How to Care for Miniature Goats

Miniature, or pygmy, goats can be kept as pets, milking goats, browsers, or show animals. Pygmy goats are suitable for almost any climate. They are well suited to be part of a herd or housed with other goats. They are an intelligent, docile and responsive pet. Pygmy goat care may vary by animal.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Fence a 20-by-20-foot area with fencing that is four to five feet tall for one or two goats. Goats are intelligent and can escape easily, so inspect your fence regularly for holes or breakage.

2. Provide housing for your pygmy goat. An 8-by-10-foot shed or dog house is appropriate for one or two goats.

3. Twice a day, feed your pygmy goat good quality hay, like alfalfa or red clover. Provide a mineral salt lick.

4. Place the hay onto a hay rack above the ground, as pygmy goats are not likely to eat food from the ground. This also protects against intestinal worms.

5. Supplement your pygmy goat's diet with two cups of dry rolled ration or other grains per day. Females may require more grain than males, especially when lactating.

6. Provide a Tetanus C and D shot once a year and a BoSe shot every 6 months. Consult a vet, as your goat may need additional care or shots depending on the area where it lives or if it is pregnant.

7. Trim your pygmy goat's hooves and groom it regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pygmy goat is not eating or running, or if it stands hunched, has loose stools or a temperature of more that 104 or 105 degrees F, consult a vet for care. These may be signs of serious health issues.
• Do not feed male goats excessive amounts of grain, as this makes them susceptible to urinary tract problems.

[spottedbutts2]

on 7/14/2009 I would do the same as you would a dog. My 3 week old Pygmy knows his name, so when I walk him I call his name and he usually follows. If not then I give a steady pressure on the leash and call him. When he comes I praise him and scratch his head. Still working on house breaking now. I have notice patterns, like he crys alot when he needs to pee.. That or he looks for high places to pee, like my clean pile of clothes. But He is doing good so far!

[jess4deni]

on 2/8/2009 Looking for advice leash training out two miniature pygymies, and suggestions?

[jess4deni]

on 2/8/2009 We have recently gotten two female miniature pygmy goats. One has developed a cough and is hesitant to leave the warmth of the heat lamp. We purchased Piperazine-17 to treat for worms and Duramycinb-10 just in case there is something else going on. Any suggestions on using the two agents together and how to dose. Our feed store was not very helpful and we want to make sure what we are doing is correct. ANy help is appreciated. Thanks !!!

[mamagoat57]

on 12/23/2008 I have a couple of questions
1. Does anybody know how to housebreak a pygmy goat. I have taught mine to go potty on command outside but that doesn't mean she won't come back inside and do it 15 minutes later inside.
2. Does anybody know how to leash train one?