Nigerian dwarf goats

For Frequently Asked Questions, click here. To see the goats we have available for sale, click here.

 

About the breed

Small dairy goats continue to have a big future; these colorful miniature dairy goats have risen in popularity as a multi-purpose goat. The Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goat is of West African origin. These "knee-high" miniatures do not require the space or amount of food their larger counterpart dairy goats need, making the care for them practical for the small farm owner.

 

Milk Production

A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce over 2 quarts of sweet milk per day. However, due to their gentle, lovable, personalities, most dwarf owners breed their goats for the companionship and pleasure these little caprines offer.

 

Size ,color, and temperament

Nigerians have a calm, even temperament making them ideal for children, the elderly, and disabled. Even breeding bucks can be handled with ease.

Nigerian Dwarf goats range in height from 17'' to 23" tall. The average adult weight of a Nigerian Dwarf dairy goat is about 75 pounds. Color is one of the big factors that make breeding the Nigerian Dwarf dairy goat so popular. You can never be sure what color the babies will be until they are born, even then you can't be sure because many times their color changes as they mature. The main color families are black, white, chocolate, red and gold; with any number varying shades and pattern combinations. Any color or pattern is acceptable in breed standards.

 

Care of goats

Housing- They need a dry, draft free shelter/barn. A minimum of 12 square feet per goat is recommended.

Basic care- They need CD&T every year. Will have to check eye lids and get a fecal sample done every couple months to check for worms.

Hoof trimming- Their hooves will need to be trimmed every couple months- some wear down more then others depending on how active they are.

Diet- Fresh quality grass hay, access to clean fresh water, minerals, and grain.

 

Not a Pygmy goat

Pygmy goats are bred to be short and cobby in stature with heavy bones. The pygmy goat is bred for meat or as pets. Nigerian dwarf goats are bred for their milk production. Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats are bred to have length of body and the refineness of structure in proportion to true dairy character.

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