Goat Breeds

[CJ427]

Hi everybody, i need help choosing a goat breed. I mostly want it as a backyard "pet". It wont be used for meet or milk production, and preferably on the smaller side, and not too noisy (though i know there is no such thing as a silent goat). I live in New Jersey, so weather varies from hot to cold. any ideas on my ideal breed?

 

[redsoxs]

I urge you to visit the thread below. Good luck in your goat search!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/

 

[tadpole98]

how much land do you have for the goat? And, Goats are social creatures, get two. I like lamanchas, unique, but they might be too big for your liking. Although, they are the friendliest breed i've ever raised. Milk is a bonus lol

If you don't care about milk or kids (goat kids) I would suggest getting two wethers (or a doe and a wether, which can be kept together). A wether is a castrated male, btw.

I personally have never liked pygmies or nigerian (not spelling that right). though small and cute, they are little devils!! haha not all are, just the ones I have ran into in the past.

A nubian might also be a good choice, but they like to talk alot.

 

[Stacykins]

There are 'mini' versions of the large goat breeds. Basically, normal sized breeds crossed with Nigerian Dwarves. The goal is to get a smaller goat with similar traits as the big breed. It helps that NDs are a milking breed, too, so it doesn't hurt milk production like crossing with a pygmy (a small meat breed) would.

how much land do you have for the goat? And, Goats are social creatures, get two. I like lamanchas, unique, but they might be too big for your liking. Although, they are the friendliest breed i've ever raised. Milk is a bonus lol

If you don't care about milk or kids (goat kids) I would suggest getting two wethers (or a doe and a wether, which can be kept together). A wether is a castrated male, btw.

I personally have never liked pygmies or nigerian (not spelling that right). though small and cute, they are little devils!! haha not all are, just the ones I have ran into in the past.

A nubian might also be a good choice, but they like to talk alot.

I second getting two goats. And wethers would be best for pets, if you want no meat or milk.They're not as expensive, too.

Tadpole, if you met my herd, you'd be mobbed by goats looking for love and treats! All goats can be sweethearts, or demons, depending on how they were raised. Mine turned out gentle, trusting, and loving!

 

[jorey]

Definately get two and get wethers.

 

[tadpole98]

There are 'mini' versions of the large goat breeds. Basically, normal sized breeds crossed with Nigerian Dwarves. The goal is to get a smaller goat with similar traits as the big breed. It helps that NDs are a milking breed, too, so it doesn't hurt milk production like crossing with a pygmy (a small meat breed) would.
Quote: haha Im just saying the pygmies and nigerians I have ever met were set out to kill me

 

[Feathers n Fur]

CJ427 - When you've decided on a breed please post. I too live in NJ and am looking to venture into the goat world as pets. Although I live on 3 acres I won't be using my whole property for them which is the main reason I was considering Nigerian Dwarfs or African Pygmies. Dear Hubby will section off a good part of the backyard for them so I'm thinking the smaller the better but I have some more research to do. There is a Nigerian Goat farm not too far from me in Hunterdon county that I plan to visit soon and talk about space and care for the little critters. I also plan to go to the local 4H and talk to the owners of the various goats to get their insights.

Best of Luck!

 

[CJ427]

Thanks everybody! You helped so much..
I have a lot to think about so I'm not sure when I'll be deciding but ill try, feathers!