We have tested all our goats for Cae, CL and Johne’s disease. If not continue milking. If this is a first time milker she may need some time to get used to the routine. Nigerian dwarf goats are good mothers and typically deliver easily and unassisted. Then Nigerian dwarf goats just might be the goat that you’re looking for! 1)   Make sure the grain is in the bucket, 2)   Stanchion is locked before beginning to milk. We use Purina Goat Chow as needed to grow and stay in good condition. We want them to restore their vitamins and minerals before breeding again. Do not allow a Cae positive doe to nurse her kids. Adult Nigerian dwarf goats weigh approximately 75 pounds when full grown. Interesting facts:  Only goats, sheep, toads, and octopi have rectangular pupils. We filter our milk through a stainless steal coffee filter that sits inside of a canning funnel. Dwarf goats breed year round. This can save a lot of money and your goat’s life. Each goat can comfortably live in an area spanning about 10 square feet. Though, they will need shade protection during periods of intense sun. The mom goat was dues in 2 more weeks per the seller, but yesterday gave birth to 3. One Nigerian dwarf goat care sheet to remember is that a doe with kids will require shelter that’s draft-proof. The matured males weigh between 20kg to 25kg while the matured females weigh between 18kg to 22kg. We use stainless steal pans under our does. 9)   Milk in the pan. Our goats are registered through ADGA and/or AGS. We reserve the right to choose who we will sell our animals to. I just weighed my does, and one (Gracie) weighed 56.6lbs (Still surprised I could lift her! We allow the doe to raise her kids for two tp six weeks naturally and then we remove the kids at night. As long as the kids continue to grow and develop normally, we continue this until the kids are 8 weeks old and weaned. Doelings (female goats) are generally ready to breed at 8-12 months of age. When changing feed, always make changes slowly. Nigerian dwarf goats often produce multiple kids; 3, 4 or even 5 kids per pregnancy. The Saanen is another great dairy goat if you want more traditional type ears. However, the more kids in a freshening the more varied the weight of the kids can be. They are all negative and can raise their kids naturally without concern. If you are feeding just alfalfa then that sounds about right. However, if she develops mastitis or is mineral deficient she may have more difficulty and need help to support her babies. 4)  Clean hands and supplies are the most important part of the process. Now they are dual purpose animals, able to used for both meat and milk. However, we do not breed polled to polled goats because of genetic concerns. I don’t feed just alfalfa pellets to my lactating does. This can be a life threatening situation. If the answer is yes further inspection is needed. Make sure they always have fresh water available to them! Pygmy goat’s genetics are designed for meat production, so they tend to have a much thicker build in general. Those little guys have been know to breed and be fertile as young as 7 weeks of age. ), Oleander, Red Maples, Rhododendron, Rhubarb leaves, TuTu (coriaria arborea), Wild Cherry, Yew. If however, you have a problem address it first. 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. If she has been doing fine and all of a sudden doesn't act right. She gets as much as she wants while on the stand. Our goats are loved and some may say even spoiled. We also use commercial teat wipes and olive oil when milking. The Nigerian dwarf goat is the most popular and smallest milk breed goat. Question: Does a nigerian dwarf doe have to have kids to have milk? Traditional pails (which we have tried)  do not work and make milking difficult as the udder ends up in the pail. Bucklings can be fertile as early as 8 weeks. Each one has specific needs that the other does not. When feeding our Nigerian dwarf goats we feed the bucks/wethers and does differently. 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. When a goat calls out it is called bleating. We wean our kids around 8 weeks unless sold as bottle babies. When researching what our goats can and can not have, we have come across many lists on the internet. 4. We use Purina Goat Chow with kelp added morning and evening – about ¼ cup per doe. When you have your supplies ready and your hands washed. An average doe produces about 2.5 pounds of milk a day, Nigerian Dwarf production ranges from 1 to 8 pounds of milk per day (one quart of milk weighs roughly 2 pounds). You are ready to get your goat. Brownie (Nigerian Dwarf Doe) with Her Twin Kids about 12 Hours Old Following Morning, Brownie (Nigerian Dwarf Doe) with Her Twin Kids. And our vet says that happy well cared for/loved goats produce better tasting milk. And she wasn’t hollering at me. Adults                             At least once each year, Give with injury, illness and stressful events*, Pregnant does                 4 – 6 weeks before due date. