by Jane Grimshaw

Created on: May 06, 2011   Last Updated: May 07, 2011

The pygmy goat is a small breed of domestic goat that has become a very popular pet choice among people of all ages. It originated from West Africa and is an extremely hardy, playful and intelligent creature that loves plenty of human contact. Before deciding to keep one of these lovely animals as a pet, however, you must learn how to care for it properly and ensure that the area you intend to keep it in is safe and secure.

Buying a goat

It is very important to buy your pygmy goat from a reputable breeder, as this is the only way you will know exactly what you are buying. If you don’t go to a reputable source to purchase your goat, you may well end up with a goat that has been crossed with a different breed of goat and it could end up being twice the size it should be when fully grown - a fully grown pygmy goat should measure around 16 to 18 inches in height and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. If you wish to breed from your goat, then you must make sure that your goat is registered to enable you to register the offspring. Always check over the goat thoroughly to make sure that it is healthy before buying, and if you are in any doubt you should ask a veterinary surgeon to look over it for you. A reputable breeder will also be able to provide you with valuable information on how to care for your goat.

How many goats can you keep together?

You can keep as many goats together as you like, as they are herd animals and enjoy the company of other goats - it is not advisable to keep one on its own, though, as it may get lonely with no one to play with. The number of goats you decide to keep will very much depend on whether you want them purely as pets, or whether you want to breed from them. A couple of castrated males or non-breeding females, for example, can make great pets and these will be cheaper to buy than breeding stock.

Housing your goats

Pygmy goats are quite energetic but they don’t require a great deal of space. You may keep a couple of goats in a fairly small area without any problems, providing you supply them with some climbing material and a few suitable toys to play with, such as old cable spools. You can even take your goats out for walks if you wish to provide them with a little more exercise and stimulation. They will also require a shelter of some kind, such as a shed, to protect them from the elements. The fencing around the pen should be safe and secure too, and it should be at least 4 foot high. You also need to make sure that there

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>