The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Their small stature means they do not require as much space as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets. They are easy to handle; even small children can be at ease with these little goats. Nigerian Dwarfs are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. 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. A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size - up to two quarts per day. In addition, Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10% and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds. 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. They make fantastic outdoor pets and are very hardy and fun.

Nigerian Dwarf Conformation:

    A Nigerian Dwarf goat's conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds. The parts of the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight, although there may be a small break or stop at the level of the eyes. The ears are upright. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable, although the silver agouti pattern and color is a moderate fault (pygmy goat-specific markings). The parts of the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight, the ears upright and forward, with short to medium hair on a soft coat.  Ideal height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17" to 19" for does with does up to 21" allowed in the breed standard. Ideal height for bucks is 19" to 21" with bucks up to 23" allowed in the breed standard. Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 lbs.  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 myatonia (a breed characteristic of fainting goats.) The Nigerian Dwarf is a true miniature in stature which tends to make them easier to kid.

Nigerian Dwarf Temperament

    Dwarfs goats are gentle, loveable, and playful. Their calm, even temperament and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4H or FFA. 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 fending to contain them because of their small size. Many Nigerian Dwarf goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys. 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.  I have always kept the goats with all the other livestock we have had over the years.

Accommodations

    Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts, and pests like flies and rodents. They also require adequate fencing due to their small size. Nigerian Dwarf goats should not be housed in airtight buildings; they need to have ventilation for optimum health. Recommended housing is a three sided shed or shed with open doors to allow the air to circulate.  For one to just a few goats, many owners find that an oversized dog house or two does the job. Pens or houses should be kept clean with fresh hay, pine shavings, or straw for bedding. Many owners find that providing a few "toys" for the goats provides them with hours of caprine entertainment. Tree stumps, rocks, or large cable spools are great for "king of the mountain" games and jumping. Here at Fallen Oak Farm we have used baby equipment that they love to utilize.  Just be sure to keep them away from the fence to avoid giving herd escape artists means to roam your neighborhood!

Breeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

    Dwarf goats breed year round. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the doe at least a 6-month break. Of course, this is a personal choice for each breeders. The gestation period for a doe is 145 to 153 days. For the most part, Nigerian Dwarfs are a hearty breed with few kidding problems. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. Watch out for those little bucks! Bucklings can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean does and bucks separately to help you avoid unintentional breeding.

        Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size, but recommended time frame is over a year. I personally prefer to wait till they are about a year and a half old with well developed pelvises for easier delivery. Dwarfs does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being common with some quintuplet births occurring. Dwarfs are generally good mothers able to take care of their babies should you leave them to do the raising of the kids. They can also provide a surprising amount of milk for their size if you decide you want your own delicious goat milk or cheese.  Bucks are able to be used for service as young as 3 months of age and easily by the time they are 7 or 8 months old. 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. Both methods are used successfully.

Feeding Dwarf Goats

Most breeders feed a 12% - 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration to breeding does and wintered bucks who are thin or stressed by weather conditions. It must not contain urea as this is toxic to goats. Many breeders give less grain if good pasture and browse are available. Hay or pasture should always be provided in abundant supply. Fresh water in clean containers should also be available at all times.  I have found that some hay has more protein than others and a good quality hay is nothing to skimp on.  We almost lost some goats from switching to a cheaper hay that simply was not able to sustain the goats. 

Health Care

    Dwarf goats, like all other breeds, need some basic care for good health and long life. Hooves should be trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks or more often if needed. A properly trimmed and shaped hoof should resemble those of a kid goat's hoof. Vaccinations for tetanus and types C&D centermost are the basis types given. Check with your local vet for other vaccinations recommended for your area. Some experienced breeders may immunize their own goats; new owners and breeders should take their goats to the local vet for vaccines. Worming should be done several times a year. 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.  If you ever have any questions about goat purchased here, please do not hesitate to call us here at anytime of day or night. 

Nigerian Dwarf Coloring

        Color is one of the factors that makes breeding Dwarfs so popular. 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. Main color families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every color combination imaginable being produced. Dwarfs can be Dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patterns are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a "cape" around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe and leg markings or a band around the mid section. Brown eyes are the most common; however, dwarfs with china blue eyes are becoming increasingly popular and available.  This farm specializes in rare genetic patterns with blue eyes.  I have two French patterns with varying eye colors like blue, tan, and brown eyes.  Chamoisee and Cou Clair are among the most prevalent patterns available.  However, the occasional Cou Blanc and Chamoisee Blanc have been known to occur.  Fallen Oak Farm goats are all dual registered with the AGS and NDGA and meet all breed standards.

How Much Do They Cost?

        Average cost for registered breeding stock is between $250 and $500 per head, with champion pedigrees, milk production recorded animals and unusual coloring at premium prices.  Pet quality stock often costs much less with wethers  (neutered males) generally available for $100. Most of Fallen Oak Farms fall into the show quality range and does usually are about 300 to 450 in price depending on conformation and quality of the animal.  Discounts are given for multiple animals purchased and also for  wethers as pets. 

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