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are known for having few birthing problems. The goat market is something that dictates the value of Nigerian Dwarf Goats. We have been leaving our 4 month old Great Pyrenees puppy, Titus, in the goat pasture with the adult goats. A doe can support up to 4 kids in good living conditions without supplementing the kids. We work hard to bring the best Goat discussion! So here is a list of vital signs to know about your goat. Goats have a rumen like cows and sheep. We want our goats placed in good, loving homes with people who are familiar with raising farm animals. Nigerian dwarf goats price – how much do they cost in the USA? When my electronic milker comes in I’ll be milking more. 10)   Wash off teats with your wipe. 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. However, it is still recommended to get the help of a professional, such as a veterinarian, to deal with the whole process. In reality, they actually have very delicate nutritional needs. Mini-Manchas “Mini-manchas”, as in LaMancha does crossed with Nigerian Dwarf bucks, are sometimes used as pets or homestead dairy goats. Inspect her milk in the strip cup and test for mastitis if necessary. Over time it is a good idea to have a few commonly used medications on hand. A goat will seek out the minerals that they need if it is not provided to them. Goat milk has an alkaline pH and is naturally homogenized. My son and his wife just bought 2 dwarf goats (Nigerian dwarf or pigmy goats?) When the doe gives birth it is called freshening or kidding. 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. 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. 1 pregnant. We sell Nigerian Dwarf goats with ADGA papers and a few without. And if you have space and a safe environment - goats with horns are fine. We use a peppermint rub to soothe our does. Many breeders keep their goats naturally horned. They also are extremely friendly, so they are a great fit for the Goat Yard. They commonly have 1 to 4 kids at one freshening, even up to 5, 6 or 7 kids. Does can be bred at 7 to 8 months of age if they have reached good size. They do not take any special food and can live off of graze or prairie hay during all seasons, winter included. New born kids average about 2 lbs. 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. 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. The uterus contracts and dilates, forcing the unborn kid against the cervix (neck of the uterus). You can add apple cider vinegar to water in the winter. These are toxic to goats. Angora goats, the most common type of fiber goat, can weigh 88 pounds (40 kg) or more. We learned on an unexperienced but very very patient doe. Additionally, goat milk is easier to digest making it an option for many lactose intolerant people or those that have other gastrointestinal issues. Bucks and wethers are fed free choice prairie hay, graze, and minerals. A well stocked medicine cabinet can be the difference between life and death of your goat. An udder cream or spray can be used but is not necessary. Many people keep them as pets because of their docile nature and they are easily managed by children. According to the Columbian Park Zoo, this West African breed are found all over the world today. Goats are browsers. They do not eat anything as urban legend suggests. When the market is strong the price of Nigerian Dwarfs increases. A herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats is call a tribe or a trip. Are you interested in raising pint-sized goats that are productive and friendly? Top 9 Reasons Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats. However, being a mother myself who “kidded and nursed” my children, I know that it takes a lot out of your body. This is a good time to move the bucklings away from the does. Pregnant does are fed free choice Alfalfa hay, graze, minerals and baking soda. Most of our goats come from great bloodlines. If you change the bacteria in the rumen too quickly you can cause bloat or the rumen to shut down. Cow milk stays in the human stomach for 24 hours. A newborn Nigerian dwarf goat weighs around 2 pounds at birth. 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. We give CD&T vaccinations as recommended. But a drastic reduction of the breed variety was caused by the rise of industrial agriculture and threatened their survival. This will help to keep their urinary system flowing. Pygmy goats are typically raised as pets, but Nigerian dwarf goats are actually classified as a type of dairy goat. Nigerian dwarf bucks weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Nigerian Dwarf goats have a more slender neck, and thinner, longer legs. It is not because of the amount of milk it can produce but rather of the quality. 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. We try to make sure that the treats we give them are good for them as well. Yes. Nigerian Dwarf goat breed generally have simple births with few problems and kids are born at an average of around 2 pounds. Males reach sexual maturity when they are … Meaning that they will not grow horns. 