Pygmy goats are popular residents at most petting zoos.
Miniature goats like Nigerian Dwarves and African Pygmies are becoming increasingly popular as pets in rural areas of the United States, thanks to their friendly personalities, cute looks and easy upkeep. These breeds grow to only about 20 to 25 inches high and 50 to 75 pounds. Though they are prized primarily as pets, a single goat also can provide enough fresh milk for an entire family. Before you invest in a miniature goat of your own, learn about what taking care of goats entails.
Instructions
1. Choose a pen and shelter that has space for the goats to run and play. The pen must have a fence that is at least 5 feet high that the goats are unable to squeeze through. The shelter can be any type of structure that keeps the goats clean and dry during rain or snow.
2. Buy at least two goats, but no more than one male. Goats are herd animals and can't live alone. Ideally, you would keep five or six goats together in your pen.
3. Keep the bottom of the shelter covered in clean, dry bedding. Goats hate to get wet and can get ammonia poisoning from dirty bedding. You can use a special goat bedding or regular straw.
4. Offer each of the goats a pound or two a day of goat feed, preferably at one morning feeding and one evening feeding. Give the goats free choice of all the alfalfa hay they can eat.
5. Offer the goats free choice of water. An automatic waterer will make sure your goats never run low, and some devices will even keep water from freezing in the winter.
6. Give the goats a climbing toy or picnic table to play on, but do not put it near enough to the fence to enable breakouts.
7. Worm your goats every six weeks.
8. Ask the farrier to trim your goats' feet every four to eight weeks.
9. Ask the veterinarian to examine and vaccinate your goats yearly.
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