I having been breeding commercial boer goats on and off for a few years. I hope you find the perfect partner for your wether. You can sometimes find them at rescue shelters as well. Chris Moran: I think it’s a great article! Since people are specifically looking for mini breeds for urban homesteads, I wanted to share my knowledge pertaining to NGD’s. However, I don’t want to sugarcoat the realities of animal husbandry for those who have no prior experience. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. While I do believe it is a fulfilling lifestyle and one I will never stray from, it’s not all rainbows and roses. 10 Things You MUST Know Before Buying Goats - My Homestead Life. I have several friends that are registered goat-breeders, farmers, even those that show goats, and I do know that certain characteristics are specific to different breeds. I hope they identify the issue quickly, sounds like they didn’t quarantine the new goat so if its mites then they likely just infected the whole herd. Maybe if she read an article informing her goats are herd animals and must have another goat companion and need outdoor space that would have been avoided. I saw these cuties and totally fell in love, but in all the research I did I couldn’t find anything that gave me as much useful information! Love your article! The noise, escape risk and let’s not forget the biggest variant, clean up. After the chores (and some love time) they are totally satisfied. So thanks again. I have a goat playground to entertain them. Poor thing was probably dumped like an unwanted dog. How long will the footprints on the moon last? I almost laughed out loud at calling them George. Goat milk is much more popular outside of North America. -Sabrina”, ” A product I used with success for ringworm with sulfur and mineral oil (if this is mites or fungal) is GMT. Amber… THANK YOU so much for the invaluable and super informative information while having a great sense of humor! . Some people think goats are a hobby, some people think goats are an investment, I think goats are a lifestyle. Goats have always been considered very useful animals. In the twenties of the twentieth century, this breed spread to the territory of Italy, France and the United States, where, in fact, it gained its high popularity. The minimum square footage recommended for goats is 250 sq ft per goat, this is the minimum recommendation. In addition, you need to know how to properly take care of a dairy goat. I believe there is a breeder in NC- not sure how close you are to NC. I have had to explain to people why you can’t just get one goat and tie it out in the yard to ea…See More, Lisa J Verge: It is an excellent article. We are currently bottle feeding three baby Nigerian Dwarf Goats and we love them to pieces. They just will, it happens all the time. I hired buck service and took my does in heat to a registered buck that was tested for disease. We’re all just still operating on 24 hours each day. I have 2 Nigerian Dwarf does. If you don’t have a lot of free time to spend with them, you may want to look into livestock that requires less hands-on. Ours come into heat in the fall when the weather gets cool, just as our sheep do. Thank You for your comment, Shirley. !❤❤❤, To Christine Barrett, What is your experience with having bucks when they are in rut, I am an older person and I am trying to decide on purchasing a buck for my 2 Saanens that I want to bred this fall, I have read such scary things about bucks that I don’t know what to do, I live in a rural area and stud service is not readily available in my area, I would prefer that, but I think because it is going to be so difficult in getting a large breed goat to stud service, that I need a buck. The only reason they should have medications is if they are sick. They will also need shelter, a milking station, birthing station, place to store the hay, and play area. That’s barely room for a garden and chickens/rabbits. The high butterfat lends to it’s a rich, creamy and sweet taste that people love. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. They are very smart and know when I have treats in my hand or when the vet is here. Thank God we have great neighbors. Hey, Y’all! I raise and train big cats and hyenas along with various other dangerous exotic animals. Goats in heat are loud (see “noise” below), can be aggressive, want attention, try to escape, personality changes, and they will try to mate anything and everything. Thank you. Anglo Nubian Goat Farming Information. Male and female goats should not be kept together. thank you! Thank you for the original article! I realize I have much to learn, but I am an animal lover with currently 7 cats, a dog, and a turtle. We call them the “stooges”. There are bullet points that I cover, but the gist of it goes, “…if you’re not ready to put the time, effort, blood, …See More, Amber StewArt: I just love your “common sense” writing. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? It does take work, preparation, patience and a lot of trial and error sometimes with any breed of goat. I can tell you who is who by their “noise”. Cheri-”, ” It’s probably either mites or a mineral deficiency. