If you are looking for a unique pet or a dairy goat, the Nigerian Dwarf goat might be able to help. This animal is a great pet because of its playful nature.
The Nigerian Dwarf goat, despite its gentle nature, is extremely resilient and can adapt to almost any climate. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need about this beautiful goat.
Here are some quick facts about the Nigerian Dwarf Goat
| Species Name: | Capra aegagrus hircus |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Temperature: | Multifunctional |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Color Form: | Any color |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 Years |
| Size: | Maximum 80 Pounds |
| Diet: | Herbivorous |
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Overview
Nigerian Dwarfs are highly prized for their ruggedness in their home country of West Africa. Because they are smaller than other goats, they are easier to care for in harsh environments.
It is quite interesting to learn how Nigerian Dwarfs arrived in America. American zoos began mass-importing African predators in the mid- to late 1900s. They came across the gentle Nigerian Dwarf and decided that it would be a good, low-maintenance food source for the predators as they traveled back home.
Most of the goats survived, despite all odds. The Nigerian Dwarf was able to find a new home at American zoos. They were small in stature but friendly and attracted a lot of attention, especially from children who couldn’t get enough of them.
They were adopted as pets or farm animals within a matter of minutes.
What is the Cost of Nigerian Dwarf Goats?
You can get a registered Nigerian Dwarf to breed for $200-$500 depending on their bloodline. They are considerably cheaper if they are to be kept as pets, at $50-100.
You should only work with reliable breeders if you plan to buy breeding stock. There are many goat breeder associations that can help you find the right people.
Another great way to find a good breeder is through goat shows. They showcase the best stock. Don’t buy goats at shows, as they can be expensive. Instead, get in touch with breeders and insist that you visit their farms before purchasing a goat.
The best way to evaluate the quality of their stock is to visit a breeder’s property. A farm that is well managed will have healthy goats.
Consider buying goats in pairs when you are considering adopting them. Because they are social animals (herd animals), they will not be able to survive on their own.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
The Nigerian Dwarf is friendly, playful, and docile. They will even seek out you for interaction. They are also responsive to vocal calls. You can bottle-feed them as babies if you want to keep one as your pet.
This will strengthen your bond. You should not bottle-feed them for any other purpose, as they might become dependent on you.
Varieties and Appearance
The Nigerian Dwarf, as their name implies, is smaller than the average goat. The height of a dose is between 16 and 21 inches, while bucks can reach up to 23 inches. Goats can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds.
The Nigerian Dwarf, like other breeds, comes in many color combinations. The most popular ones are black, dark brown, and gold in all kinds of patterns. Like other goats, the Nigerian Dwarf has short, fine hair.
Some Nigerian Dwarfs have horns while others don’t.
How to Care for Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Even though they are small, Nigerian Dwarfs can jump over most fences. To prevent this, your fence shouldn’t be lower than 4 feet. Fences can be used to keep your goats safe and also protect predators.
You should keep wire fencing as tight as possible to prevent animals from getting through.
They will need shelter from the elements. You should also give them enough space to exercise. Your goat will also enjoy toys like tree stumps, large stones, and cable spools that can be used for climbing or jumping.
These toys should not be kept close to the fence as they could be used by your animal to jump over it.
Are Nigerian Dwarf Goats able to get along with other pets?
Because of their smaller size and friendly nature, these goats can get along well with other pets. If you have a large dog, ensure that your pet is well-socialized and does not consider your goat prey.
What to feed your Nigerian Dwarf
These goats love to browse herbs, leaves, shrubs and weeds. As they are able to manage their own food, you should allow them to roam free in the pasture. They will also be more active, which can help improve their health.
Hay is a great alternative to pasture if it’s not available. Consider purchasing high-quality alfalfa hay. This hay is high in calcium which is important for optimal growth and development as well as milk production.
Alfalfa Hay can be expensive so some people choose to use other types of hay and supplement with alfalfa pellets.
