How to Care for Baby Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Nigerian Dwarf Goats are curious and friendly animals.

Nigerian Dwarf Goats have their origins in West Africa. Even though they are much smaller than most varieties of dairy goats, the females can produce up to two quarts of milk per day. Their milk is higher in butterfat than many other types of goat milk. Baby Nigerian Dwarf goats look like little stuffed animals, and have sweet and curious personalities. They make a good addition to a petting zoo because they are good with children. Baby goats are hearty creatures, but some efforts are required to ensure their health and well-being.

Things You'll Need

• Shed or barn
• Warm box or pet bed
• Lamb bottles

Instructions

Goat Housing

1. Provide a clean, dry building where your goats can live. It doesn't need to be fancy: Most sheds will work fine, as long as there are no leaks in the roof, or places where moisture can come in. Mothers will care for their babies and make sure they are warm and safe.

2. Remove any items the goats could injure themselves with. Make sure there is nothing toxic they can nibble on. Goats are very curious and will try to taste everything.

3. Keep orphaned baby goats in a place where they will feel warm and protected -- preferably inside your home or heated garage. Have a warm box or pet bed for them to sleep in.

Feeding Baby Goats

1. Watch the mother with her babies. Most of the time, she will know just what to do -- and she will feed and care for her kids with no trouble. Baby dwarf goats survive mostly on milk for the first several months. When they are ready for solid food, they will learn from their mothers and they will begin to eat with the rest of the flock.

2. Feed orphaned goats several small meals per day. Use vet recommended milk formula, if goat's milk is not available. Purchase bottles designed for lambs from a feed supply store.

3. Make sure the goat learns how to use the bottle right away. Sometimes the goat may take a while to figure out how to drink from a nipple -- but he must get nutrition immediately -- so be patient until he catches on.

Building a Pen for Baby Goats

1. Build your fence with the most secure fencing possible. These notorious escape artists can climb and jump astonishingly well. GoatWorld.com recommends chain link fencing -- if economically possible -- or a combination of hog wire and electric fence. A fence for Nigerian Dwarf goats should be at least four feet high.

2. Check the area inside your pen for wires, scrap metal, or anything your goats could injure themselves with. Don't worry about clearing brush: The goats will take care of that. Do check the area for plants that could be poisonous for your goats. You can find a list at FiascoFarm.com.

3. Provide areas for the goats to climb. They love to climb rocks and bricks. These help keep their hooves worn down, so they don't get too long.

References

• Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association: About Goats
• Country Life: Caring for Orphaned Goats
• Goat World: Proper Fencing for Goats

Resources

• Fiasco Farm: List of Plants That are Poinsonous to Goats