Miniature Goats Make Good Pets

Miniature goats make wonderful pets. They enjoy being groomed and given attention in the same way as a dog or cat. Miniature goats are sensitive and affectionate, thriving with the family’s care and company. The African Pygmy Goat is the best goat breed to keep as a pet, weighing about thirty-five pounds as an adult and standing about two feet tall. These small goats are intelligent and easily trained.

Happy miniature goat owners follow a few essentials of pet goat care for a happy, healthy, well adjusted goat.

Male or Female

All miniature goats are bright, alert, and friendly. Depending upon what the pet owner is looking for in a goat will help decide upon a male or female.

Female pygmy goats produce up to two quarts of delicious milk every day. They are also odor free and friendly.

Male pygmy goats carry a distinct odor but can be de-scented by a veterinarian. Male goats should also be neutered because as adults, they do become aggressive and territorial much like a dog. Once neutered, male miniature goats are very family oriented and gentle.

All miniature goats should have their horns removed, known as debudding, to prevent injury to children and themselves. They often get their horns stuck into small spaces, causing injuries.

Training

Miniature goats can be trained to walk on a leash using the clicker training method often used with dogs and in aquariums with dolphins and whales. The African Pygmy Goat catches on quickly, learning the behaviors their owner’s desire. The goat’s sensitive nature compels them to please their owner, making training that much easier.

Goat owners also teach their miniature goat the same type of tricks that dog’s learn. Taking the time to train a miniature goat builds a trusting relationship between owner and pet.

Not only do miniature goats make ideal companions but they also trim the lawn and eat weeds.

Housing

Miniature goats do not require much in the way of housing. All they need is a small shelter from the rain and wind and a small area to graze. Many miniature goat owners allow the goat to live in the house with the family which is why housebreaking is so important.

Feeding

Miniature goats are inexpensive to feed which is a plus for pet owners. The pygmy goats graze outside and are fed on hay whenever they want.

Grain is fed during the winter months if the goats cannot go outside or grass is not available to them. When feeding grain, only small amounts are given depending upon the weight of the goat. Miniature goats can become very sick from too much grain, so it is best to consult a veterinarian or miniature goat breeder for the correct amount of grain to feed. Also, miniature goats should only be fed grain that is formulated for goats.

Supplements can also be given to miniature pet goats. Baking soda helps reduce the acidity of the rumen, which is the first of four chambers in the goat’s stomach. Selenium can also be given to a pet goat to help build antioxidants but only in areas where Selenium is low in the soil.

Vaccinations

Like all pets, the miniature goat needs vaccinations to remain healthy. A tetanus toxoid shot is given to pet goats each year and baby goats should be vaccinated three times for Clostridium perfringens bacteria. Consult a veterinarian for information on all vaccinations for common goat diseases.

Resources:

Miniature Goat Club: “Miniature Breeds”

Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association