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Basic Information on Pygmy Goats

The Pygmy Goat, a native of Africa, was imported to the United States zoos in the fifties. The small short legged, cobby pygmy is a responsive pet, an effective brush browser, and a provider of milk. Mature animals (2-3 years) will measure between 16 and 23 inches at the withers. Colors range from white and caramel to grey and black — most being a salt and pepper (agouti) pattern. 

HOUSING: Pygmy goats need protection from the weather. A clean dry 4 by 6 foot draft-free shed and a 10 by 20 foot
fenced yard can comfortably house two pygmies. The four or five foot high fence should be a sturdy, close mesh wire, with
posts set approx. 2 feet apart. This will keep the goats in and the dogs out. Shavings or straw should be used for bedding. An elevated platform should be provided for sleeping, especially if there is a dirt floor.

FEEDING: Food should not be placed on the ground. Fresh water should be kept in an easy to clean container that can’t
be tipped over easily. 1 to 2 pounds of alfalfa hay or timothy and 1 cup of COB (corn,oats and barley mixture) or a specialty
goat feed, should be fed daily; preferably in two feedings. Grass hay can be used as a supplement also. Feed rations must be adjusted to each animal. Always have a clean trace mineral salt block available, or a loose mineral supplement.

HEALTH CARE: The hooves need to be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent hoof rot and lameness. Regular worming (for internal parasites) needs to be done 3 to 4 times a year. Your Veterinarian can recommend an appropriate product. It is also important to have a good relationship with your vet that knows about goats. Don’t wait until the middle of the night when you have an emergency to meet your local vet! Dusting for lice may need to be done in the Spring and Fall. Tetnus and Enterotoxemia (overeating disease) boosters should be given yearly. Some plants can be poisonous to goats. Many house plants and ornamental garden plants, such as rhododendrons and azaleas are poisonous. Pygmy goat does bear 1 to 5 kids every 9 to 12 months. The gestation period is between 145 to 155 days. New kids begin nibbling hay at about 2 weeks and are weaned by 3 or 4 months. Mature does may produce a half gallon or more of sweet, rich milk per day. Pygmy goats are very gregarious animals, and usually do better in groups of 2 or more. A doe and wether pair is a great place to start. A wether is a castrated male.

WHY PYGMIES ? Pygmy goats may be raised as 4-H projects. They make wonderful backyard or farm pets. The National Pygmy Goat Association handles the registration of pygmies, and sanctions shows through out the United States. Local information can be obtained from members of any one of the local clubs.