Taking care of goats is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research before you bring one home. One of the questions we get asked a lot is whether or not pygmy goats make good pets.
In this article, we will answer those questions for you and give you some tips on how to care for your pygmy goat if you do decide to bring one home.
Can I have a pygmy goat as a pet?
You can have a pygmy goat as a pet if you have the space for one and are willing to put in the time to care for it. In fact, pygmy goats make great pets because they are friendly and social creatures.
If you’re considering a pygmy goat as your next pet, there are a few things you should take into account first, such as whether or not you have room for it and if you would be willing to put in the effort required to properly care for it.
How much space do I need for a pygmy goat?
A pygmy goat needs at least 200 square feet of space. However, the more space you have, the better. If you have a backyard, that is ideal. If not, you will need to take your pygmy goat for walks or allow it to roam around your house.
You will also need to provide your pygmy goat with a shelter, such as a shed or a barn. This is where it will sleep and stay during bad weather.
What do I need to do to care for my pygmy goat?
If you decide to get a pygmy goat as a pet, there are a few things you need to do to care for it.
First, you need to provide it with food and water. Pygmy goats need hay, pellets, vegetables, and water. You can either buy these things from a store or grow them yourself.
Second, you need to exercise your pygmy goat. This can be done by taking it for walks or letting it roam around in a safe area.
Third, you need to groom your pygmy goat. This includes brushing its fur, trimming its hooves, and cleaning its horns.
Fourth, you need to provide your pygmy goat with medical care. This includes vaccinations and regular check-ups.
Lastly, you need to give your pygmy goat plenty of love and attention. Pygmy goats are social creatures and need to feel loved in order to be happy.
What are pygmy goats and where do they come from?
Pygmy goats are a small breed of goat that originated in Africa. They were brought to the United States in the 1950s and have been kept as pets ever since. Pygmy goats are known for their friendly and social personalities. They are also very intelligent and can learn tricks easily.
In addition to being kept as pets, pygmy goats are also used for milk and meat production. Pygmy goat milk is high in fat and protein, making it perfect for cheese and soap making.
Pygmy goat meat is lean and healthy, making it a popular choice for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional red meat.
What do pygmy goats require in terms of care?
Pygmy goats require a lot of care and attention. They need plenty of food, water, exercise, and love. They also need to be vaccinated and given regular check-ups.
Pygmy goats are social creatures and do their best when they have companionship. If you are considering getting a pygmy goat as a pet, it is best to get two so that they can keep each other company.
Pygmy goat housing and fencing
Pygmy goats are renowned escape artists, so if you’re thinking of keeping one as a pet, it’s important to have a secure enclosure. Pygmy goats are also highly curious creatures that will try to find ways to escape, so diligent supervision is key.
The minimum height for a pygmy goat fence is 4 feet. The fence should also be made of sturdy material that the goats cannot push over or chew through.
It is also a good idea to have a shelter for your pygmy goats. This can be a shed, a barn, or even a converted garage. The shelter should be large enough for all of the goats to comfortably stand and move around. It should also have plenty of ventilation to avoid the buildup of heat and ammonia.
In terms of bedding, pygmy goats do best with straw or hay. Wood shavings can also be used, but straw or hay is preferred. The bedding should be changed regularly to keep the goats comfortable and healthy.
Feeding your pygmy goat
Now that you have your pygmy goat housing and fencing set up, it’s time to focus on feeding your goats.
As we mentioned before, pygmy goats need hay, pellets, vegetables, and water. You can either buy these things from a store or grow them yourself.
Hay is the most important part of a pygmy goat’s diet. It should be available at all times and should make up the majority of their diet. Pellets can also be given to goats, but they should not replace hay.
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals for pygmy goats. They can be fed fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables. Water should be available at all times and should be changed daily.
In terms of treats, pygmy goats love carrots, apples, and bananas. You can also give them goat-friendly snacks like hay cubes or pellets. Just be sure not to overdo it on the treats as they can cause digestive problems.
Grooming your pygmy goat
Pygmy goats also require regular grooming. This includes brushing their fur, trimming their nails, and cleaning their horns.
Brushing your pygmy goat’s fur will help to remove any dirt, debris, or tangles. It will also help to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
Trimming their nails is also important to keep them from getting too long. If their nails get too long, it can cause them pain and make it difficult for them to walk.
Cleaning your pygmy goat’s horns is also important. This can be done with a damp cloth or a horn-cleaning solution. Just be sure not to get the solution in their eyes or nose.
Overall, grooming your pygmy goat is important to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Exercising your pygmy goat
Pygmy goats also need exercise. This can be done by letting them roam around in a secure area or by playing with them.
Some great exercises for pygmy goats include chasing a ball, jumping over obstacles, and playing with toys. Just be sure to supervise them while they are exercising to make sure they don’t hurt themselves.
Exercise is important for pygmy goats because it helps to keep them healthy and happy. It also gives them something to do so that they don’t get bored.
To recap, here are a few key points to remember when you’re considering getting a pygmy goat.
Make sure to educate yourself on their needs, build an enclosure that meets those needs, and always provide access to food and water along with opportunities for exercise. Do all of this, and you’ll have a healthy and content pygmy goat.
Final Thoughts
Pygmy goats are a lot of fun, but you need to do your research and set up a proper enclosure with food, water, and exercise before getting one.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a healthy and happy pygmy goat in no time.