What is The Smallest Breed Of Goat?

[Haviris]

Height wise they are about the same. Pygmies are a meat breed and more stocky, they come in a handful of different colors. Nigerians are a dairy breed, so more refined looking and come in all colors. Both are nice enough, I've had a few excape artists of different breeds, I use to think of pygmies as the excapies, but I don't know that they are any more prone to it. I don't currently own any pygmies, and lately it's the big goats that have been pains!

I would reseach both and see which breed suits you more. And I would focus more on the health and temperment of the goats, then their size.

 

[ini24]

i also have a question about pigmis and nigi's: how much space do they need.
we live in the city and have a some room, i have been talking about getting a goat for ages but dont know how much space they need. all the websites i have used have not given me an answer. (we are soon moving and getting some more room)

thanx

also what is a good price for pigmis amd nigi's in australia

 

[ini24]

hello you seem to know a lot about pygmy goats, i was wondering how much space they need, on a website it said if you have a smaller enclosure you should put play equipment in the area and what should the length of the fencing in metres be. i can also take them on walks so the can run around. it is my dream to get a goat please answer!!

 

[AuroraSprings]

The "space needed" is extremely variable. Our show pygmies were so good at escaping that we gave up fencing them in. I wouldn't recommend it though. They were terrors to our potted plants, short lawn equipment, horses - while trying to eat, and even the dogs -because they stole their beds in the garage, LOL. As long as the goats have room to move, drink, eat, and sleep, they can indeed survive. Even a 12X12 stall is sufficient housing for 3-4 for merely surviving (if they get along). But, would are they "happy" to be in a small stall? Probably not. I doubt you would be for very long either. When given free-rein, they roamed over 8 of our 10 acres daily, they would've included the back pasture and neighbors house, but the creek was in the way and they HATED rain/water/dampness. Even when we only had 3, they still roamed all over. Depending on how much space you have, how you plan to feed/entertain them, how often you are going to clean their space, and how many you plan to get, you will likely be somewhere in between the two extremes. If you just want two wethers as pets, a backyard is probably plenty. You can housetrain them to potty outside and let them inside to play with you on the furniture

Last min note: If they all get along, they can be in a smaller space than if there is a bully who pushes the others around. I had one, old doe who wouldn't let anyone but her daughter within 10 ft of her. Needless to say, she couldn't stay with any one other than her offspring in a 12X12 stall.

 

[ini24]

thanx so your saying get a wither if its home is in a backyard we can also put some play equipment in their as well

 

[jdyson]

I wouldn't recommend having only one goat. They will get lonely. Happy goat hunting

 

[AuroraSprings]

I, too, would recommend getting TWO wethers. Goats are herd animals and you, nor your dog/cat/horse/etc, can ever be the kind of company another goat can be. A sheep wether MIGHT be an acceptable alternative, but caring for a sheep can be vastly different from a goat, so again, stick with two goats. You could get a doe and wether, but the doe will get temperamental and possibly VERY loud when she goes into heat. You'd think something was dying the way our girls scream! But no....they are just standing quietly in an open field SCREAMING for no reason

If you want to build a fun playground for the pair, they will greatly appreciate it. The dwarf breeds can be very playful, even as adults. If you need some ideas of stuff to build, let me know. I have some good photo suggestions.

 

[miss heny]

X2 on the screaming

 

[marilyn1]

So what is the difference between Nigerians and pygmys? Like which one is smaller? Does anyone have pics of the two?

as every one else said on size. Here are my Nigerians. He is now castrated. They had 1 baby on 1-24-13. They are back yard goats. I posted pictures in lawn chairs so you can get an idea of their size Baby was just born in the picture, only an hour or so old. Wasn't planning on breeding, she was not supposed to be able to get pregnant. I would suggest 2 withers. If not showing just make sure they are healthy and tame. Never get one.

 

[jdyson]

I have 3. If I could have more I would, lol. Addictive little hay burners! Mine are almost 2 years old and so spoiled it isn't even funny