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. I’ll go with that. In goats blue eyes are a dominant trait. Because they can breed off season - different than other goats, it is easy to keep a year round milk supply. Goats of this breed usually have a butcher weight of approximately 25 to 40 pounds (11 to 18 kilograms). This type of goat can breed at 12 to 18 months, and often undergo multiple reproductions by frequently giving birth to twins and triplets. This is all given at feeding time, but they have access to coastal hay and minerals all day long. If your doe is Cae positive, powdered colostrum supliments are available. When cared for properly, the Nigerian Dwarf goat can have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years. BREEDING THE NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT 3)   Check the doe for any changes in – her udder, teats, feet, mouth, bottom, etc. We try not to worm our goats routinely. They eat less and they convert the food they eat to milk efficiently. 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. Poor expecting Sadie. And goats and stress do not go well together. 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. The doe is freshening her milk supply. Keep a log or chart of illnesses, medications, freshening, vaccinations, etc on your goat. More importantly, I love Nigerian Dwarf Goats. 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. They are fed a 16-18% dairy goat feed. We do supplement the grain with kelp and BOSS at times. Typically our Nigerian does get pregnant while they are still lactating, then dry up 2 to 3 months after conceiving. Goats that have a good choice of graze, proper hay and/or grain that they need will not eat non-edible or poisonous substances. Question: How old does a nigerian dwarf doe have to be to breed? • *You do still need to know the specific weight of a goat … 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. One morning I came out and she wasn’t there. If planning to disbud, best practice is to do this when the kids are 2 – 10 days old. She may look at her side, like she can’t figure out what is going on. Remember a happy goat gives the best milk. Remember, goats do not have teeth on the upper jaw in the front, only gums. Answer: A nigerian dwarf doe has to be at least 8 months old and 30 pounds. 2 were alive and 1 was still in the sac but the sac … They can be as little as 10 ounces and still survive with a little assistance. To view my affiliate disclaimer, click here. Feeding Nigerian dwarf goats a proper diet that is nutritionally-balanced is the best thing you can do to keep your herd healthy. Do NOT give baking soda to bucks! Each baby will be around two pounds in weight. 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. Answer: Yes. Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 pounds. Looking back, well...looking back is embarrassing. Not only are these goats great reproducers but they are also great producers. Listen with your eyes to what she is telling you. Feeds containing UREA. He has been learning quickly and is doing well with the adults. These mothers are very protective of their kids. 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. They are fed a 16-18% dairy goat feed. These goats are white and easy to spot on pasture. Some kids horn buds do not break through the skin until later. This flexibility has helped to develop interest in this breed with hobby farmers and modern day homesteaders. It is also very handy to remove with the handle when an inexperienced or anxious doe begins to dance. A stainless steal pan, funnel, screen/filter basket, strip cup and a glass milk jar. They reach sexual maturity at a young age so be sure and separate the bucks and does. 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. Does stand between 16 and 21 inches tall at the withers and bucks can grow to be 23.5 inches tall at the withers. Upon birth, the baby dwarf goats ranged in weight from 1.9 pounds to 4.7 pounds. Our vet told me once “You will tell me when something is wrong.”  And he was right. And the does are between 17 and 19 inches (up to 22.5 inches). This process usually lasts about 12 hours for goats that are kidding for the first time, but every goat is different.During this stage the goat will be restless. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Baby Care An adult male is called a buck, a young male is a buckling and a male that has been fixed or sterilized is a wether. The does gestation period is 145 to 156 days or about 5 months. African Rue, Andromeda (related to foxglove), Azalea, Brouwer’s Beauty Andromeda, Boxwood, Burning bush berries, Calotropis, Cassava (manioc), China Berry Trees, all parts, Choke cherries, Datura, Dog Hobble, Dumb Cane (diffenbachia / houseplant), Eunoumus Bush Berries, False Tansy, “Fiddleneck”, Flixweed, Fusha, Holly Trees / bushes, Ilysanthes floribunda, Japanese pieris (extremely toxic), Japanese Yew, Lantana (? Wethers are ideal for pets. Alert and defending them from dogs and any other animals they think could hurt their babies. A movement toward self sustaining lifestyles has helped increase interest in this breed. This can be stressful. The price will vary depending on the goat performance i.e champion pedigree, the production capabilities, health etc. Baking soda will neutralize the