I need some information on raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats!

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

I could get 2 does from here for $700. Thats not too bad.
http://www.vineycreekfarm.com/for-sale.html

 

[1cock2hens]

I found this place in AR that sells wethers for $75 each.
https://hillhollow-farm.square.site/kidding-schedule

Get on Facebook and join the free groups, people post them fairly often. I was offered an intact male very recently for free

 

[1cock2hens]

I could get 2 does from here for $700. Thats not too bad.
http://www.vineycreekfarm.com/for-sale.html

I found my two doelings for 200 dollars total, if you have the patience to grow them out I would start with babies, they are so much cheaper and will be friendlier

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

This place has wethers for $100
https://www.prairiewoodranch.com/nigerian-dwarf-goats-for-sale/

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

Im just looking around. Some places have them for pretty cheap. If we get ready for some, I'll definitely look on FB and Craigslist before buying anything from a breeder.

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

Like this. $250 for 2 does.
https://littlerock.craigslist.org/grd/d/langley-nigerian-dwarf-goats/7482685515.html

 

[Aunt Angus]

Those are very inexpensive for us here in Northern California. I got my 4 mutts for 600 total.

Dang. Our state is expensive.

 

[Regina Larsen]

I find, too, that if they accidentally nibble a leaf of something you missed, they are usually ok. The only real problem plants we have are wild cherry and bracken fern.
I clear it when I see it, of course, but I've missed some here and there - esp the bracken fern. I've seen them nibble it (as I'm watching in horror). They just drop it and move on, with no I'll effects. My girls get a widely varied diet, too, which I thi k helps. But I do give probiotics daily.

And, OP, it is smart to be prepared! I had a heck of a time when I got started because I didn't do enough of what you're doing - quality research. Talk to goat owners in your area, too. They will know about plants and mineral levels in your soil and problems with wormer resistence and any prevalent diseases in the area and predators and.... That's been my best resource!

Agreed, mine have nibbled creeping charlie and have found stray potato leaves and spat them out.
I feel like the research never really ends does it?
This goes for any pet!

 

[Silexian]

I have a smaller herd now. We used to run about 250 does. I like to stock a goat per acre. Goats are browsers, so they do better on brush and weeds. Than being on grass pasture. If you are going to have them on pasture. It is best to turn them out after the dew is dry. That will cut down on them getting worms. Goats do not handle having worms as well as grazing livestock. Such as cattle, horses and sheep. You can also feed hay year round. If you can find a steady supply and can handle the expense. Feeding hay up off the ground will lessen the chances of them getting worms also. If you have good soil where you live. You will also need to keep their hooves trimmed. Which will help prevent foot rot and other problems. I make a cattle panel pen around portable sheds to house mine at night. They go in like chickens do in the evening. They sleep in the pen during nice weather and go in the sheds during bad. When an area accumulates too much manure. I move the sheds and pens to a new area.

 

[cherrynberry]

I may be getting some NDs but I need to learn about them first. If anyone can give me any information that would be great and I have a few specific questions.
1. Is $150 too much for 1 intact buckling?

2. Do I need 2 goats or can I keep just 1?
3 Do they need hay all year, or just in winter?

4. What all do I feed them?

5. How much space does 1 goat need?

6. What kind of structure is suitable?

7. How much dies castration cost?

8. Is it better to castrate them?

9. Are ND bucks (or wethers) typically aggresive?

10. Should I just wait for a doe?

Quote Reply

I just started this goat thing, so I will only answer the ones I know.

1.) Depends on your market. Here, they can go for $300+ EASILY. And we aren’t just talking grown bucks.
2.) Definitely need two (or more)
3.) All year.

Oops. Seems like you have lots of answers already. I will stop there.

Those are very inexpensive for us here in Northern California. I got my 4 mutts for 600 total.

Dang. Our state is expensive.

Got 4 registered NDs for $1300. AND this was after a 4H discount. Expensive with great reason though…they are lovely ladies.