Basic Care Requirements
The Pygmy Goat is a hardy, good-natured
animal; a gentle and responsive pet. Pygmy goats are not a
dairy breed and most owners do not milk their female goats.
Pygmy Goats need the company of their own kind and should
not be kept alone.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Modest; an 8' x 6' (2.4 x 1.8m) shed, furnished with benches
and hay rack, being suitable for two pets. Electric light
should be provided well out of reach of the goats. If
planning to breed, it is as well to be aware of the
captivating qualities of these very special animals and to
provide housing in excess of that initially required. Pygmy
goats should not be kept as house pets and do not need to
wear coats. Access from the shed to a well-fenced area will
provide space for exercise and fresh air, both essential for
the fun loving Pygmy Goat. Tethering is not a suitable means
of restraint.
DIET
A basic diet of hay and clean drinking water should be
supplemented by 2-8 oz of concentrates a day, depending on
age and condition. Pygmy goats are “browsers” not grazers -
they should not be considered as lawnmowers. Vegetables and
fruit should be added to their diet. Twigs, leaves, bark and
some 'weeds' are the natural food of the goat and will be
welcomed as a great treat. Care must be taken not to allow
access to
Poisonous
Plants. New foods should be introduced
gradually. All food must be clean and untainted.
BREEDING
It is now thought best to leave goats until 14-18 months of
age before having them served. The gestation period is
approximately 5 months. As matings earlier than this age are
possible but undesirable, entire male kids should be
separated from females at 10 weeks of age. Kiddings are
usually uncomplicated, but it is advisable for owners to be
present. Kids may be weaned at 12-14 weeks if they are
taking a good ration of concentrates, but left with their
mothers they may continue to suckle for seven months or
more.
HEALTH
To keep your Pygmy goats healthy they should be provided
with a yellow mineral lick in the goat shed. Their hooves
will need trimming every 4-6 weeks. They will also need to
be wormed at least twice a year, and should be treated
against lice during the autumn and spring. Vaccinations will
be required against enterotoxaemia. Your vet will advise
you on this matter.
Owners not wishing to breed should chose
two wethers. These castrated males make excellent pets, with
none of the drawbacks associated with the entire (stud)
male. Care should be taken to avoid obesity, which can cause
stones in the urethra. The purchase of an entire male kid or
adult should only be considered if owners have several
females and a long term breeding programme.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
All goat-keepers are required by law to register a holding
number and a herd number. This applies even if only 2 goats
are kept in the back garden. To register, contact your
local DEFRA office (Deptartment for Environment, Food
& Rural Affairs)
All goats must be identified by an ear tattoo or ear tag and
any goat movement between properties must be accompanied by
an official licence. The breeder will advise you and comply
with these regulations.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information concerning all aspects
of Pygmy Goat-keeping can be found in the P.G.C. Booklet
"Pygmy Goats" And the video “An Introduction to Pygmy Goat
Keeping” available to members and non members.
The booklet is packed with practical hints and useful information on care and breeding of Pygmy Goats. The video highlights key points from the booklet, and the review in “Country Smallholding” Magazine said:
"This is an ideal basic introduction for
anyone thinking about keeping pygmy goats. It covers all
the basic information including feeding, general
husbandry, healthcare and management, and shows pygmies at
a number of locations, including back gardens,
smallholdings and farms. There is also a section on shows
and Pygmy Goat Club meetings. The standard of filming is
good, showing a wide variety of goats and kids being
enjoyed by all members of the family, including children."
The booklet and video are listed in the
Catalogue section of this website.
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