20 Facts All About Goats...
- Pygmy Goats, both male and female, are known as "Bucks" and "Does," similar to deer, as deer are their closest relatives
- Terms like "Nanny" and "Billy" are slang, while "Buck" and "Doe" are the proper terms
- Neutered males are referred to as "wethers
- " Both males and females of Pygmy Goats can grow horns, unless naturally hornless
- Typically, males have larger and more impressive horns than females
- It is common practice to disbud babies to prevent horn growth
- In addition to horns, both male and female Pygmy Goats can grow beards
- Females usually have a smaller "goatie" type beard, while males have fuller, more lion-like beards
- Pygmy Goats have rectangular pupils, providing them with excellent peripheral vision to detect potential threats
- They are herd animals that require companionship to thrive, with Bucks and Does needing separate housing and fencing
- Female Pygmy Goats have a gestation period of 5 months and can give birth to multiple kids in a litter, with twins or triplets being common and quadruplets not unusual
- Female Pygmy Goats start producing milk after giving birth and will continue as long as there is demand, typically diminishing after 6-8 months
- Breeding Pygmy Goats annually helps maintain milk production
- When a goat gives birth, it is known as "kidding" or "freshening
- "Female goats store milk in their udder and have teats for nursing
- Pygmy Goats are herbivores that enjoy eating various plants
- They are ruminants, like cows and sheep, with a complex digestive system involving regurgitation and re-chewing of food
- Lamanchas are a breed of goats with tiny ears that are often covered by their hair, giving them the appearance of being earless
- Pygmy Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated, following closely by sheep
- When raised with human interaction, Pygmy Goats can be very friendly and enjoy attention
- These goats are not known for being aggressive like dogs
- Overall, Pygmy Goats are unique creatures with distinct characteristics and social needs that contribute to their charm and appeal
What Type of Housing Do Goats Need?
There are some basic things to think about when considering what type of shelter you will provide for your goats:
•Goats need basic housing to keep them dry (goats HATE to get wet) and to protect them from wind during the winter.
•Do you have predetor issues? Coyotes, bear and fox can all be predators of goats, but the #1 killer of goats is roaming dogs. Its safest to lock up your goats at night. You will need something that locks up securely.
•Goats do fine in the cold as long as they are protected from drafts and from being wet. The shelter needs to have good ventilation though, so resist the urge to completely wrap up their housing in the winter!
•If you are in the process of planning and building your shelter, it is wise to have some sort of earthen floor. Something that will drain. Dirt, grass, gravel, covered with bedding are all fine. Concrete, wood, tile...etc, are not going to drain, will hold all the wetness and you will have to scoop out and replace bedding every 3-4 days or so. You don't have to do that if you have a floor that drains. :)
•You can build a loft or shelves for the goats to jump up on to sleep on, just be sure there are no gaps that little hooves can get stuck in as they are jumping down
•DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use heat lamps. EVERY YEAR I hear about many barn fires, with all animals DEAD due to using heat lamps. They are NOT safe and not needed! Don't risk it!
•Plan for an area to feed them hay (should always be fed in a dry location, under cover) and where you will put water and minerals.
•You may want to consider an area within the shelter that they can't get to where you will store some of your supplies. This is completely optional but can be convenient if where you'll be storing items needed for them would otherwise be far away.
I STRONGLY suggest having some sort of "always on" baby monitor in your shelter. Audio only is perfectly fine. you can get an audio baby monitor at Walmart for $30. Goats are quiet animals, and if one starts screaming in the middle of the night, you will know something is very wrong! I keep a monitor in my barn, and the receiver in my bedroom. There have been many occassions where someone has been hanging by a foot, or head stuck or whatever that I heard them shrieking and was able to save them! Those situations would have been very different had I not found them until morning. The security cameras that you have to check through your phones aren't a good substitute. You need something that you will hear them when its unexpected, not just when your checking in. :)
What Type of Fencing Do Pygmy Goats Need?
Keeping goats in a fence can be challenging, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best fence for your goats:- Fencing should be at least 4 feet tall with small openings to prevent goats from escaping.
- Goats need a large fenced-in area to run, jump, and play, even if they are not on pasture.
- Ensure that the goats have access to shelter within the fenced area to protect them from rain and storms.
- The fence should not only keep the goats in but also keep out potential threats like roaming dogs.
- Woven wire fencing should be tightly stretched to prevent goats from escaping through gaps.
- Consider using goat-specific woven wire fencing or adding plastic poultry netting to standard fencing.
- Picket fencing can work if it is tall enough and the pickets go all the way to the ground.
- Welded wire fencing may not hold up well over time.
- Electric netting may be effective, but be cautious of potential risks and do thorough research before using it.
Are Goats Really Escape Artists???
Goats are not typically escape artists, but they can be if there are intact bucks and does in heat. Fence building skills are crucial to prevent escapes. Most escapes are incidental, such as finding a gap under the fence. They may notice a loose fence and take advantage of the opportunity to explore.
What kind of care do goats need?
Goats require proper care to ensure they lead happy and healthy lives.
Here are 10 basic requirements for taking care of goats:1. A safe and secure fenced area is necessary to keep goats in and predators out, especially roaming dogs which are a major threat to goats.
Goats need a shelter to protect them from precipitation and heavy winds, with the shelter ideally closable to keep them safe from predators overnight.
Goats are social animals and require at least one companion goat. Bucks should not be kept with females, but they still need a companion. Wethers are versatile companions that can be kept with females or bucks.
Fresh water must be provided twice a day, along with good quality hay or pasture. Hay should be fed in a dry location off the ground.
Loose minerals should be available at all times for the goats to consume freely. Minerals need to be kept dry and can be purchased at local feed stores.
Regular monitoring for parasites, especially the Barberpole worm, is crucial to prevent severe anemia and potential death. Familiarize yourself with the Famacha method for deworming.
Hoof trimming is necessary periodically, with the frequency depending on the goat's breed, age, and terrain.
Annual vaccination with the CD&T vaccine is recommended to keep goats healthy. This vaccine can be purchased at feed stores and administered by the owner.
Regular observation of goats' behavior, coat condition, and appetite is important to detect any signs of illness or issues.
It is beneficial to educate yourself on common goat health issues to be prepared and proactive in caring for your goats. By being actively involved in their lives and providing proper care, goats can thrive and be wonderful companions.
What Do Goats Eat?
- Goats are browsers, enjoying weeds, grasses, leaves, and shrubs, not grazing like sheep
- Some plants are toxic to goats, so it's important to know which ones are safe
- Hay should be kept dry and covered to prevent mold, which can be deadly
- Contrary to popular belief, goats are picky eaters and won't eat just anything, definitely not tin cans! Grain feed should be given in moderation to prevent bloat and overeating diseases that can be fatal
- Treats like apples, carrots, and other fruits or vegetables are healthy options, but avoid toxic pit fruits
- Neutered males, called wethers, need a careful diet to prevent urinary calculi, a serious condition
- A proper calcium to phosphorus ratio is essential, with too much grain being a risk factor
- Mold is a danger to goats, so hay and grain should be stored in dry locations and inspected regularly for signs of mold
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