Pygmy Goats

[Jmanvanatta]

im thinking about pigmy goats but do they have to have a kid to make milk?

 

[Stacykins]

Do you have to get two or can you start with one? I was going to keep him w/chickens. Don't think hubby will let me have two at this time. What feed do you typically feed them

Yes, you have to have two. Chickens are not a replacement for another goat as a companion. They are herd animals, and don't see chickens as part of their herd. My goats ignore chickens completely, like they don't exist. Herd animals only feel safe when they are with another similar herd animal.

If you try and keep a goat solo, trust me, you and the goat will be miserable. A goat kept alone is a stressed out, LOUD goat (they herd call almost constantly, screaming). Stress leads to increased instance of disease, too. You hear of rare occasions where folks have kept a goat alone and it is 'fine'. But is not fair to the goat and very irresponsible.

Feed depends on the needs. A wether needs a different diet than a pregnant or lactating doe. The biggest part of a goat's diet is clean, mold free hay (grass hay is OK if the goat gets enough protein from other sources), loose minerals (not a salt block, this is mostly table salt and very little other minerals, so it will lead to a deficient goat) fed free choice, and clean water. Grain is often fed, but like I said, it depends on the goat's needs.

A good breeder won't sell a single goat to a home with no other goats, as well. You can obviously get around this, there are a lot of people looking unload goats on craigslist, usually, and they often don't care. But you have to be careful what you are getting into. Diseases like CAE, CL, and Johne's can come from someone who isn't careful.

 

[blucoondawg]

yes a goat has to have a kid to start milking