Our animals and our family thrived on what little we had and from our experience, we are able to share that with others who are striving to do the same. People unfortunately read about every other line and about every third word of an article and then attack the messenger when they half half the information produced to them. Every winter, when most dairy goats are pregnant, someone will post a link to this study in an online group and ask if they should be feeding their does grain during pregnancy. Inexpensive to Own. Maizey gives her love & hugs! I raise and train big cats and hyenas along with various other dangerous exotic animals. The high butterfat lends to it’s a rich, creamy and sweet taste that people love. It is blatantly obvious…she even said she loves the Nigerians and will always own them. I’m embarrassed to say that every example you and others gave of what I will call the naive’ consumer, was ME! It can be a sheep, pony, horse, Llama, alpaca or even many breeds of dogs. To you??? If you’re ready to get your goat on, you’re going to need some names! You have to milk the goats at least twice per day unless you keep a kid on them. Which is totally feasible for one acre. Using goats is a great way for Ford to introduce folks to the Bronco Sport’s G.O.A.T. You can sometimes find them at rescue shelters as well. Many people go into animal husbandry without a understanding of how hard it can really be. They sound like screaming girls. I love reading the warnings because I feel it helps us prepare better and ultimately be better and happier livestock keepers. Goats are jumpers and climbers. Some goats are good milkers and some are not. One of the better articles so much appreciated. Really, they’re the backbone of any diet, including yours. Learn More see Privacy Policy. Demographics? No one sees this side if it, they just see the cute baby goats being fed bottles. Its expensive and their is alot of hard work involved. We got ours at about 3 months old and they are now 6 months. I grew up riding horses and my husband and I plan on buying acreage in the next few years with plans of buying a couple of horses, and (maybe) goats! “Could be either sarcoptic or chorioptic mange. Poor thing was probably dumped like an unwanted dog. No HOA! 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. Homesteading is very rewarding but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I realize my two-year-old will probably not be around them as much for another year or so because of his age but would you say that these are as sweet and as good of pets for young children. This is one of the best information sites available for good and bad. They are easy kidders, often with triplets and it’s fun to see what color is going to be delivered next!!!! Any way I had heard so many stories about how bad tempered the buck could be especially during rut. Many goat owners will argue but it’s worth looking into. Hint: only bored goats will behave rebelliously, so get them more space with plenty of fresh forage and they will be happy , We are in ❤ with our Nigerians!! ... 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Raise Wild Animals as Pets. Easy keepers, they grow fast, kid without help, no hoof trimming, and seldom worming. I made sure he was eating his minerals but also give him a little crushed up zinc since I read that well water might make it hard for his body to absorb zinc. All the cuteness wears off and reality starts. Mineral Feeder. I wish I had know about this before. 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. I have 2 Nigerian Dwarf does. She in in with two other does neither which have this condition. Some does are vocal when they are in heat, but not loud enough for neighbors to hear. 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. It is the first realistic article I’ve read on the matter and I haven’t really considered getting NDGs because everything I have read was too good to be true. Thank you for this article I realize they are a handful just like most any small animal but in my opinion the writer made it very clear that she does love these precious goats! You may want to re-read the article. People do not think things through when the thought of including a cute lil critter into the family. You probably shouldn’t comment if you didn’t read the article. WOWZA. Thank you. I bought it premixed at the local feed store. Just know that you’ve helped educate a lot of people including myself and I am grateful. I’ve got 3 NDG. My 4 does should be kidding this month! I guess I was just blessed . I’m looking forward to exploring your site more. Probably you have heard of Argan oil”Moroccan oil”. Having read the article it felt like I would be delighted to own Nigerian Dwarfs just as she does. I thought it was actually very loving towards the breed to let people know what is required and what they need to think about. 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. I love our goats and I think any responsible owner should know the pros and cons before diving in. Order now! Amber, thank you for this eye opening article. Generally, our fence was sufficient to keep them on our property, but when something spooks them- watch out. She NEVER said she didn’t like them. Take a breath and learn the downside. Just one. I don’t think you are trying to label NDG as bad just trying to educate people before they dive in expecting it all to be a breeze. I do follow a strict worming program with fecal run first to know what worms and the amounts. It was her best friend and went everywhere with her LOL You always hear about their energetic, playful and friendly Personalities. That’s false information…They will nibble on things such as clothing , shoes, etc but they dont eat them. They will, however, eat everything else in sight. 