Nigerian Dwarf Goat...suitable for urban backyard?

[fiddleblue]

I am a complete newbie to raising any sort of farm animal. While seeking resources on raising backyard chickens, I came across information on miniature goats, including the apparently popular Nigerian Dwarf Goat. I liked the idea of having a goat as a pet and milk provider, but wondered if it was something feasible to do in an urban setting.
I was wondering if anyone has any information, advice or experience on the feasibility of having a Nigerian Dwarf Goat in an urban backyard. I have a relatively small backyard. I read somewhere that a goat requires 400 sq ft of space to run, and a shed to live in, which I could provide, but I think the greater concern is noise, as I also read somewhere that goats can make noise, and I have neighbors in very close proximity on all sides. Anyone have anything to say as to this noise issue or any other issues involved with urban goatkeeping?

 

[Epona142]

It's possible. I would speak to your neighbors first and foremost.

I raise Nigis, and some of my Nigis are very quiet. Some are very loud. And one never ever ever stops making noise, and its the oddest, most annoying bleat ever.

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

I would try raising them.. They are small and dont take up as much room as regular sized ones.. But you might want to find out if it is legal in your area to keep them..

If your lucky enough to live in Brookings Oregon. They just passed a law making it legal to keep miniature livestock in city limits.. Horses, cows, goats, pigs, and sheep.. As long as they are miniature.. I dont know what the exact rules on lot size and stuff like that. But I sure want to get my own property now..

 

[fiddleblue]

I live in Oakland, California. I got the idea of keeping a goat partly because I read about another woman who lives in Oakland, Novella Carpenter, who wrote the book Farm City, who apparently has a goat in this city. However, she has a lot more space than I do, apparently a whole vacant lot to use, and so noise may not be the issue for her that it is for me. I have about 24 people living in 5 houses within 100 feet of me. It seems unlikely to me that a bleating goat wouldn't bother at least one of those people. I would, I think, have to have a relatively quiet goat, but I don't know if it's possible to know about a goat's vocal habits before you get it. Is it?

 

[FrenchHen]

Ours are pretty vocal (loud), but they're friendly and easy to keep. If your zoning will allow it, and your neighbors are cool, give it a try.
They're sweet animals. You might deal with your neighbors to rake their lawn clippings for forage for the goat.

 

[Chickens in Elmwood]

Well, I am no expert. DH and I are planning on starting our own herd in the fall. Mabye 2 doelings and a wether or 1 doe and 2 doelings....it's hard to decide.

We plan on keeping a MAX of 4 goats on our .75 acres. We have chickens, too. We are going to get part nigerian dwarfs and (hopefully) one mini-Nubian because my DH likes Nubians.

Anyway, I have heard of people keeping as many as 40 goats on one acre. I don't think it has as much to do with space as it does with how much store bought hay/feed/grain you want to buy and how often you want to clean up poo!

Just throwing this out there...goats are herd animals, so you are supposed to get more than one or they will be lonely.

If you want to keep on in milk, she will have to be bred once a year (I think). Good luck! I hope you decide to do it! I am SOO excited for this fall. We are waiting for our little doelings to be born (hopefully they are doelings, anyway!)

 

[mekasmom]

Nigis are great. Less ornery than pygmy goats, small in size, easy to care for. Any goat will scream if it is alone, so you need to get two of them or more.

 

[helmstead]

I know a LOT of people, mostly past clients, who keep their Nigis in their neighborhood back yards!

First, check your local laws and covenants.

Second, go door to door and ask your neighbors if they're okay with goatie talking. They are the loudest at feeding time. Mine are generally peacefull and quiet all day until they see me coming to feed. With just a couple, there will be no odor to offend the neighbors, it'll be all about the "maaaaa".

I'm one of those with about 40 goats on one acre.

It takes a lot of management. 2 to 5 is NO big deal. Some days I miss having 2-5 haha...

Also, know that neighborhood dogs are a real threat, so make sure you have good fencing to keep the dogs out and the goats in.

 

[calgal98]

I adore my nigi's. I have about 30 of them. Some are very quiet. Some are very vocal. You can usually tell by the time they are 3-4 months old which they will be, but it can change.

I would never keep just one goat. These guys won't do well if they are lonely. They depend on each other for company, courage and play.

They all can be talkative at feeding time or when in heat. They also will talk to you to get attention from you. They each have a distinctive personality.
You are welcome to come out to the valley to meet my Nigi's if you've never been around them. They are so much fun!

 

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