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In terms of evolution, goats could be separated … I have now learned that using a high quality of Lavender oil in 4 oz spray bottle will kills most fungus, mites, and, fleas. If you have this gift of being good with animals, you can totally handle goats! We have 1 new mom, her soon to be wether (he’s 2 weeks old), and a pregnant doe due in March. Swiss Alpine Goats. We’ve had some other breeds and came back to the Nigerians because they are easier keepers and aren’t as noisy in general compared to other breeds we or our neighbor has had. Skin problems have become more of an issue for both man and beast thus I turned to Essential oils for answers. I can provide more information if you are interested. They are also very strong, hardy and mostly popular for their milk and meat production. Now I’m wondering if sheep are poisoned by the same plants. Hi Amber, Thank you for this article. But, BUT (add more buts if needed), there are many people adding NDG’s to their homesteads or backyards because they are the ‘it’ livestock, without giving it any thought or prior goat experience. Bucks can become aggressive and they are very stinky (very). Not to mention the emotional ups and downs wondering if they were going to live or not and giving them iv’s and meds. Any way I had heard so many stories about how bad tempered the buck could be especially during rut. I am a retired healthcare worker and have had Nigerians for 30 years. But if you have experience and you’re successful with animals, goats are awesome so do not be discouraged! I think it is good to know the noise all goats can potentially make if in a closed in neighborhood. These goats are mainly used for commercial purposes and require proper care. The Nigerian is my favorite to raise and I have raised nearly every breed. I do want to ask… One of the reasons I thought about getting these goats is a very good friend of mine had one for years and loved it! Amber, Excellent article. Great suggestion about visiting other goat owners, generally they will be honest about the good and not-so-good sides of raising animals. Traditionally eaten by people of Islamic, Latin American, and Asian descent, goat meat is also growing in popularity due to health benefits and good taste. Also what the line skipping word hopping readers aren’t getting is you do so love the lil cuties that you don’t want to see them end up as refugees trying to find new homes and happiness. (You know what they say about things that sound too good to be true??). Terrible. Also, I think it is overlooked that some people are just naturals with raising stock. Lol. triplets all boys /whether. That is great that you offer them fresh hay at all times. I simply just don’t like them. I really need to evaluate whether I want additional animals on the farmette that will take up time and vet care. Goat meat farming is growing due to the high demand for goat meat. #8 shouldn’t this say you CAN’T get just one? This is one of the best information sites available for good and bad. Hobart did everything he could to keep the mothers from tending to their babies. As you’ve read, I’ve received a lot of flack on this article, but I stand my ground. For an Alpine goat to be registered, there are several general requirements her ladyship must meet. It convinced me that I shouldn’t get goats, and that’s a good thing! But, they are a huge responsibility and one that deserves a great deal of consideration before jumping right in. The Alpine goat originates from the Pashang breed (also called the Bezoar) that came from the center East. What is a 5 letter word for for a wading bird ending in 'SAC'. Alpine goats originated from the French Alps. Joy Perkins Donahue: GREAT article!! I will admit they get a little noisy at feeding time. Reading this has made me realise we do not have the space or adequate fencing to realistically keep a goat safe and secure. If you’re a hater so am I, love my ND ,s. I love my NDG’s it’s all I raise and because I love them so, I want ALL NGDs to have the best possible life- my reason for writing this article. There is never anything at all wrong with giving people information so they can make the best choice for them and the animals they might get. Since not all requirements overlap for both registers, look up the association sites for specific questions on their unique requirements. With that said, with any animal I think that its awful when someone gets an animal without knowing the “cons.” Maybe we wouldn’t see so many livestock in rescue and abandoned. When people say to me they want to get a horse I try to give them the reality of owning one. They are the best breed of goat to have . Alpine goats can milk for up to two years without kidding. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment and encouraging words. But have been very cautious. I want them mainly for the milk. I completely understand your post. Keeping French Alpine goats healthy requires some care and consideration, but is not an insurmountable difficulty. I hate to see people bash such beautiful little goats, just because she doesn’t like them. The French Alpine is a high-octane milk producer, which means that it … I will see how it goes later after I have more experience with regard to purchasing a buck. Our fences are 4 foot. If you’re ready to get your goat on, you’re going to need some names! We have 4 does and 3 bucks. I live a couple miles from a herd. If you have the acreage, this should not be a problem for you. They will, however, eat everything else in sight. I may be able to connect you with a registered breeder. I was not aware of the buck Nigerian Dwarfs temper until reading your blog. Just one. Nigerian Dwarf Goats have the highest level of butterfat content of all