La Manchas, Pygmy or what?

[sandy sea]

I am looking into getting two goats and would like suggestions on what breed makes a better pet. I was thinking of getting pygmyies but just read about La Manchas goats. What do you think? I know that the pygmies are smaller and La Manchas are med. sized. What would be better?

 

[MoodyChicken]

La Manchas! I love them. They're so cool. Some people will tell you otherwise though. I love walking through a fair only to spot a bunch of La Manchas standing on the fence begging for attention. Love their ears too.

Yes, there is a big difference in size. Also, consider predation. Pygmies are so small that they'd make a welcomed meal for a predator if you live in the boonies, a La Mancha stands a better chance.

 

[sandy sea]

Are the La Manchas about the same size as the Nigerans? Do they make good pets?

 

[bheila]

I suppose it depends on what your purpose is for the goats.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

LaManchas are a great deal larger than the Nigerian Dwarf goats.

They are real, what should I call it, stinkers might be a good word. Not the smelly kind, they like attention, and want to help you do everything....and are great milk producers.
I have a friend who has one who has figured out how to open one of her gates. It is so funny!
Her name is "T", and she will get out when I am there and jump into the back of my truck, or the front if the door is open. My friend will tell her to get down, and she will jump down and run around the truck and get behind my friend's DH and peek out from behind him, like she is saying "My daddy said I could be out". She will yell at T and she will hide from her until she figures she is in real trouble, the she goes and opens the gate and goes back to the herd like nothing had happened!

I recently had twins born and they like night and day compared to my Nubian babies who laid around for the first 2 days of their life. The LaMancha babies weren't even dry before they were up and getting into stuff!
You will either love them or hate them, I don't think there is a middle ground with them. I love them!
They are personality plus!!!

Jean

 

[Chatychick]

I have La Manchas and Nigerians and love them both. I also have Nubians and Alpines too. They are all different and Nigerians are small and the others are larger type goats...It basically depends on what you want them for and which ersonality you like the best.
Goats are loveable creatures or very flighty...depends on how they were raised. Me personally I love all of them...

 

[Blooming chicks]

LaManchas are definately larger than Nigis. Mine is 1 year old and weighs about 100 lbs. I really enjoy my LaMancha, she is a great milker, sweetheart personality, great mom and just plain fun to watch playing out in the pasture. But I do not have Nigerians--so take my opinion for what it is worth

 

[CaGoatLady]

It's funny you should ask about those two breeds. I already have a Nigerian, Toby, who was bottle-fed and raised in my house. Toby is so sweet, helpful, and smart. I just got a La Mancha boy, who is now a little over a month old and I just love him to death! But, the reason I love him is his personality and it's because he reminds me so much of Toby, the Nigerian. Both are very affectionate, almost cat-like.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I think Lamanchas make better pets.

But if you got some nubians you'd have more milk, and a goat that can pull you in a cart! fun! I think nubians are nice pets. They have mini nubi's!

 

[ksacres]

Quote:
Actually, as a breed, La Manchas produce greater quantity than Nubians, with slightly less butterfat.

Of course, individuals vary

My Manchies are friendlier, in your pocket types. The Nubies are very regal, a slightly aloof.

Both are beautiful and will give you lots of yummy milk to make cheese.