Goats!

[WildCHILD400]

Im thinking about raising a pygmy goat and I have a few question
Are pygmy goats noisy?
Do they need lots of space and attention?
Do they need to free range like chickens?
Can they live alone?
How big of a "shelter" do they need?
Do they require anything special in the winter?
Is there a better breed for beginners?
What do they eat?

Any tips help, thx!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Are pygmy goats noisy?

Younger ones

Do they need lots of space and attention?

Yes

Do they need to free range like chickens?

Yes,

Can they live alone?

They are social animals. Companionship is a must. They will never leave the herd unless sick or ilness.

How big of a "shelter" do they need?

big enough to keep them dry during rain periods.

Do they require anything special in the winter?

Lots of hay when the grass stopps growing.

Is there a better breed for beginners?

Nigerian

What do they eat?

Pasture grass, tim hay, pellets for weight gain and nanny goats only. Too much grain can hurt a male goat.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Goats can be very loud. You should never keep just one goat, they need a goat friend.

Goats need a shelter out of the elements, and a safe place from predators if that's a concern. They need hay, and grass if available. Goats are escape artists, so keeping them contained can be a challenge.

I've had many breeds, they are all fairly similar except for size and body type from my experiences, so pick a breed that appeals to you.

 

[WildCHILD400]

Thanks for replying so fast iv'e seen goat huts online and some have sides with slits in them is that ok or does the breed need to be stopped? Will they get quieter as they age? Do females and males differ in any major way for a neighborhood pet?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I found females louder, especially during the fall when they come in heat. Feeding grains and rations can cause many goats to yell every time they see you. I currently have 12 wethers of various breeds. I find them friendlier than females in general. I don't feed any grains.

I'm not familiar with goat huts. It depends where you live. If you get really cold winters an enclosed shed is best. If you are where it's hot a more open shed would be better.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Male goats that are not neutered smell really awful when mature. Just so you know. I would steer clear of Boer goats, i found them very sensitive to worms.

 

[jane s chickens]

My 5 month old Nigerian dwarf male is not loud. He only bleats if hes out of water or something's wrong. I'm gonna get 2 females for him to breed in January.

 

[WildCHILD400]

Wow good to know so are the Nigerian dwarfs easier then pygmys

 

[WildCHILD400]

oldhenlikesdogs the rooster in your profile picture is beautiful.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wow good to know so are the Nigerian dwarfs easier then pygmys

I find there's to be similar. Nigerians come in more colors and supposedly produce more milk. Each goat is an individual with some being louder than others, no 2 are alike.