Pygmy goats are small, hardy, and full of personality—making them a favorite for backyard homesteads, 4-H projects, pet farms, and educational settings. While they’re often kept as companion animals, they can also provide milk (in small quantities) and excellent brush-clearing help. Despite their size, they have specific care needs.
Origin: West Africa; developed in the U.S. as a compact, resilient breed.
Size: 16–23 inches tall at the withers; adults weigh 35–60 lbs.
Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care.
Temperament: Playful, curious, social, and intelligent—great with children.
Purpose: Primarily pets, show animals, or small-farm companions (not ideal for commercial dairy or meat).
Milk: Does produce 1–2 pints per day (lower volume but high butterfat)—enough for occasional family use.
Breeding: Can breed year-round; reach puberty at 4–6 months.
Shelter:
Provide a dry, draft-free, well-ventilated 3-sided shed or small barn.
Minimum 10–15 sq ft per goat indoors.
Use bedding like straw or wood shavings—clean weekly to prevent ammonia buildup and parasites.
Ensure the roof keeps rain out and the floor stays dry (concrete with bedding or raised wooden floors work well).
Outdoor Space:
Minimum 200 sq ft per goat in a secure pen.
Pygmy goats love to climb, jump, and play—add stumps, platforms, seesaws, or sturdy logs for enrichment.
Provide shade in summer and windbreaks in winter.
Use woven wire, cattle panels, or 4-ft goat fencing with small openings (≤4 inches).
Pygmies are escape artists—they’ll squeeze through gaps or climb weak fences.
Secure latches with carabiners or goat-proof locks.
Electric fencing alone is not reliable—use it only as a supplement.
Forage & Browse:
Pygmies thrive on brush, weeds, leaves, and shrubs—they’re natural browsers.
Rotate pastures to reduce parasite load.
Hay:
Offer free-choice grass hay (e.g., timothy or orchard grass).
Alfalfa can be given sparingly to pregnant/lactating does—but avoid excess in wethers (risk of urinary stones).
Grain & Supplements:
Most Pygmies don’t need grain unless pregnant, lactating, or in poor condition.
Never overfeed grain—wethers are highly prone to urinary calculi.
Provide goat-specific loose minerals (with copper—never use sheep minerals).
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.
Vaccinations:
CD&T vaccine (Clostridium C & D + Tetanus):
Kids: First dose at 6–8 weeks, booster 3–4 weeks later.
Adults: Annual boosters; does should be vaccinated 4–6 weeks before kidding.
Parasite Control:
Use FAMACHA scoring, body condition checks, and fecal tests.
Practice rotational grazing and pasture rest.
Deworm only when needed—avoid routine schedules to prevent resistance.
Hoof Trimming:
Every 6–8 weeks (less often on rocky or dry ground).
Use sharp hoof trimmers; trim to the white line—avoid cutting into the pink quick.
Common Health Issues:
Urinary calculi (in wethers—ensure proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and plenty of water)
Pneumonia (in damp, cold, or poorly ventilated shelters)
Coccidiosis (in young kids under stress)
Lice or mites (more common in winter—treat with appropriate sprays or dusts)
Breeding Age:
Does: Can breed as early as 4–6 months, but wait until 7–8 months and ≥50% adult weight.
Bucks: Fertile by 3–4 months—separate from does early if not breeding.
Gestation: ~150 days (5 months).
Kidding:
Usually unassisted, but monitor closely—triplets and quads are common.
Provide a clean, quiet, dry kidding area with fresh bedding.
Kids must nurse within 1–2 hours for colostrum.
Keep kids warm in cold weather—hypothermia is a risk for small newborns.
Milk Production:
Does produce 1–2 pints/day—enough for small household use or feeding extra kids.
Milking is optional; many owners leave kids with dams for natural nursing.
Never keep just one goat—Pygmies are highly social and need companionship.
Minimum herd: 2 goats (e.g., two wethers, two does, or a doe and wether).
Avoid keeping bucks with females unless breeding—they become smelly and aggressive during rut.
Lock goats in a secure shelter at night.
Use livestock guardian dogs, donkeys, or llamas if predators (coyotes, dogs, foxes) are a concern.
Ensure fencing is tight and tall enough to deter climbers and diggers.
✅ Small size = easy handling and lower space/feed needs
✅ Great for families, kids, and educational programs
✅ Hardy and adaptable to various climates
✅ Entertaining personalities and playful behavior
✅ Low-maintenance compared to larger dairy breeds
Start with registered or health-tested goats from reputable breeders.
Wethers make the best pets—calmer, odor-free, and longer-lived than intact bucks.
Keep detailed records of vaccinations, breeding, and health.
Join the National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) for resources and community support.
Provide toys and climbing structures—bored Pygmies become destructive!
With the right care, Pygmy goats can bring joy, companionship, and a touch of playful chaos to your homestead for many years.
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