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. Forgive me but if this is what she has it would be best to retire her so the gene is not passed on. One of my males climbs a tree about 7 feet and will stand over the food bin until I feed them and even he hasn’t tried to escape. Best of luck with your new goats, please keep me posted. The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association states does should ideally be 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) in height, with a maximum allowed height of 21 inches (53 cm), and bucks should ideally be 19–21 inches (48–53 cm), with a maximum allowed height of 23 inches (58 cm). Great article for my research, I’m considering wethered males for pets. Are you saying that there are mini nigerian dwarf goats that are smaller than 22 inches? 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. I am thinking about getting 2 for my children. I can’t believe the flak you’ve gotten in the comments! I too had to provide recent test papers for health before approval. That is really awful. âOn the other hand, they must see sufficiently clearly in the forward direction to guide rapid locomotion over potentially rough terrain.â. Most goat breeds only come into heat one season a year, generally in the fall season. As I mentioned in the article, we live in a very close development with neighbors all around with 1/3 acre. I think some are pretty unfair and I don’t think they have read everything you said and also are reading some of out of context. Thanks for this article. They are small like a large dog so one acre is plenty of area to roam. I was hoping later to find someone with a buck to kid. We currently have 4 that are pregnant so we will be swimming in baby goats! Well, they can be. Before you start shooting the messenger and accuse me of wrecking your homesteading dream or saying I’m a goat-hater, let me explain myself. I love them very much, I only breed them once a year because they are my babies lol. I have a goat playground to entertain them. I have been considering for a while getting 2 and you gave me some things to think about; didnt discourage me, but rather armed me with the proper knowledge to own them successfully where THEY are happy too and not just me!! Or boy- they love to call the men. I can tell you who is who by their “noise”. However, because they are the homesteading ‘it’ livestock, many urbanites are buying them because of their small stature and their adorable goatness. If you desire gallon(s) of milk, you will want a larger goat breed, like Nubian’s. By taking special care of their diets, you can make sure your goats have the right vitamins and minerals. I guess I just assumed people know that not ALL NGD’s are identical such as not all dogs, pigs, and even people aren’t 100% exactly the same. Anna I didn’t get a notice that you asked me anything. Goats can be great pets for kids! I do not agree that they are noisy. We are registered breeders so when you’re ready I would be happy to get you started! He also shares a barn with them but has a separate sleeping stall. If you get an animal with that expectation, you suddenly have to get thrown into the reality that yes, this english angora rabbit really does need biweekly blowouts to stay healthy and yes, my plans do have to be cancelled when I have to get the chains out for my heifer during labor. You want to minimize rehoming the goats so check the laws first. Mainly because I’ve deleted most of the really nasty comments. Just provide the shipping address for the person receiving the goat and what you'd like the note to say. I have to be honest, I’ve never seen a quiet goat. It is because I care about the goats welfare that I give warnings to want-to-be homesteaders and future goat owners. Valentine's Elephant $ 23.95. It’s obvious your article was for consideration not bashing. just a quick note of thanks for all your info! I agree with you completely. Do does and withers do well together or are same sex better together? We have 9 loving goats. They will also need shelter, a milking station, birthing station, place to store the hay, and play area. It’s easy to think when you’re getting an animal that time will come from some intangible fairytale place. Thank you! Once again, thank you for taking the time to comment. They also require care like: feeding, trimming hooves, oral care, brushing, worming, giving treats, milking, supplements, vet checks, and special care during pregnancy and birthing. I want them mainly for the milk. My daughter & Maizey the goat are best friends! There are mini-Nubians as well. Ignore the haters…they aren’t worth the time or negative energy. Horizontal pupils help here, the team found, because their shape creates a sharp panoramic view thatâs wider and shorter than what youâd get with a round or vertical pupil and lets the animal see nearly all around itself. Top 6 Energy Sources for Living Off The Grid. Their horizontal, rectangular pupils seem alien compared to the round pupils of people and dogs and the vertical slits of cats. I really need to evaluate whether I want additional animals on the farmette that will take up time and vet care. I simply just don’t like them. As for being noisy and escape artists, it is important to note that they CAN be these things, it all depends on YOU. Therefore, we regularly worm our goats, keep them vaccinated, keep their living quarters clean, and trim their hooves. If you are going to feed your goats minerals, then you’ll need a mineral feeder. Just be sure to check with your local laws and regulations to make sure you are allowed goats in the first place. