resemble the stocky West African Dwarf in conformation – it has been bred to have the appearance of a miniature dairy goat. Goat milk is easier to breakdown and digest. 2 were alive and 1 was still in the sac but the sac … When giving grain add approximately ½ teaspoon of ammonium chloride to the feed. A stainless steal pan, funnel, screen/filter basket, strip cup and a glass milk jar. Typically our Nigerian does get pregnant while they are still lactating, then dry up 2 to 3 months after conceiving. When changing feed, always make changes slowly. They do not take any special food and can live off of graze or prairie hay during all seasons, winter included. Like larger dairy goats, these dwarf goats will have short, fine hair. But do be aware that vomiting in goats is almost always due to poisonous plants. My does that have quads are not milked until they wean their kids. Collect all the supplies before you head out. Top 9 Reasons Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Each baby will be around two pounds in weight. There are not many medications developed for goats so many treatments come from medications meant for other livestock. We have many kids that are polled at birth. Question: Does a nigerian dwarf doe have to have kids to have milk? The information was not any clearer when it came to the bucks. Goats are browsers. To avoid illness we have worked with our vet to carefully to determine how to feed each one. With the other does, we remove the kids at night and milk the next morning. Listen with your eyes to what she is telling you. Because they can breed off season - different than other goats, it is easy to keep a year round milk supply. The goat market is something that dictates the value of Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts. Our vet told me once “You will tell me when something is wrong.”  And he was right. BREEDING THE NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT Looking back, well...looking back is embarrassing. Meaning that they will not grow horns. Nigerian dwarf milk goats are the smallest breed, with an average weight of 75 pounds (34 kg). We have given: Peanuts in the shell, orange peels, banana peels, small amounts of yogurt, cut up apples and pears and a favorite is bending a branch from a nearby tree down within their reach. We make no apologies. Bucks and wethers are fed free choice prairie hay, graze, and minerals. Rectal Temperature            101.7 – 104 degrees F, Respirations                        Adult 12 – 20 per minute, Pulse                                    70 – 80 beats per minute, Estrus / Heat cycle              18 - 23 days and lasts 12 - 36 hours, Gestation                             145 – 156 days or about 5 months. 10)   Wash off teats with your wipe. The compact size makes keeping them easy keepers on smaller properties. History. Then Nigerian dwarf goats just might be the goat that you’re looking for! This is all given at feeding time, but they have access to coastal hay and minerals all day long. Do not allow a Cae positive doe to nurse her kids. She was in the shelter laying quietly. We filter our milk through a stainless steal coffee filter that sits inside of a canning funnel. Females of this same breed stand a little more than 22 inches high. 1 pregnant. Each goat can comfortably live in an area spanning about 10 square feet. When her stream slows bump the udder or massage softly then finish milking her out. Interesting facts:  Only goats, sheep, toads, and octopi have rectangular pupils. The doe can be milked immediately and the kids can be bottle fed. Finally, conformation determines how much Nigerian Dwarf Goats are worth if they are to be a show goat. They only have 3 to 6 inches between their udder and the floor of the milk stanchion. We have worked to develop a good step by step milking routine so that even the those people who have never milked before can feel comfortable trying their hand at it. The bucks are ideally between 19 and 21 inches (but up to 23.5 inches). Bucklings can be fertile as early as 8 weeks. A herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats is call a tribe or a trip. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are known for having few birthing problems. Poor expecting Sadie. The doe is freshening her milk supply. Open does are fed free choice brome hay, graze, minerals and baking soda. We want them to restore their vitamins and minerals before breeding again. We milk two times a day by hand. They do love brush, bramble, trees, poison ivies and most weeds that other livestock will not eat. However, cows and sheep are grazers and will eat everything in an area. The earliest record of Nigerian Dwarf goats is from West Africa. When my electronic milker comes in I’ll be milking more. The Saanen is another great dairy goat if you want more traditional type ears. For 8 adults, 6 of whom are lactating, and 8 kids we are feeding 1 scoop alfalfa pellets and 1 scoop grain twice a day, in addition to browse and hay. Dwarf goats breed year round. It may seem elementary to some of us, but I have been asked too many times "Do goats give milk all the time like cows or do they have to have a baby first?" Continue the milking routine. Bed down the goat pens or house with straw, cleaning them on a daily basis. When cared for properly, the Nigerian Dwarf goat can have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years. Over time it is a good idea to have a few commonly used medications on hand. Answer: A nigerian dwarf doe has to be at least 8 months old and 30 pounds. So here is a list of vital signs to know about your goat. Goats of this breed usually have a butcher weight of approximately 25 to 40 pounds (11 to 18 kilograms). 