Pygmy Goats as Pets

When you ask people about how pygmy goats are as pets, you will always get differing views. That is solely because different people look for different things in their pets and pygmy goats may not be the most ideal pets for everyone. Yet, for all those that are considering pygmy goats as pets, let me give you an update on the tasks that lie ahead for you. Having a pygmy goat as a pet is one hell of a lifelong commitment that you cannot opt out of. Consider this 'pygmy goats as pets' article properly and then decide whether a pygmy goat is the most suitable pet for you.

Know your pet pygmy goats
If you are considering getting pygmy goats as pets, there are a few things you need to know about them. Try to match their temperament, personality, needs and habits with what you are expecting and what you can provide them with. An unhappy pygmy goat is a really sorry sight, for by definition they should be happy, playful, curious and mischievous. Get pygmy goats for pets only if you know you can keep them happy. Below are some of the pygmy goat characteristics that you need to match with your needs from a pet. If most match, pygmy goats as pets is an option for you. Another thing, there is no such thing as a pygmy goat as a pet, it is always pygmy goats as pets. Take a cue from that and never have one in singular digit. Pygmy goats are extremely social and need the company of other pygmies or animals like cows, horses and donkeys to stay happy. So, unless you have the time and the resources for more than one pygmy goat, you shouldn't be having pygmy goats as pets.

Physical Attractions
As mentioned earlier, pygmy goats differ from normal goats in the body size and structure. Pygmy goats are small, compact and muscular, giving them a uniquely stocky look. With the size of a large dog, i.e. about 16 to 23 inches from shoulder to ground, they are totally unlike the normal goats that we are familiar with. Pygmy goats weigh around 120 pounds or more and sport light to dense coats, depending on the climate of their native region. Pygmy goats are generally found in white, tan, black and agouti (white and black mixed together, giving them a mostly gray look) colored coats. With pygmy goats I can guarantee one thing, you can never walk away from a baby pygmy goat. Once you see one, you are hooked for life and you will have your pygmy goats as pets no matter what your initial plans were. They are just too cute to resist.

Temperamental Moods
No two pygmy goats are the same, not even twins or real siblings. Each pygmy goat has a distinct personality and each one will have specifically distinct needs. While most are aloof yet friendly, not all will be delighted to see you. Not all will welcome you home like a faithful pet dog and not all will be delightfully pleasant companions. Yet, most are congenial and docile and more often then not, their happy days will far outnumber the crabby ones. Even with the gender, females are generally docile and good natured while the males are a little more stubborn, obstinate and independent. Oh and before I forget, your pygmy goats will sure have 'lord-high-and-mighty' auras about them, so I guess you will just have to bear their moods (better than hurting a few prides here and there, trust me!). Pygmy goats sure know their minds and you could say they stubbornly stick to them. Pygmy goats hate getting wet so to prove my point, try getting one outside when it is raining. He is sure to dig in his heels and give you a tough time, for someone so tiny.

Display of Emotions
Most pygmy goats are gentle and responsive to humans and a few happy pygmy goat owners claim that their pygmies actually demand love and attention by nudging them here and there. The thing with pygmy goats is that if you wish for an enthusiastic pet that will wait for you to come home, wag his tail endlessly to show his excitement and happiness while you are around and whine till hell freezes over when you insist on him sleeping outside, you need a dog and not a pygmy goat. Pygmy goats normally hide their feelings very well and so even if they love you to death, they are unlikely to show it. A pygmy goat will wag his tail momentarily while you are around and the next moment go back to his usual blank stare. Don't take me wrong, pygmy goats that are raised at home as pets are as loyal and faithful as their canine brothers, just not as showy though. Pygmy goats are generally very loud when they are expressing their displeasure or are demanding something. Your neighbors might object to you having pygmy goats as pets, if your pygmy goats give out untimely alarms during the night.

Daily Doings
Did I mention the pygmy goats are playful? They sure love to play, clown around and prance around like they're tipsy. You will see them having occasional mock 'head-butt' fights and will also see them chasing each other over open fields. As an owner, you will have to provide them with a stimulating environment that has a lot of scope for play. You will have to strategically place some wood stumps or other such things, that they can use to climb on and jump from. They get bored very easily so, as an owner you will be required to be creative and on your toes.

Housing Needs
Pygmy goats are simple creatures that are content with simple three-sided enclosures. Yet, if you have a small, secure and ventilated barn, it is even better for them. It is for the owner to make their closures secure, to protect them not only from predators and stray dogs that trouble them, but also from their own foolhardy escape plans. Be warned, your pygmy goats are one of the greatest escape artists in the world and will climb, jump and do just about any acrobatics, to do anything that they are not supposed to do. It may sound funny but pygmy goats have somewhat aristocratic needs. They require something to sleep on, as they prefer it over sleeping on the ground. You will either have to provide them with sleeping benches or provide thick rugs on elevated platforms for that purpose.

Dietary Needs
Be careful, your pet pygmy goats will eat up anything green, even your precious flower plants. The standard goat chow that you get in the market, should be supplemented with grass hay that is not alfalfa (causes urinary calculi). Pygmy goats also welcome a handful of grains every once in a while. Fruits and vegetables should be given to them as treats. Goat mix should be fed to them only two times in a day and that too only 2-3 ounces. Pygmy goats have a tendency towards obesity and this should be nipped in the bud with moderate feeding. They must be kept away from poisonous plants like Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Japanese yew and Laburnum. Your pygmy goats will need a fresh water supply at all times.

Guidelines when keeping pygmy goats as pets
There are a few 'pygmy goat care' things that you will be required to do, as an owner of pygmy goats as pets. The points given below should tell you all about your duties as a pygmy goat pet owner. Get a pygmy goat for a pet only if you think you can handle it. If you want something small and fun to be around, without the hassles of taking it out for exercising, a pygmy goat might just be your option.

• Consult your county livestock regulations before you get your pygmy goats. If you stuff one in your backyard without permission, you might be committing a criminal offense.
• Males give out a foul odor, that requires a descenting procedure to remove the odor producing glands. Your males, that will mature in 30 months, will have to be neutered to avoid aggression on adulthood.
• Debudding (removal of horns) is suggested at an early age (less painful), to avoid accidentally hurting others. Pygmy goats are notorious for sticking their horns into the most unlikely of places.
• Regular hoof trimming may be necessary with intervals as short as 4 to 6 weeks. They will also require routine, once a year veterinary examinations.
• Regular worming, at least two times a year is necessary with pygmy goats that live in large enclosures. For those that live in smaller ones, the frequency might be higher. Vaccinations for enterotoxaemia, pulpy kidneys and tetanus need to be administered on them.
• A mineral block lick should be placed for your pygmy goats, at an accessible height, where your goats can reach to if the need arises.
• Last but not the least, buy your pygmy from a registered breeder who won't cheat you with a 'larger-growing' cross breed.

Pygmy goats as pets do not require any more attention than your pet dog or cat. But they are special, they are real special. Get yourself a pygmy goat to find out why.