Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. We live in middle Tennessee, and anxiously want NDG’s for our homestead. “I can go outside my milk parlor and just call a name, and they know it’s their turn to come to the milk parlor and they jump on the stand. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Watch out for those little bucks! Remember, this is the height at the point of the withers, not the he… Even breeding bucks are handled easily. Kathy Harm on December 17, 2019 at 5:06 am. “Because of their diminutive size, they really don’t need a whole lot of pasture like you would for a cow, and that’s why they’re so popular with hobby farmers,” says Ann Alecock, show chair of the Nigerian Dairy Goat Association. Just be sure to keep them away from the fence to avoid giving herd escape artists means to roam your neighborhood! I am considering breeding my 8 month old Nigerian dwarf but you say they should be a mature size. In fact, they will often improve a pasture by removing brambles, undergrowth (including weeds) and ivy (even poison ivy) that other livestock won’t eat. They are troublesome little creatures. Her goats were a special breed: the Nigerian Dwarf, ideal for urban farming. None are taller than two feet. CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis) free herd! Common colors of Nigerian dwarf goats are black, white, gold, and dark brown. This is a smaller sized animal, so kids can do more with the animals you have at home when you choose a smaller breed. Video courtesy of Fairland Farm. “It has been a really amazing way to meet neighbors.” She trades milk and mató-style cheese to neighbors for homegrown produce, such as loquats, oranges, and tomatoes. https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/health/damsels-in-distress-recognize-goat-labor-problems/, https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/ownership/the-best-goat-gestation-calculator/. Also, it is 36” tall in the front and slopes back to 32” tall at the back. What if you need a much larger Nigerian dwarf goats shelter? In terms of structural difference, Nigerian dwarf goats vs pygmy goats the size and weight of both breeds never goes far from each other. Dwarf goats breed year round. I would want a doeling to be 60 pounds or close to it before breeding. I have a concern with my girls. Here is a story about recognizing dystocia: https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/health/damsels-in-distress-recognize-goat-labor-problems/ and here is a great due date calculator: https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/ownership/the-best-goat-gestation-calculator/ Good luck! What weight would that be? Nigerian Dwarf goats are easy to handle; even small children can be at ease with these little goats. Bucks are able to be used for service as young as three months of age and easily by the time they are 7 or 8 months old. “They’re my favorite animal,” Scherer says. Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts, and pests like flies and rodents. Size AGA standards require Nigerian Dwarf does to be no taller than 22.5 inches at the withers, and bucks to be no more than 23.5 inches. Our goats are interacted with care and love on a daily basis. However, many Nigerian Dwarf owners do not raise their goats for milk but for the pleasure and companionship these little caprines bring to their lives. “Once I came back from Spain after trying that cheese, I did some research, and that’s when I said I’m getting goats,” she says. Patterning varies widely. They can produce as much as 2-3 quarts a day, though most produce about 1-1.5 quarts per day on average. “They’re sweet natured, good for kids, and very intelligent,” says Alecock. Your vet can suggest any special supplements (such as selenium), additional immunizations and a recommended wormer and worming schedule for your particular herd based on your area and known preventative health measures. Sure enough, the city soon passed a measure allowing for the keeping of small, hornless goats, such as the Nigerian Dwarf (though some Nigerian Dwarfs have horns). Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Dwarfs does can have several kids at a time, three and four being common with some quintuplet births occurring. Many owners find that providing a few “toys” for the goats provides them with hours of caprine entertainment. And doing this will make them more bonded with you and your family members. Nigerian Dwarf goat originated in West Africa but were developed in the United States. The well-known milk breed can grow to about 75 pounds with a height of 21 inches tall. Nigerian Dwarf Goat coats are short, although not as short as that of Saanen goats. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects. Critically, Nigerians don’t need much space. Fun Fact: If you breed a Nigerian Dwarf and a full size Nubian you get a Mini Nubian. But four years isn’t old at all, when it comes to breeding age. The most common dystocia (labor problems) I’ve seen with Nigerian Dwarf goats is when the baby needs help coming out because it is stillborn or hasn’t turned, so I suggest knowing the exact breeding date so you can be ready on the due date. Females of this same breed stand a little more than 22 inches high. They are definitely much smaller in … Some experienced breeders may immunize their own goats; new owners and breeders should take their goats to the local vet for vaccines. Your email address will not be published. For its size, what really sets the Nigerian apart is its prolific production of fatty milk. The front legs are set under the shoulders, back from the chest. Most of the people allow their does to take care of their babies naturally. I hope this helps! Nigerians are know for their even temperaments and their playful, gentle personalities. Some goat breeds require higher fencing but we’ve found this size perfect for our Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Pygmy’s are considered a small or dwarf MEAT breed. It’s hard to find a house-sitter who’s goat-savvy.”, Still, Nigerians tend to be quieter and more agreeable than other goat breeds. Hooves should be trimmed regularly, about every four to eight weeks or more often if needed. They weigh averagely between 60-80 pounds and come in a variety of colors. Some people say that waiting too long to breed a doe can affect her fertility, but so far that is just an anecdotal wives’ tale and I’ve seen no studies to back this up. