Raising Kiko goats can be a rewarding venture, whether you're interested in meat production, brush clearing, or adding hardy livestock to your homestead. Known for their resilience, fast growth, and excellent foraging ability, Kiko goats are a popular choice among goat farmers—especially in varied or challenging environments.
Origin: Developed in New Zealand in the 1980s from feral goats, selectively bred for meat production and hardiness.
Key Traits:
Hardy & disease-resistant: Adapt well to diverse climates and rugged terrain.
Excellent foragers: Reduce feed costs by browsing efficiently.
Fast-growing kids: Reach market weight quickly.
Low maintenance: Require less intensive management than many dairy breeds.
Good mothers: High kidding rates and strong maternal instincts.
Provide a three-sided shelter or barn that protects from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.
Ensure dry, draft-free conditions—especially for newborns.
Bedding: Use straw or wood shavings; keep clean to prevent parasites and disease.
Kiko goats are agile and curious—secure fencing is essential.
Use woven wire (field fencing) at least 4–5 feet high, or electric fencing with multiple strands.
Avoid large gaps that kids can slip through or predators can enter.
Kikos thrive on browse (brush, weeds, shrubs) more than grass.
Rotate pastures to reduce parasite load and maintain forage quality.
Provide diverse plant species—they prefer variety and select nutrient-rich plants.
Mineral supplementation is critical—offer a goat-specific loose mineral (not sheep minerals—they contain copper, which is toxic to sheep but essential for goats).
Hay: High-quality grass or legume hay during winter or drought.
Grain: Generally not needed unless for pregnant/lactating does or growing kids in poor pasture.
Kikos have natural resistance to internal parasites but are not immune.
Practice FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg counts, and rotational grazing.
Use dewormers judiciously to avoid resistance—only treat when necessary.
Core vaccine: CD&T (Clostridium perfringens Types C & D + Tetanus).
Follow a vet-recommended schedule based on your region.
Trim hooves every 6–8 weeks or as needed, depending on terrain.
Wet or soft ground increases risk of hoof rot.
Pneumonia (especially in young kids)
Coccidiosis (in stressed or overcrowded kids)
Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) – test and manage carefully
Does: 7–10 months old and at least 60–75% of adult weight.
Bucks: Can be fertile as early as 4–6 months, but best to wait until 12 months.
Kikos can breed year-round, though many breed in fall for spring kidding.
Gestation: ~150 days (5 months).
Most Kiko does kid unassisted—a hallmark of the breed.
Provide a clean, quiet area for birthing.
Ensure kids nurse within 1–2 hours to receive colostrum.
Typically at 8–12 weeks of age.
Monitor doe condition—some may lose weight if nursing multiples long-term.
Use guard animals: Livestock guardian dogs (e.g., Great Pyrenees), donkeys, or llamas.
Secure pens at night if predators (coyotes, dogs, bears) are active in your area.
Consider motion-sensor lights or secure night pens.
Keep records of:
Breeding dates & expected kidding
Vaccinations & deworming
Weight gain (for market readiness)
Health issues
Pedigree (if registered)
Meat production: Kiko-crosses (e.g., with Boer goats) are popular for improved muscling while retaining hardiness.
Brush control: Rent goats for land clearing—eco-friendly alternative to chemicals or machinery.
Registered breeding stock: High demand for purebred or percentage Kikos with good genetics.
✅ Start with registered or reputable breeder stock to ensure breed traits.
✅ Avoid overfeeding—Kikos don’t need rich diets and can develop urinary calculi if overfed grain.
✅ Observe your herd daily—early detection of illness improves outcomes.
✅ Join a Kiko goat association (e.g., International Kiko Goat Association) for resources and networking.
If you’re just starting out, consider beginning with 2–3 does and a wether (castrated male) for companionship—goats are social and shouldn’t be kept alone. Add a buck later or use a neighbor’s for breeding.
Related Keywords: goat care guide, raising Kiko goats for meat, Kiko goat feeding requirements, Kiko goat shelter needs, best fencing for Kiko goats, Kiko goat health management, breeding Kiko goats, Kiko goat kidding tips, raising Kiko goat kids, grazing and foraging for Kiko goats, deworming Kiko goats, Kiko goat mineral supplements, predator protection for Kiko goats, hardiness of Kiko goats, Kiko vs Boer goats, low-maintenance meat goats, Kiko goat pasture rotation, starting a Kiko goat farm, Kiko goat vaccination schedule, natural parasite resistance in Kiko goats