the other milking breeds. I do follow a strict worming program with fecal run first to know what worms and the amounts. I would also disagree that goats ‘must’ have another goat for a companion. Clove EO is supposed to be good too. Wow those (I’m sure fine folks) who are bashing your article sound like idiots! They are a great option for crossbreeding. I just have 4 wethers for pets but I knew upon doing my homework beforehand what they were like. I had large goats Sanaan and alpine each gave a gallon a day.. Way too much for the 2 of us.. A single goat will get bored and lonely, very lonely. Amber. My husband is always telling me about goats requiring high fences, eating everything…etc. I love them to death. I have kept goats for 6 plus years now and love them all. It can be a sheep, pony, horse, Llama, alpaca or even many breeds of dogs. Mary, There are several reasons why you DON’T want Nigerian Dwarf Goats, here are my Top 9 Reasons. Best of luck and keep me posted! The main marketing issue for prospective dairy goat producers is the number of commercial processors to whom raw milk can be shipped. Tamera Tergerson: I read the article when you first shared it and thought it was well-written and well-thought out. I do have some wonderful goat cheese in the fridge and a great goat owning community to support me. I live out in the country with a acre.. We have had Nigerian dwarfs since 2012 and have never had a doe that comes into heat monthly. Our love for our goats and our desire to see goats treated properly is the reason why I share this information. She had very good advise. We now have a single buck and he shares a fence line with the does so he’s not alone. There are some points that need to be maintained while brought up these goats. They are also known as Oberhasli. Leslie and Larry Sidwell breed nationally competitive French Alpine dairy goats at their farm near Charlottesville, Virginia, home of ADGA National Champions, GCH Iron Rod Rev Sutra and CH Iron Rod STB Shelby. Your comment truly touched my heart and I sincerely thank you. If you don’t want milk, just pets, keep wethers. I’m still not sure if they are the right fit for our family, but I feel better equipped to seriously evaluate that based on reading the negatives along with all the glowing reviews from people. Goat’s milk cheese is also very popular these days. In fact, she loves them! You have to milk the goats at least twice per day unless you keep a kid on them. I think its all the drugs in the water these days maybe they just need a good filter;) Great job on your article by the way a lot of people need to read it and get a clue, I’ve talked to to many if not most who don’t seem to have one. We used 5′ cattle panels attached to cemented 4 x 4s… a little pricey but sturdy! We have 9 loving goats. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Thank you for your reply. They love the pool slide my husband found on the side of the road, we buried tires halfway up, built up cement blocks which actually helps file down their nails, a fort made of pallets, …They graze, eat grains, corn, molasses, and love peanut hay, or alfalfa hay, tifton hay. – Jamie”, “Sorry to chime in late but it sounds like copper deficiency so get her a copper bollus and then give her another dose in about a week then keep loose minerals with copper. So if you plan on keeping your goats in the same area as your prized petunias, I would strongly reconsider. We want you to join our Homesteading Community and be a part of Your journey. Ribbons hang deep on their bedroom walls. They are great!! Home Tags Goat Farming Advantages And Disadvantages. I think this lady has some valid points, but I would talk with other owners of Nigerians before accepting one opinion. Toggenburg Goat Disadvantages Toggenburg goat breed has a lot of advantages but there are some drawbacks too. I love goats, especially NDG. I have neighbors with goats and i will tell you they do not have the space or the money to properly care for the animals that they have chosen to lock up in their back yard. Once the girls have their kids, if one produces a buck I will keep him for company for my buck to then I will have four total. I do thank you for your comment. Just like shelters go through a vetting process for those wanting to adopt strays, they want to make sure the animals are going to loving homes. Share. In addition, many of these unwanted goats end up homeless and in rescue because the previous owners didn’t know what to expect going in. Very sad to realize years later. They say a bored goat will escape. It also should be obvious that goats need space (if you thought they didn’t before this, you’re not one of those natural animal people most likely). Best of luck. Weathers can be kept with a buck at any age, however, you will always want to introduce them progressively like with any new animal. Currently have thirty…lol. However, they are not heavy producers. Goat Farming. Disadvantages of Alpine goat. Wow, I feel ridiculous for taking the time to comment but I just had to thank you for your honest, in depth look into these guys! Our Pygmy and an Alpine kid this week. They would never stay in the pastures and would jump in our cars if we left the door open, jump on visitors, knock over the garbage cans and get into them. Advantages and disadvantages of Alpine goat breed. I have milked my does for over a year straight but depending on how much milk you need to may not want to milk that long and breed more often.