Stall size for NDs

[epona4]

I just read Storeys Dairy Goat book that pygmies and NDs only need about 10 square foot of floor space to be stalled in . (I'm assuming this is if they are only stalled at night and bad weather.) That seems awfully small to me. Of course they are awfully small critters, so maybe it's accurate.

Any thoughts from you NDers? I ask because I'm wondering if I can build a stall in my small barn (where I'm putting my chicken coop). I can't put my horses in there. Not the right set up. Would a stall that is 5ft wide be wide enough for a couple girls? (it could be 10-15 ft long)

Thanks,
b

 

[pipermark]

I provide dog houses for my miniature goats. Instead of them separating they will get 2 or 3 into one house. I do keep plenty of straw and replace it often because of their bed time toiletry habits.

 

[helmstead]

Our goat barn is 10' x 20'. The kidding stall is only 5 x 10 and is perfect for a doe waiting to labor...but gets dirty fast. I'm sure that as a run-in for just a couple goats, they'll be fine in that space. Our nursery pen uses the barn's 10 x 10 stall as a run in...and it works great. We use A frames and dog houses as shelters for the other goats...but would prefer to have barn access for ALL of them (looking forward to moving for that reason, we can build to suit next time...)

 

[epona4]

Here's another question. Would it be ok to house the goats and chickens in the same barn together? The coop would be separate from the stall but in the summer the coop wall would be open (with hardware cloth replacing it) to the inside of the barn. Would the chickens stir up too much dust for the goats or is this not even an issue?

Thanks for your patience regarding my "green" questions!

b

 

[epona4]

Well how do you like that! I just found out that the states Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association is just a few miles from me!! This must be a sign of some sort!

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Be careful, ND goats are as much an addiction as chikcens!

As for you question of chickens and goats together. Picture this I have a barn which has two 12 X 12 stalls which my horse have access to. One of them also has a roost in it for my 5 barn chickens. The chickens food is also in that stall. My goats have their own yard and calf hut to live in, but when I am around, I let the goats run in the pasture with the horses, etc.

Goats are a little on the sneeky side. They will do anything in their power to get to the chicken feed. For now, I am smarter than them, but give them time. I fully expect one day to find one goat standing on top of another goat trying to get to the chicken feed.

In sumary, they all live together and there does not seem to be any health issues. But my vet says it is not safe for the goats to get any large quantity of chicken feed.

BTW, my geese and ducks also share this field and they love to go in an clean up the goat yard.

 

[kinnip]

I have an 18' x 21' three sided metal building for my ladies. My man goats have an 10' x 10' decked house. Four foot of the length is porch, so that's 60 sq. ft. enclosed for three bucks. They all have 24/7 access to the outdoors. They definitely have more room than they need. I feel like you get away with a small stall if they have access to the outdoors. Mostly goats hang out on top of one another. You'd be surprised how many you can fit in a small space without complaint.

 

[EmmyGirl]

I agree--they're such social creatures, they'll cram in tight to get cozy at night! Our 2 girls have a nice big stall and don't you know at night they sleep crammed into a little tiny corner like 2 spoons! I think you'll be fine with your space.

 

[epona4]

This might not be good news! It means there's a chance I could get some NDs sooner rather than later!

I'm still going to wait to see how we do with the chickens. (and maybe a couple ducks or geese) this winter. But next summer, assuming all goes well this winter, all bets are off!

b