Raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Raising Nigerian Dwarf goats is a popular choice for small farms, homesteads, and even suburban backyards. Despite their small size, they’re excellent milk producers, friendly, and relatively easy to manage.

1. Understanding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

• Origin: West Africa; developed in the U.S. as a miniature dairy breed.

• Size: 17–23.5 inches tall at the withers; adults weigh 35–75 lbs.

• Milk Production: 1–2 quarts per day (up to 3 with excellent genetics); high butterfat (6–10%).

• Temperament: Gentle, curious, social—great with children.

• Lifespan: 12–15 years with proper care.

• Breeding: Can breed year-round; reach puberty at 7–8 months.

2. Housing Requirements

Shelter:

• A dry, well-ventilated 3-sided shed or barn is ideal.

• Provide at least 10–15 sq ft per goat indoors.

• Bedding: Straw or wood shavings (change regularly to prevent ammonia buildup and parasites).

• Protect from drafts but allow airflow to reduce respiratory issues.

Outdoor Space:

• Minimum of 200 sq ft per goat in a secure yard.

• They love to climb—add platforms, stumps, or safe play structures.

3. Fencing

• Use 4- to 5-foot woven wire, cattle panels, or goat-specific fencing.

• Gaps should be ≤4 inches to prevent escape or injury.

• Electric fencing can supplement but isn’t always reliable—they’re clever and may test boundaries.

• Secure latches—they’re notorious escape artists!

4. Nutrition

Forage & Pasture:

• Nigerian Dwarfs thrive on browse (leaves, weeds, brush) but also graze on grass.

• Rotate pastures to reduce parasite load.

Hay:

• Provide high-quality grass or legume hay (e.g., alfalfa for lactating does).

• Free-choice hay is recommended, especially in winter.

Grain & Supplements:

• Lactating does: 0.5–1.5 lbs of goat grain daily.

• Dry does & wethers: Usually no grain needed—overfeeding can cause urinary calculi in males.

• Loose mineral: Must be goat-specific (with copper—never use sheep minerals).

• Fresh, clean water available at all time—milk production depends on hydration.

5. Health Care

Vaccinations:

• CD&T vaccine (Clostridium C & D + Tetanus) is standard.

• Kids: First dose at 6–8 weeks, booster 3–4 weeks later.

• Annual boosters for adults; does should get a booster 4–6 weeks before kidding.

Deworming:

• Use FAMACHA scoring, fecal tests, and pasture management.

• Deworm only when needed to prevent resistance.

• Common dewormers: Fenbendazole, Ivermectin, or Moxidectin (rotate classes).

Hoof Trimming:

• Every 4–8 weeks, depending on terrain and moisture.

• Use sharp hoof trimmers; trim to the pink line (avoid bleeding).

Common Health Issues:

• Coccidiosis (in young kids under stress)

• Pneumonia (especially in damp, cold conditions)

• Urinary calculi (in wethers fed too much grain—ensure proper Ca:P ratio and plenty of water)

• Mastitis (in lactating does—check udder regularly)

6. Breeding & Kidding

Breeding Age:

• Does: Wait until 7–10 months old and at least 75% of adult weight.

• Bucks: Fertile as early as 3–4 months—separate from does if not breeding.

Gestation:

• ~150 days (5 months).

Kidding:

• Most Nigerian Dwarfs kid unassisted, but monitor closely.

• Common to have twins, triplets, or even quads.

• Ensure kids nurse within 1–2 hours for colostrum.

• Keep kidding area clean, dry, and quiet.

Milking:

• Begin milking after kids are weaned (usually at 8–12 weeks).

• Milk twice daily, 12 hours apart, for consistent production.

• Milk yield can last 9–10 months per lactation.

7. Social Needs & Behavior

• Never keep just one goat—they are herd animals and become stressed or depressed alone.

• Minimum herd: 2 goats (e.g., two does, or a doe and a wether).

• Bucks can be kept alone but may become aggressive or smelly—many keep them off-site or use artificial insemination.

8. Predator Protection

• Use livestock guardian dogs, secure night pens, or llamas/donkeys.

• Lock goats in a predator-proof shelter at night.

• Motion-sensor lights can deter coyotes, foxes, and roaming dogs.

9. Daily & Seasonal Care Checklist

Daily:

• Fresh water & feed

• Observe for signs of illness (lethargy, diarrhea, coughing)

• Check fencing

Weekly:

• Clean water buckets & feeders

• Inspect hooves

Monthly:

• FAMACHA check, body condition scoring

Seasonally:

• Vaccinate, deworm (based on need, not calendar)

• Trim hooves

• Evaluate pasture rotation

10. Why Choose Nigerian Dwarfs?

✅ High butterfat milk (great for cheese, soap, or drinking)
✅ Gentle temperament—ideal for families
✅ Small size = easier handling and lower feed costs
✅ Efficient converters of forage to milk
✅ Prolific breeders with strong maternal instincts

• Start with registered goats from reputable breeders for better health and milk genetics.

• Keep detailed records (breeding, vaccinations, milk output).

• Join a local goat club or the American Goat Society (AGS) or American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) for resources.

With proper care, Nigerian Dwarf goats can be joyful, productive, and rewarding additions to your homestead.

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