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now I’m wondering if sheep are poisoned by the same plants. A doe in milk could yield one quart per day (sometimes more). 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. As we raise the kids on the moms, you can pick your goat kid out ahead of time and reserve, but won’t be able to pick up and take home until weaning time at the age of 3 months. Banks and his team looked at the eyes of 214 different species of land animals, and found a clear relationship between the shape of their pupils and their ecological role. For pets, your best choice is probably 2 wethers. Now, goats aren't the only reason why you should think twice about traversing the mountainside. Garden. I may be able to connect you with a registered breeder. Not sure why, but your response choked me up. : Goats and Soda From 100,000 cases a day in September, India is now down to about 10,000 a day. That’s right up there under ” loud goats” for good reasons not to have these adorable screamy monsters who ruin your cloths, rip off eyeglasses and stomp them for you. As you’ve read, I’ve received a lot of flack on this article, but I stand my ground. Joy Perkins Donahue: GREAT article!! Thank you for the original article! Well that’s just wrong!! We don’t have this service for livestock, so people like me write articles hoping to educate those wanting to consider getting livestock. I’ve thought about getting some because they produce more milk than the NGD’s but aren’t as big. Diseases lay waste to communities and populations. As long as you have an area that can have 500 sq. You are so kind to leave a reply, thank you so much. I have been researching this breed. Laws, they are a wonderful thing, aren’t they? Thank you! I have never had any of my boys try to escape our 6 foot fence. If you have the room and can afford good fencing, I would say “ get goats”. I use a galvanized tub to feed my goats. The only reason they should have medications is if they are sick. Long term plan is to keep chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats (mainly for the milk). Thanks, Amber. I am not sure why some are bashing you. I have been told that the kiko goat is a good choice for that. 1. May I add number eleven? Amber. Cheri-”, ” It’s probably either mites or a mineral deficiency. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. -Sabrina”, ” A product I used with success for ringworm with sulfur and mineral oil (if this is mites or fungal) is GMT. However, this isn’t the case for others I know. That is great that you offer them fresh hay at all times. I average about 1/2 – 1 cup pf grains per day per goat. I was not expecting either to kid as the Pygmy constantly looks pregnant. I hadn’t had them long just long enough to have my buck breed my two does twice. You can buy organic feed or non-organic but I don’t recommend medicated feed. The Billy Goats Gruff. Here you will find ways to enjoy your life more by living off the land. 5 ft tall welded 2×4″ wire. She walked him every day up and down the street like others do with their dogs. If it’s serious then you can give an injection (sub Q) ivermectin or dectomax – 1cc per 100 lbs of weight and then repeat in 7 days and again another 7 days later. It is good to see someone being responsible and giving the details. I bred the doe with it and it was passed on to almost all her kids. I have 2 acres and no close neighbor’s. Thank goodness we rescued the moms and babies. Thank God we have great neighbors. By the way, I currently have three adorable bottle-baby NGD’s and love them to pieces. Sometimes it’s really tough. I really don’t think I could handle the maintenance that these guys seem to come with, but I’m excited to keep looking for a better suited breed! 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. The predator-prey divide in pupil shape suggests that the hunters and the hunted gain some advantage from having a specific type of pupil. ), you NEED this kind of information. I looked for the video or audio of the goat noises (where you said “see noise below”) but I don’t see anything. We placed fun items in their area. What type of fencing would you recommend? Case in point, we had a neighbor one street away who got a NDG as a house pet. Best of luck. Be inspired here. In breeding season in fall, the bucks are indeed loud, but one need not keep bucks. No surgery required and a LOT cheaper. I think the issue might be the 1/3 acre more than the goats. I completely understand your post. I don’t agree that they are noisy and as much of a pain as you say they are.
Luminox Navy Seal 3500 Review, Spin City Clips, Libertango Classic Fm, Strat String Spacing At Nut, Scallion Sauce Bon Appétit, Silver Trout Recipes, Hay Mags Soft, Co 151 Denial Code, 16:10 Resolution Calculator, Funny Priest Names,