Pygmy Goat - Raising and Keeping Goats

in Animals on the Farm

Pygmy goats are kept for pets, show, milk, meat and even mohair. They are easy to keep and only require fresh water, pygmy goat grain ration, and access to good quality hay or pasture. The amount of grain for each pygmy goat varies and is dependant upon their age, current weight or body condition, the climate, and whether or not they are in kid.

Although goats of all kinds are 'easy keepers' they do require clean living conditions, including their water and feed. Goats would rather starve or thirst than eat or drink soiled or spoiled food and water.

You'll also want to ensure your pygmy goats get the required minerals from a salt block - this does not need to be moderated or rationed, they'll use it when their bodies need it.

A Bit of Pygmy Goat History

Pygmy goats originated in Africa and sometime in the '50s were imported to the United States. The Pygmy is smaller than dairy and meat goats, but it yields considerable milk for its size and food consumption.

Pygmy Goats Today

Many small homesteaders today are raising Pygmy goats for show and pets for the children in the family.

If you're still not 'sold' on a standard size dairy or meat goat's value (Nubian, Boer, etc.) to your family or homestead, Pygmies are a nice introduction.

Keep in mind however, that goats are herd animals. You can't buy just one or they will bleat constantly and be terribly lonely and unhappy - to some extremes they will waste away or run away at all costs.

Small farm hands like to raise Pygmy goats because they are easy to handle, are affectionate and lovable, not to mention playful!

Full grown does, bucks and wethers range from 16 to 23 inches at the withers and usually weigh 40 to 70 pounds.

Pygmy goats usually birth 1-3 kids weighing in at 2-4 pounds each.