Pygmy goats were introduced to the United States in the 1950s. Given their calm and friendly nature, they are more popular as pets than livestock in the country. Adaptable to virtually all climates across the globe, these animals have their roots in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. They produce large amounts of milk for their size and food consumption.
Unlike other domestic goats, pygmy goats breed throughout the year. Female pygmy goats weigh about 35 to 50 lbs, and males, 40 to 60 lbs. These goats come in many colors, white caramel, medium caramel, and dark red caramel. Some pygmy goats are also silver-light gray agouti, medium gray agouti, dark gray agouti, black with frosted points, solid black, and brown agouti. A male pygmy goat usually has a deeper color than a female.
Taking care of a pygmy goat mainly means looking after its feeding needs, shelter, and hygiene.
Feeding
A pygmy goat's daily diet must include foods rich in protein, such as fresh greens, grains, and oats. Carbohydrate needs can be met by feeding whole and rolled grains. Oats, corn, goat ration, and sweet feed all provide the vitamins and minerals the animal needs. A pygmy goat requires about ¼ cup of grain each day.
Most hobbyists recommend good-quality alfalfa mix hay and molasses-free grain. A trough is the best way to provide food, it prevents wastage, and pygmy goats will not eat dirty or soiled feed unless they are starving. A mineral or salt block is also recommended.
A variety of forages also benefits these goats. They do well on grasses like fescue, orchard grass, and blue grass. Dandelions, clover, and wild lettuce are forbs that add to their health. They also enjoy browsing on brushes, blackberry, and rabbit brush.
The two essential vitamins for pygmy goats are Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Foods rich in Vitamin A include green pasture, green hay, and yellow corn. During summer, sun exposure gives goats the Vitamin D they need. When the sun isn't strong (especially in winter) sun-cured hay is the best source.
Always provide a fresh, clean supply of drinking water. Warm water in colder seasons and cool water in warmer seasons encourages the animal to drink plenty. Change the water frequently to keep it clean.
Avoid feeding your goat houseplants, evergreen shrubs, flowering bulbs, or landscaping plants, these tend to be poisonous to goats.
Shelter
The shelter should be built with raised wooden platforms. Although pygmy goats are not great jumpers, they like standing on higher ground for a view-from-top experience. Without a raised platform and a dry place to sleep, these goats are prone to acute hoof disorders. They simply do not enjoy sleeping on the ground.
Most hobbyists find that an 8’ × 6’ shed works well for two adult goats. In summer, keep the shed well-ventilated, warm, moist air can trigger respiratory problems and other illnesses. In winter, close the drafts to keep out the cold.
For flooring, clay is the best choice, as most experts agree. Wooden flooring tends to rot over time, while concrete can be cold and damp in winter. Clay flooring helps dissipate urine odor and provides a natural surface for the goats. Build a thick layer of clay over a gravel base. After about two years, apply a fresh layer of clay to renew the floor.
If the backyard where your pygmy goat roams tends to get muddy during the rainy season, place pieces of wood and bricks on the ground. Pygmy goats do not like getting their hooves wet or muddy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much grain does a pygmy goat need per day?
About ¼ cup of grain per day.
How often should you trim pygmy goat hooves?
Every 4 to 6 weeks.
How high should a pygmy goat fence be?
At least 4 feet high to keep dogs and other animals out.
Where are pygmy goats originally from?
The Cameroon Valley of West Africa.
Test Your Pygmy Goat Knowledge!
5 quick questions on feeding, shelter, and goat care. How well do you know these little characters?
Fencing
The fence should be tall enough to keep animals like dogs from wandering into the area where your goats live. A 4-foot-high livestock fence is the recommended minimum. Build a pen with the fence so the goats can move around freely. Avoid barbed wire, there is a high risk of the goats injuring themselves on it.
Hoof Trimming and Worming
Goats with untrimmed hooves are likely to develop lameness, foot rot, or splayed toes. Hoof trimming should be done on a monthly basis, every 4 to 6 weeks. Worming must be done 3 to 4 times annually. Pregnant goats should be wormed during the last month of pregnancy and before kidding, to protect the babies.
It is not a good idea to separate a newborn from its mother and bottle-feed it. This is unnecessary unless a serious need arises for the baby's survival. After a wether (a castrated male goat) has been weaned, do not feed it grain, this helps prevent urinary stones.
Annual vaccinations are also available to keep goats healthy. Get your pygmy goat vaccinated against enterotoxemia, tetanus, and rabies. Keep in mind that no vaccination provides 100% protection against disease, that is why the goat also needs an active, healthy immune system.
Apart from food, shelter, and hygiene, regular interaction with this adorable animal adds to its well-being and health.
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Fun fact for today!Pygmy goats were introduced to the United States in the 1950s, and they're more popular as pets than as livestock!