vinegar and ammonium chloride affects. For weight, expect your Nigerian Dwarf goat to weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. The information was not any clearer when it came to the bucks. Goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated and have been herded for around 9,000 years. at birth but grow quickly. They are definitely much smaller in size than full-size goats. They will be much healthier in the long run and have the benefit from the does immunities. Make sure you don't contaminate that fresh goat milk. The doe is then milked one time a day, until the kids are weaned. Weigh your vehicle empty, load up the goats, and weigh the vehicle again. We have had good success with our does and they have always been healthy and ready to visit the bucks again. This is when they will try other things to eat. With four kids to support, they need all the milk they can make to support their babies. If planning to wether a buckling, they can be banded before they leave. Fescue grass- not poisonous just not recommended. Since 2010, Lesa's writing has inspired new homesteaders on their journey to more sustainable lifestyles via this website. Goats are herd animals and as such must be with other goats. Babies are around 2 pounds when born. Discussion in 'Mini Mania' started by CaramelKittey, Aug 3, 2020. Collect all the supplies before you head out. Female Natalia, the first of the dwarf goat babies, was born on April 10 to doe Alyssa. Dwarf goats are very playful, and they love to climb on things. It stays in the human stomach for only 20 minutes to 4 hours. It is better to have a veterinarian surgically dehorn them at this point. How much room do Nigerian dwarf goats need? 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. 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?" Unregistered Nigerian dwarf goats will cost between 50 and 100 USD. In fact, they are very particular and will not eat food that has been dropped on the ground or soiled. They can, many times, be the same height and weight, but pygmy goats tend to be stockier, and have shorter legs. This is then set atop the half gallon mason jar. However, we have decided to keep our herd free from horns for a few reasons (which can be discussed at a later time). We keep teat wipes, olive oil, grain, peanuts and a grooming brush at the stanchion. They do love brush, bramble, trees, poison ivies and most weeds that other livestock will not eat. 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. Please consult your veterinarian for verification. The best advice I can give is to know your goat. This can be confusing as some things are listed as good for them and on another list as poisonous. Know his/her weight and age. She may lick herself, or even you. This is a good thing as you can breed your doe yearly and milk for the rest of the year. Bed down the goat pens or house with straw, cleaning them on a daily basis. Finally, conformation determines how much Nigerian Dwarf Goats are worth if they are to be a show goat. 11)    Filter the milk into the jar / date / refrigerate your milk ASAP! Nigerian dwarf goats are a traditional livestock breed that farmers raised in the past. Most goats want to be left alone during this time, and their labor may even slow down o… ). However, not all the kids typically survive with higher multiple births. When giving grain add approximately ½ teaspoon of ammonium chloride to the feed. Nigerian dwarf milk has a higher butterfat (6-10%) than other goat milk and is excellent for making cheese, butter, ice cream and soap. Goat milk is easier to breakdown and digest. I own Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and I will probably own them the rest of my life. We try to be careful and use good biosecurity standards however, no matter how good we are, disease can still find a way in. Nigerian dwarfs don’t actually require the acreage that’s needed for larger varieties of livestock. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts. There are plenty of color combinations to be found. Nigeria dwarf goats are mostly found in the southern part of Nigeria. Colors and Patterns. Something may be wrong. Answer: Nigerian dwarf does weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. However, the more kids in a freshening the more varied the weight of the kids can be. Kids with immunized does:                 4, 6, 10 weeks ? This is because our does are dwarfs. If this is your plan make sure the kids all get colostrum first. When giving birth, the Nigerian Dwarf Goat doe will produce three to five babies. The compact size makes keeping them easy keepers on smaller properties. They came to the United States in the 1930’s and 1950’s as food for larger cats like lions. With the other does, we remove the kids at night and milk the next morning. They birth on average 3 to 4 babies at a time, called kids. You can have approximately 10 Nigerian dwarf goats per acre. Continue the milking routine. Male Nigerian dwarf goats are about two feet tall, on average. Disbudding at this stage is not very effective and can be more painful to the kid. 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