Cotton Creek Kids

    General Information: Nigerian Dwarf goats originated in West Africa. They are small, gentle, loveable, friendly and make wonderful pets! They are very easy to handle, even for small children and are eligible for 4H and FFA projects. Their milk is higher in butterfat (6-10%), has a sweeter taste, is absolutely delicious and is higher in protien than other dairy goats. Even though they are small they can produce up to 2 quarts of milk or more a day. Because they are small they are easy to keep, don't eat as much and don't require as much room as larger goats.

 

    Feeding: Many goat owners feed a 12%-18% protein goat feed. It is also important that the goats have access to clean hay and fresh, clean water at all times. If you are looking for a lawnmower than you will be very disappointed. Goats are browsers like deer and do not graze like sheep and cows. They are great for clearing brush though. They love leaves, brambles, ivy and undergrowth.  Your Nigerian Dwarf will also need a salt lick and goat minerals. Always make small changes to your goat's diet otherwise they will become ill and they worm load will increase. Goats always have parasites but the key is to keep them under control, so a worming regiment is very important.

 

    Housing/Enviroment:  Clean pens free of dampness, drafts and pests but need ventilation. Goats hate rain and will need a dry place to get out of wet, windy weather. They also need shade in the summer and clean bedding. Do not use cedar as this is toxic to them. They love to jump, run, play, and bounce around so providing them with stumps, cable spools or built "boardwalks" will keep them happy. They love to play "king of the hill" and are so much fun to watch!

 

    What sex do you want:  First of all, goats are herd animals and will need a companion! Two or more goats make up a herd, keeping one goat is cruel and he/she will be miserable and in turn you will be miserable. I'm sure there are exceptions where a goat bonded to another animal, but trust me, you really need at least 2 goats! As to sex, it will depend on what you want to do with your goats. If you only want them as pets/companions and are not interested in milking them then I would advise you get two neutered males called wethers. Wethers will learn their names, come when called, are loving and tend to be friendlier than females (does). Not to mention that wethers are not as expensive as does or bucks (unneutered males) and are less expensive to keep as they don't require as much food as does. If you want milk then obviously you need at least one doe. I would suggest if you are a first-time owner that you either get two does or a doe and a wether.  You can either purchase a pregnant doe if you want milk/kids or find a buck to "service" your doe(s).  You really should think long and hard about getting a buck. A buck will require a seperate living space (It is not wise to keep a doe and buck together all the time.) and they will also need a companion, either another buck or a wether. Bucks also don't make great pets. They are smelly, urinate on their legs and face, practice sex with themselves, their companion, even you. The only reason to have a buck is for breeding and really don't make good pets. On the other hand, if you want to develop your own herd having your own buck may be a good option for you. My bucks are sweet in their own bucky ways and I love them dearly.

 

    Horns/no horns:  I personally believe goats should have their horns removed (disbudded) when they are babies. They are less agressive, much safer with children, you, other animals, and are less likely to get their horns stuck in fences, trees, etc.

 

    Breeding:  Nigerian Dwarf goats can be breed year round; however many breeders tend to breed in the spring and fall. Most owners breed their does once a year giving the doe a break. The gestation period is 145-153 days. They can have 1-5 kids at a time but most have twins. Bucks can be fertile as young as 7 weeks!! Most breeders will wait until the buck is at least 7-8 months old. Females can be bred at 7-8 months but many prefer to wait until the doe is at least a year old or mature enough to breed.

 

    Misc: Hooves should be trimmed about every 4-8 weeks or when needed. Vaccines are yearly and consist of Tetnaus and C&D.  Worming several times a year. Temperature ranges between 102.5 and 104 degrees. Life span: 11-16 yrs.