Supplementation is something you might consider giving your Nigerian Dwarf as a supplement, since they may not be receiving all the nutrients that they need from their food.
You should avoid sheep-specific supplements and instead choose those for cattle and goats. Because sheep supplements lack copper which is vital for goats,
Fruits and vegetables will be a favorite food of the Nigerian Dwarf. Also, ensure that they have constant access to clean, fresh water.
Keeping Your Nigerian Dwarf Healthy
The Nigerian Dwarf, like all goats, requires regular deworming and hoof trimming. Experts recommend trimming their hooves once a week and deworming them at least twice a year. You should also ensure that your pet receives all necessary vaccinations every year.
A vet who is experienced with goats is a great resource to check on your Nigerian Dwarf regularly.
Breeding
Nigerian Dwarfs can produce up to 5 children per kidding. A Nigerian Dwarf Doe can become pregnant at 4 months of age, but it is best to not breed them before they reach 8 months.
A doe may display these signs when they are hot:
- Flagging their tails
- A swollen rear end
- Mucus or discharge signs
- Pronunciation of yelling or bleating
- Looking for bucks?
You will need to find a way to stop your Nigerian Dwarfs from breeding throughout the year. They should not share a fence as they can mate through them.
Are Nigerian Dwarf Goats Suitable for You?
This breed is a great choice for anyone looking for a pet goat or a milk producer. Because they are easy to breed, they can be a great choice if you’re looking to get into goat breeding.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Dwarf is a great starter goat breed if you’ve never had one before. They are friendly and small and very adaptable. You must be able to accept more than one as they will be happier if you are with their kind.
How large may Nigerian dwarf goats grow?
These are little goats with short, straight coat that comes in a range of black, white, brown, red, and gold color patterns. The average adult weighs 40 to 60 pounds, measures 24 to 30 inches in length, and stands 16 to 20 inches tall (males can stand up to 23 inches).
Nigerian Dwarf goats eat what?
Dwarf Nigerian goat Goats are browsers, consuming the tops of woody shrubs and trees. A doe may produce up to two quarts of milk per day, which is richer in butterfat (6–10%) and protein than milk from other dairy goat breeds. Nigerian dwarf goats are kept for milk production as well as for companionship.
Can goats eat bananas?
Fortunately, the answer is yes, goats can consume bananas. In moderation, they may be a tasty treat for your goats.
Fruit can Nigerian Dwarf goats eat?
You may supplement and treat your goats to all types of fresh fruits and vegetables on the side as long as they have a balanced diet.
Can I feed my Nigerian dwarf goat’s baby?
Growing Children Goat youngsters should be fed goat milk for the first eight to ten weeks of their lives until they are weaned. They will begin to consume hay after a few days and should have free access to high-quality hay.
Nigerian Dwarf goats can live inside?
Keeping even a small goat breed as an indoor pet, such as a Nigerian dwarf or Pygmy goat, is just not a smart idea. While some people have successfully toilet-trained newborn goats, they will feel too constrained in such an unnatural setting and will eventually wreak havoc on whatever they can chew or climb on.
How long do Nigerian dwarf goats have the ability to reproduce?
Dwarf goats breed all year. Does can be bred at 7 to 8 months of age if they have attained 34 percent of their mature weight at the time of the first breeding. Some breeders prefer to wait until their puppies are at least a year old. Many breeders breed their dogs three times in two years, giving the doe a six-month or longer rest between breedings.
Do Nigerian Dwarf goats produce milk even when they are not pregnant?
A goat must first become pregnant and have her own children before she can produce milk. Her body produces milk to nourish the children. Dairy breeds have been developed to produce more milk than their children require.
Can goats and hens coexist?
It’s good to let hens and goats run free together, but they do require their own space when not turned out. You’ll need to provide a safe haven for the hens away from the goats, where they can stay warm and safe from predators.
Can Nigerian Dwarf goats withstand the heat?
Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Pygmy Goats These little goat breeds can tolerate harsh weather conditions.