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the doe at least a 6-month break. The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature goat of West African origin. Offer subject to change without notice. An average doe produces about 2.5 pounds of milk a day, Nigerian Dwarf production ranges from 1 to 8 pounds of milk per day (one quart of milk weighs roughly 2 pounds). “With the right genetic selection, this breed can produce 1,200 to 1,700 pounds of milk [per year] on a modest diet.” In one day, a Nigerian doe can produce a few quarts of milk. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Main color families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every color combination imaginable being produced. Make sure you wean does and bucks separately to help you avoid unintentional breeding. CAE (Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus), and we are a . Most breeders feed a 12–18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. Nigerian Dwarfs are family friendly. Thank You, They are the smallest breed of dairy goat with does (females) standing no more than 22.5 inches and bucks (males) no more than 23.5 inches according to the American Dairy Goat Association. It must not contain urea as this is toxic to goats. It usually weighs between 60 and 80 pounds, which is significantly less than a normal goat. Buckskin patterns are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a “cape” around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe and leg markings. The ears are upright. All rights reserved. You can use a measuring stick designed to measure goat height or you can use a tape measure or yard stick. It is known as the best tasting goat’s milk around. Nigerians are one of two popular diminutive goats. Their calm, even temperament, and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the elderly. Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 lbs. In Denver, Scherer started a Nigerian Dwarf “herd share.” Subscribers paid a donation for goat feed. So if you have any thoughts about that concerning the NDG breed I’d sure appreciate it! In Seattle, a watershed moment came in 2007, with a victory notched by Jennie Grant, founder and president of the Goat Justice League. This is the large herd house we have in our doe area pictured below. Recently, Scherer had to sell her goats when she got a new job. Breeders of other types of goats find their Dwarfs blend in with the rest of their herd and do not need special quarters; just adequate fencing to contain them because of their small size. Their back, or shoulder area, is called their withers. Male Nigerian dwarf goats are about two feet tall, on average. Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Nigerian Dwarf goats have a reputation for their small size, yes, but also their docility, friendliness, intelligence, blue eyes, coats that vary widely in pattern and color, and rich milk. Kind of like a Swiss Alpine goat in miniature with graceful proportions, upright ears, and a soft coat. Her goats have become locally celebrated. The size … But since then we have grown to 12 does and 4 bucks so we have doubled the size of … Some Nigerian dwarf goats will have horses, while others will be hornless. Ideal height for bucks is 19″ to 21″ … Hi Lindsey, most experts on Nigerian Dwarf goats say the ideal weight is 75lbs but a range between 60 and 80 pounds is normal and healthy, depending on her frame. Nigerian Dwarves are only about 20” tall and typically weigh less than 75 pounds, making them much easier to handle and house than the large dairy goat breeds.They’re similar in size to a medium to large size dog and are fine-boned, proportionately small dairy goats (not the stockier Pygmy goats). NDGA is funded through goat registrations and transfers, annual membership dues, and fundraising activities. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable, although the silver agouti pattern and color is a moderate fault (pygmy goat-specific markings). What are the chances they could possibly have complications with delivery. Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats! The withers is the top-most point of the shoulder. Animals are disqualified from the show ring for being oversized for the breed standard and/or for other faults: having a curly coat, roman nose, pendulous ears or evidence of myotonia (a breed characteristic of fainting goats). Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 pounds. On fallow land and around her fruit trees, she spreads “a really heavy dressing of goat manure,” she says. Fresh water in clean containers should also be available at all times. The economics of keeping Nigerian dwarf goats really works in your favor when you consider that female dwarfs produce a robust amount of milk for an animal of this size. Hi Judy, a Nigerian Dwarf in great health can live past 15 years, but I wouldn’t recommend breeding her past 10 years since she can have more complications as she reaches her senior age. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are generally supposed to look like small dairy goats. Other cities have seen similar grassroots efforts, some drawing from Grant’s book, City Goats, which covers topics including working toward legalizing goats in your community, milking, and cheesemaking. They don’t scream like Nubians, thank goodness, but they certainly will let you know when they want something. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects. We had a group of 4 full size goats pastured for a friend for a couple weeks and they were almost annoyingly loud. I was wondering if Nigerian Dwarf Goats are talkative/noisy? An average Nigerian Dwarf Goat stands up to 50 cm tall and is about 70 cm long. Dwarf shows are growing in popularity and are becoming more readily available all over the country. Males reach sexual maturity when they are … Their friendly nature, small size and colorful appearance have made them very popular as pets. Thank you. They are easily trainable. Nigerian dwarf goats are known for their short stature. the peak normal maintained by the American Goat Society and also the American farm Goat Association needs will to be but twenty two.5 inches (57 cm) at the withers, and greenbacks to be but twenty three.5 inches (60 cm) at the withers. I consent to Backyard Goats collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. So now sounds like a great time to breed! For centuries, herdswomen have lured cows with haunting melodies. The bones are flat and the ideal body build is more delicate, with the refined angularity of a dairy animal. Does usually stand about 22 inches at the withers, and bucks, a little over 23 inches. “They have tons of individual personality. They are easy to handle; even small children can be at ease with these little goats. