Pygmy Goat Care

Pygmy goats were the first inhabitants of the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. The 1950s was when these animals were introduced to the United States. Pygmy goats are mostly raised as pets, rather than being kept for milk and meat. They produce large amounts of milk for their size and food consumption. Unlike other domestic goats, pygmy goats indulge in continuous breeding throughout the year. Female pygmy goats weigh about 35 to 50 lbs, and males about 40 to 60 lbs. These animals have varied colors. They can be found in colors like white caramel, medium caramel and dark red caramel. Some pygmy goats can also be silver-light gray agouti, medium gray agouti, dark gray agouti, black with frosted points, solid black, and brown agouti. A male pygmy goat usually has a deeper color than a female. Pet care mainly involves taking care of their food, shelter and hygiene. The following measures can be inculcated for taking care of pygmy goats.

Feeding
A pygmy goat's daily diet must include protein-rich foods like fresh green leafy alfalfa, clover hay soybean meal. The carbohydrate needs can fulfilled by feeding the goat whole and rolled grains. Oats, corn, goat ration and sweet feed provide the necessary vitamins and minerals required by the animal. A quantity of ¼ cup of grain is required by a pygmy goat everyday. A trough is a better means of providing food for these animals. This would prevent wastage of grains, which happens because it's soiled by the goats. Having a mineral or salt block for the goats is also a good practice in pygmy goat care.

Consumption of a variety of forages like grass, forbs and browse proves beneficial to the health of these goats. They can be fed grass like fescue, orchard and blue grass. Dandelions, cloves and wild lettuce are forbs which contribute to their well-being. Pygmy goats also love browse like brushes, blackberry, rabbit brush, etc.

The two essential vitamins required by pygmy goats are Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Foods rich in Vitamin A include green pasture, green hay, yellow corn, etc. During summers, exposure to the sun is enough to provide the goats with Vitamin D. However, when the sun isn't as strong, especially in winters, sun-cured hay is the best source of Vitamin D.

Adequate supply of fresh clean water should be maintained for the goats. It is preferable if you can provide warm water in colder seasons and cool water in warmer seasons. This encourages the animals to drink plenty of water. Changing the water frequently is also an important factor in caring for pygmy goats.

Shelter
Shelter is the other important aspect of pygmy goat care. The fencing should be built tall enough to keep animals like dogs from straying into the vicinity of the pygmy goats. Construct a pen with the fence so the goats can move about freely. Barbed wire is not advisable for building a fence, as there are high chances of the goats getting injured. The shelter must be constructed with a concrete floor and with raised wood platforms. Pygmy goats are prone to acute hoof disorders in the absence of a raised platform and a dry place to sleep.

Hoof Trimming and Worming
Most cases of lameness, foot rot or splayed toes occur due to untrimmed hooves. Hoof trimming should be done on a monthly basis (every 4 to 6 weeks) to maintain healthy goat's feet. Worming of pygmy goats is a must at least 3 to 4 times annually. Pregnant are recommended to be wormed during the last month of the pregnancy and before kidding to protect the baby pygmy goats. Annual vaccinations are also available to maintain good health in the goats.

For newborn or baby pygmy goat care, it is not advisable to separate the baby from its mother and bottlefeed it. This is not necessary unless a critical need occurs for the baby's survival. One thing to be kept in mind is not to feed a wether with grain after it has been weaned. This is done to prevent the goat from developing urinary stones.

Learn as much as you can about how to care for pygmy goats, their likes and dislikes, behavioral aspects and everything related to their lives. This proves beneficial and effective when it comes to pygmy goat care. Apart from taking care of their food, shelter and hygiene, regular interaction with these adorable creatures also adds to their well-being.