About
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Nigerian Dwarf goats are a miniature breed of dairy goat. They are a breed of African origin. They are expressive and sociable little creatures who win people over in a heartbeat.
CARE
They are easy to care for. They require little maintainance compared to other goat breeds. They crave companionship and have a great sense of humor.
Feed Requirements: Hay, Water, and loose GOAT mineral. Grain may be given as a treat or as a staple for growing, pregnant, or lactating females.
Space Requirement: Accoring to the NDGA each goat requires approximately 200 sq/ft of space for exercise.
Social Requirements: Goats require full time companions. They need to be a part of a herd.
Veterinary Requirements: Goats require routine veterinary Care. They should be vaccinated yearly for Clostridium Preferinges Types C&D and Tetenus. They should also be kept on a routine worming schedule.
Grooming Requirements. Goats should be bathed only for shows, brushed only when needed, and hooves trimmed as needed.
BREEDING
Nigerians, originating from the warm climate of Africa, are year-round breeders. They tend to breed more successfully in the fall, and general kid in the spring. however, they ARE capable of breeding year round.
Kids become fertile at a very YOUNG age. Bucklings, from my own experience, can successfully breed adult does at 7-8 WEEKS of age. Does should not become fertile until 5 months, but I have heard reports of does becoming pregnant PRIOR to 8 weeks of age.
Does should not be bred until they are AT LEAST 7 months of age and only if they have reached a sufficient size and maturity. Some people wait until they are 1 year before breeding.
Goats are pregnant for 145-155 days. This is approximately 5 months. Does may deliver multiple kids. In fact, the most common births are twins and triplets. Although, quads and quints are not unheard of.
KIDDING
Birthing Nigerians is generally considered easy, and is usually uneventful. I try to attend every birth here on our farm. All kids are boostered with CD&T at birth. We dip their navels in Iodine, and do an over all health exam upon birth.
Newborn kids are able to walk in a matter of minutes. They are up and feeding almost immediately. They require colostrum to help boost their immune systems. This is also called "first milk". Kids generally begin nibbling hay and grain at about a week old, and are ready to wean at 8 weeks of age.
Disbudding is the process of burning the horn buds on the kids. This is done at approx. 2-4 weeks of age by a state certified veterinarian. A local anesthetic is applied, and the doctor uses a specialized burning tool to cauterize the buds.
This process is an unfortunate necessity. It prevents the growth of their naturally occurring horns. Sometimes, it is common that bucks may grow what are called "Scurrs". These scurrs are very common and are a result of the buck hormones causing the residual horn material to grow out. They are generally harmless and can be cut back as needed.
Our kids here at The Wolverton Family Farm are DAM RAISED. However, upon request, we will provide you with a bottle baby at a young age.
Wethering is done upon request, but does not affect the price of a buck. However, If a goat has already been wethered, the price is generally lower than breeding stock. Prices are evaluated and assigned based on an individuals merits, worth, and of coarse supply/demand.