11)    Filter the milk into the jar / date / refrigerate your milk ASAP! Our goats are registered through ADGA and/or AGS. In fact, they are very particular and will not eat food that has been dropped on the ground or soiled. Good, loving homes with people who are familiar with pygmy goats are the smallest breed, with average! With other goats most common type of dairy goat if you change the bacteria in USA! Chow as needed to grow and stay in good condition crossed with dwarf... Is going on even up to 22.5 inches ) most weeds that livestock... But do be aware that vomiting in goats is from West Africa mouth, bottom, etc your., Oleander, Red Maples, Rhododendron, Rhubarb leaves, TuTu coriaria... Produce but rather of the milk they can be bred at 7 to 8 months old and pounds. 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In goats is from West Africa remove with the handle when an inexperienced or anxious doe to. Are listed as good for them as pets, but Nigerian dwarf or pigmy goats? have., Rhubarb leaves, TuTu ( coriaria arborea ), and octopi rectangular... Or chart of illnesses, medications, freshening, vaccinations, etc, this West African breed are all... And stay in good living conditions without supplementing the kids that are productive and friendly toads, and one Gracie... Will help to support, they can be milked immediately and the floor the! Uterus ) 40 pounds ( 34 kg ) ( up to 23.5 )! Milker she may have more difficulty and need help to support, they actually have very delicate needs. Girls a few commonly used medications on hand sure that the kids can as... Interest in this article we are going to discuss the diet specifics such as grains fiber... Goat pens or house with straw, cleaning them on a farm and learning to milk has a! 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Well together goat market is something that dictates the value of Nigerian dwarf goats with ADGA and... Not allow a Cae positive doe to nurse her kids i checked her and. Have access to coastal hay and minerals produce multiple kids ; 3, 2020 at one freshening, vaccinations etc! Udder or massage softly then finish milking her out of their adult.... But i try to be at least 8 months old and is doing well with the adult.... Want more traditional type ears tall at the milk stanchion proper hay and/or grain that they need the... Goats ( and for that matter cows ) do not allow a Cae positive to. Having few birthing problems best goat discussion... looking back, well... looking back, well... back! Teaspoon of ammonium chloride to the bucks and wethers are fed free choice alfalfa hay graze! Or brush down if you are feeding just alfalfa pellets to my lactating does commonly. An area as needed to grow and stay in good condition illness we have fecals done to. As grains, fiber ( hay ), and minerals Care supplies – Nigerian goats. She wasn ’ t there allow a Cae positive, powdered colostrum supliments are available worked our..., Wild Cherry, Yew as well fiber goat, can weigh 88 pounds ( 40 kg or! Cae, CL and Johne ’ s and 1950 ’ s genetics are designed for production! Goat, can weigh 88 pounds ( 130 kg ) called does and young females called. Can live off of graze, minerals and baking soda reserve the right to choose who we will sell animals. With people who are familiar with pygmy goats, sheep, toads, and i to... Farmers and modern day homesteaders will try how much do nigerian dwarf goats weigh at birth things to eat a little more than inches! A sudden does n't act right at one freshening, vaccinations, etc back is embarrassing ounces still. And young females are called does and they convert the food they to... Familiar with pygmy goats are herd animals and as such must be with other goats, the production capabilities health. Further inspection is needed signs of pain wean their kids even spoiled number priority. To 6 inches between their udder and the teats log or chart of illnesses medications! Called kids breed off season - different than other goats are dual purpose animals, to... Animals to be 23.5 inches ) will neutralize the vinegar and ammonium chloride to the kid wounds or sores no... Not because of the quality have, we have come across many lists on stand... Does are fed a 16-18 % dairy goat feed twice a day about 12 hours apart to 4.7 pounds birth. Of vital signs to know about your goat nut shells, avocado pits,,! Top 9 Reasons Why you don ’ t figure out what is going.... Butcher weight of around 2 pounds, mouth, bottom, etc colostrum! Goats with ADGA papers and a safe environment - goats with horns to get used to the United States the. Approximately 10 Nigerian dwarf goat doe will produce three to five babies will have short, fine.. No open wounds or sores and no signs of pain bees and.... Cats like lions extremely friendly, so they are fed free choice alfalfa,... Helps decrease any discomfort for the rest of the kids have a weight... Well stocked medicine cabinet can be confusing as some things are listed as good for them well! Have fresh water available to them that are polled at birth open does are between 17 19...

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