dwarf/pygmy goats on 1/4 acre??

[AlaskanShepherdess]

Are you looking on craigslist? That is where we found all of our goats, and we look for anywhere from where I live in central AK to the Anchorage area (400 miles away) for goats. There is a LOT of great Nigerian Dwarf breeders in the Anchorage area, and Nigies are kind "new" up here, or at least there isn't many reputable breeders yet. So in order to get well bred registered animals I pretty much have to travel 400 miles to get them.

 

[chandasue]

It certainly can be done. Train them to walk on a leash so you can take them for walks. Have a plan for what to do with the wasted bedding. I find that my compost piles turn into more than I can handle or even what I really need for the sized garden I have now. Now that I think of it maybe it's just a northern issue because I give them a really thick layer in winter.

 

[Goatherd]

As has already been mentioned, Craigslist is a great place to find animals.
Even if you don't find goats listed in your area, you could put a "wanted ad" on there and possibly someone will contact you.
It certainly wouldn't hurt and might be the answer to your search.

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

Oh and don't be afraid to ask them if they will barter! I got 9 dual registered and well bred goats for a grand total of $480 cash because of my husband's skill as a carpenter. We put down $50 cash to reserve 3 goats from one lady who wanted a chicken tractor, $90 for the supplies for that tractor. $90 was spent in gas to get 5 from the Anchorage area. We bartered those for my husband to do some remodeling work, which for the two weeks we had to stay down there to complete that, we spent $250 in gas, snacks for the long drives, and a few supplies. So that is $2700 worth of goats (plus we also got a bunch of milking and care supplies, about $300 worth with the 5) so a grand total of $3000 worth for only $480.
Not too shabby.

My husband's time comes up to a little more then the $3000 but work was slow so he had the spare time anyways.

 

[20kidsonhill]

There are a ton of goats in the Valley in Virginia you might want to keep an eye on craigslist or post a wanted add in your area, plus Harrisonburg craigslist in VI.

Ohio also has lots of goats, but because the valley is so rocky their are lots of small breed farmers over here.

 

[Weedchick]

My sons were asking if we could somehow walk the goats. Can you use a large dog harness? The kind that go around their chest/belly is what I'm thinking.

I haven't had goats since I was a kid but my best friend and I used to walk all over the place, into town, through the park... she with her Great Dane and me with my big ol' Nubian wether. He heeled as well as any dog (minus the automatic sit ).
In my opinion a halter or a slip chain will work a lot better for training and going for walks than a harness. A harness will give them a better chance of pulling you around. Sounds like fun for your kids.

 

[sammileah]

my lot is 1/4 acre i have 2 big dogs 4 kids 20+ chickens and at the monent 5 goats. 1 pygmy 2 pygmy crosses 1 alpine and 1 buckling. and a normal yard.
goats get free choice hay all they time and they can clear that space of over growth in no time.
we have a giant picin table and several palets and random lumber for them to play on. I personly thing they like the sound their hoofs make on wood.
my are happy and healthy my pygmy you could roll. I'm having my boys walk him.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

There are a ton of goats in the Valley in Virginia you might want to keep an eye on craigslist or post a wanted add in your area, plus Harrisonburg craigslist in VI.

Ohio also has lots of goats, but because the valley is so rocky their are lots of small breed farmers over here.

GRACIOUS! You weren't kidding - there are lots of nigerian dwarf goats listed!
Now I just have to figure out what's closest to us. We're around Charleston, WV. Any tips on how best to search appreciated, but I will go through the ads tonight when the kiddos are asleep.

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

Some tips.

1. Find out if they test for CAE, and Johne's and if they ever have any abscesses if they test for CL. If they say yes, when you get to the farm insist on seeing the paperwork, confirm with their vet if you feel you need to.

2. If your wanting registered animals that you can show take a look on my blog. I posted some links here that I found on how to find a well bred Nigerian Dwarf.

3. Ask LOTS of questions. If they aren't willing to answer all your questions the may not be the best person to buy from. I think it's an unwritten code that when you buy from a breeder that they are willing to answer all the questions you have about goat care and are very willing to help in any way possible. If a breeder is not willing to do that for any reason other then time restraints I would really question if you want to buy from them.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Some tips.

1. Find out if they test for CAE, and Johne's and if they ever have any abscesses if they test for CL. If they say yes, when you get to the farm insist on seeing the paperwork, confirm with their vet if you feel you need to.

2. If your wanting registered animals that you can show take a look on my blog. I posted some links here that I found on how to find a well bred Nigerian Dwarf.

3. Ask LOTS of questions. If they aren't willing to answer all your questions the may not be the best person to buy from. I think it's an unwritten code that when you buy from a breeder that they are willing to answer all the questions you have about goat care and are very willing to help in any way possible. If a breeder is not willing to do that for any reason other then time restraints I would really question if you want to buy from them.

Thanks! I agree with it all. I actually talked to a man on Sat. who is selling a male. We had such a nice long chat and he talked about how he loves his goats and if anyone ever decides they don't want them or it's not working out, they can bring them back to live out their life with him. He was very helpful. He has nigerian dwarf/pygmy crosses. Even though he does not milk them, I am kind of hoping he'll have a doe to sell w/ his next kiddings. I like that he's close, that he was so helpful, etc. Really made me feel like I could call him to ask questions down the road. He said he'd keep in touch over the next few weeks while the rest of his does deliver. It may be somewhat like when we first got chickens - at some point you just need to jump in and get started. Then you can kind of figure out what is and isn't working for you.
Thanks everyone for the encouragement! I really appreciate it.