Raising and caring miniature goats is very easy and simple. They are smaller in size and very good as pets. Most of the miniature goats are of great temperament.
Actually, these type goats are smaller than any other known and popular goat breeds. On an average, size of such miniature goats ranges from 15 inch to 24 inch. And it’s very easy to care for them and are also suitable for children to look after.
Caring Miniature Goats
Nigerian dwarf and Pygmy goats are most popular and known miniature goats. Here we are describing about the process of raising miniature goats.
Ensure Good Space For Your Goats
Compared to other common goat breeds, miniature goats require less space. They will be fine and live happily with a 20 feet * 20 feet space. The space should be fenced off for preventing roaming. About 5 feet high fencing will be suitable for your goats.
Such fencing will also be helpful for preventing predators (such as dogs or foxes). Miniature goats are playful like other goat breeds. So, they need space for playing and having fun.
Make a Good Shelter
Make a good shelter for your goats to keep them safe from rainy and cold weather. Like other goat breeds, miniature goats also do not like being wet or windblown. So provide them a good shelter for getting out of the elements.
As they are smaller in size, so any small type of shelter should be suitable for them. But the house should be suitable enough for providing enough room to each goat according to the number of goats you have. Try to keep the house clean always. And in the inside of the shelter you can use fresh straw as bedding.
Provide Nutritious Food
Always try to feed your goats fresh and nutritious food. A good pasture with quality green feeds should be a priority for caring miniature goats. Supplement their foods with grain, hay and vegetables.
Keep the hay feeders above the ground for preventing your goats from infection from parasites. If you feed your goats grain, then keep the grain in a large garbage can (preferably metal). Metal can will be helpful for keeping the grain safe from rats or mice.
Ready-made feeds are also available for miniature goats in the market. You can also feed your goats this type of food. Whatever you feed your goats, just keep in mind that ‘the food is nutritious enough for keeping your goats healthy’.
Always Provide Clean Water
Goats don’t like dirty water. So always try to feed the goats sufficient amount of clean and fresh water according to their daily demands. Always ensure the water pot is filled with clean and fresh water.
Tips & Cautions For Caring Miniature Goats
It’s known to all that, ‘miniature goats are very affectionate’. They enjoy playing and also interacting with humans. It will be better, if you can keep some playing elements in front of them.
Try to spend some time with your goats, and am sure both of you will be happy. Groom your goats on a regular basis. Miniature goats enjoy being brushed. Use special type of brush with soft bristles but is firm enough to brush through their hair.
Trim their hooves at least after every four months. Vaccinate and deworm them regularly. Never feed your miniature goats excessive amount of grain. Because excessive grain can cause urinary calculi. And finally, always monitor your goat’s health and visit your vet if you notice any problems among your goats.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about caring miniature goats. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about caring miniature goats. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
How to take care of miniature goats?
Caring for miniature goats is very easy and simple. You just have to feed them good quality food, medicate them and clean them regularly.
What do you feed a miniature goat?
Miniature goats are just like other goats. They will eat grass, hay, grain, weeds, tree branches, pellets etc.
What is the lifespan of a dwarf goat?
Exact lifespan of the goat depends on the variety. But most of the miniature goat’s lifespan is between 15 and 20 years.
Are dwarf goats friendly?
Yes, dwarf goats like Nigerian dwarf are very friendly and excellent as pets.
Can you toilet train a miniature goat?
Take them to their litter box immediately after they wake up, and say “Go potty” (or whatever verbal command you chose) when they are inside the litter box. The goats will relate the command with the urge to urinate. When they void, reward them with praise or even treats. Thus you can toilet train a miniature goat.
Are miniature goats hard to keep?
No, miniature goats like ‘Pygmy’ are easy to raise. You can even raise them easily if you have small space to keep them inside.
Can dwarf goats live outside in winter?
No, you should not keep the dwarf goats outside in winter. Although, goats can tolerate the cold winter temperatures if they are dry and protected from the wind.
How much land do you need for a small goat?
A dwarf goat will require around 10 square feet housing space.
How tall of a fence do you need for dwarf goats?
Having a 3 foot fence will work best for most of the dwarf goats.
Do miniature goats jump fences?
Most of the miniature goats don’t tend to jump fences.