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). However, there are some little tips and tricks that new goat owners don’t always think about. Our goat herd started out as a hobby when we had 4 does and 2 bucks. Alecock, who keeps 50 to 100 Nigerian Dwarfs on 500 acres in Illinois, believes their milk is ideal for mozzarella and feta. The does usually top out at 40-60 lbs while the bucks typically average 55-75 lbs. Nigerian Dwarf goats are best known for their small frame, beautiful variety of colors and markings and their frequent blue eyes. Alecock says she put her daughters through college largely by selling Nigerian Dwarf offspring. Today, miniature goats can be kept in cities across the country, including Phoenix, Austin, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets. Both methods are used successfully. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. “Everybody in the neighborhood knows that goats live here,” she says. Also, another little fun thing about Nigerian goats is the TASTE of their milk. Most of all, babies, often born as triplets and quadruplets, tend to fetch high prices. On top of their compost and dairy potential, Nigerian Dwarf goats, their owners often say, make great pets. Nigerian Dwarf Goat characteristics. Then once you get started with them, and kind of get a groove going with their basic care and it’s not so bad at all.. India's "plantain man" has traveled widely to build a collection of unusual varieties. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Our Goats are blood tested yearly for . Nigerian Dwarf Goats 101 is first in a series of books targeted specifically for Nigerian Dwarf owners. Nigerian dwarf goat colors. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, maybe get a goat instead.”. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4H or FFA. Nigerian goats have risen in popularity due to their small size, colorful markings and dairy characteristics. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Of course, this is a personal choice for each breeder. Lulu (pictured) and her fellow Nigerian Dwarf goats lived happily in a pen in Emily Sherer's backyard. For weight, expect your Nigerian Dwarf goat to weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Very friendly purebred Nigerian dwarf baby goat kids available for re-homing. “They’re a lot of work,” she says. You can bottle-feed the Nigerian dwarf goat’s kids. In order maximize protection against disease & viruses, we do keep a closed herd, and do not show or offer breeding services. Do you know of a reputable breeder we may look into for breeders to start our herd? They are the smallest of the milking goats breeds. For one to just a few goats, many owners find that an oversized dog house or two does the job. 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Required fields are marked *. Fully grown, a Nigerian Dwarf goat is as big as a medium-size dog. Nigerian Dwarf Goats Are Smaller. So many goat resources are geared towards the larger breeds and I know I’ve had questions about how to best care for mine , so I’m really looking forward to reading the whole series. But my perception is that Nigerian Dwarf goats are in the middle. Back in the aughts, a neighbor reported Grant’s illegal goats. Developed by Spain's elite military unit in the 1920s, this cocktail is a favorite among Barcelona's college students. Dwarf bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand breeding (contained) or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come into estrus. She adds it to her coffee every day. Nigerian dwarf goats have short, fine hair. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2021. None are taller than two feet. Pens or houses should be kept clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Many Nigerian Dwarf goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas, and donkeys. She is by far the smallest but has the most attitude and is by far the most dominant female in our herd of goats. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. The Nigerian dwarf goats size will typically be adult does being 17-22.5” tall measured at the withers and the bucks slightly taller up to 23.5” tall. When a leaf blows across her farm, Alecock says, “they all run after it—like it’s a potato chip or something.” A single herd can have goats of many different colors: black, white, chocolate, coffee, and seemingly every shade of brown, some goats with two or three colors. Dwarf goats breed year round. Dispatches on the world's most wondrous food and drink, delivered twice a week. Tree stumps, rocks or large cable spools are great for “king of the mountain” games and jumping. The Nigerian Dwarf does give a surprising quantity of milk for its size. J Rodrick. Nigerian dwarf goat is small but well-proportioned. You can never be sure what color the babies will be until they are born; even then you can’t be sure because many times their color may change. That’s the average size of how big a Nigerian Dwarf goat can get but that’s just a varying point as the breed ‘s size and height depends on their gender. The size of the shelter pictured is 4’ wide and 3’ deep. You may have already fallen in love with the lovable, adorable Nigerian dwarf goat after catching just once glance. We were on milk test when we had both Nigerians and LaManchas, and the butterfat of the NDs was usually almost twice as high as the LMs. Couple weeks and they can produce as much as 2-3 quarts a day, most... Will make them more bonded with you and your family members on 500 acres in Illinois believes. Our site in two years, giving the doe at least a 6-month break the smallest but the. Babies should you leave them to do the raising of the withers they a... 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