Taking the plunge.

[Sepaditty]

OK, I've been thinking about goats for quite a while, but just now got my shed turned into a barn. Had a stall & storage added. Now I'm on to the next task: Choosing which kind.

I'm going for milk rather than meat, although I assume that just like chickens,you could any breed, just not as much meat on some. Am I right?

First time having goats. Mainly personal use for milk. Not looking to start selling it or anything at this time. I don't have a lot of pasture space. This is a backyard adventure. Approx 1500 sq feet fenced in & other areas where they can be tied occasionally to graze.

I'm thinking Nigerian Dwarf would be a good fit. Anyone have any other tips, pointers, or suggestions?

 

[goats&moregoats]

I started just this last summer. First suggestion is read everything and anything. Try to make sure you have everything you need before you bring them home. Not just food, pasture and shelter. Meds available over the counter, a go to goat person, a birthing kit( I fully intend on having one next year.) Hoof trimmers, flea and lice treatment. Line up a vet that knows what he/she is doing and can be reached on emergencies.
Yes Dwarf Nigerians are great for milk, plus they generally have great personalities. Not to many birthing problems either, from what I have read. They were my choice along with a couple of Pygmies for pets. None of mine had any birthing issues. I did loose a buckling due to birth chill and not knowing what to do. I read about a method after the fact. I also lost a Pygmy doe due to birthing complications, we believe due to age and size of kid( again not fully understanding) Learning from experience is the best and hardest way and the reason for a go to goat person. good luck!

 

[cindyg]

Can't beat the Nigerian Dwarf for personality, size and milk production. Just my opinion of course, and I admit I am biased.

 

[OneFineAcre]

We breed Nigerians so I do have some bias.

But, you said yourself that you have a small space so they would be an obvious choice for you.

And, yes you are correct about using them for meat. Some do use extra males for meat, you just would not get as much meat.
We have no problem selling wethers here as pets. We sell them so quickly at $75, I'm thinking I need to raise the price to $100. If you could sell the wethers easily like I can, it would probably be more cost effective than raising them to 18 months or so to use for meat. Just my opinion

 

[goatgurl]

i agree with the others, Nigerians sound like the way for you to go. and i also agree with goats&moregoats get all your ducks in a row. don't wait for an emergency to have your supplies or a vet ready. I've never had any of the smaller breeds, i raise la manchas, but if i had a smaller space i would sure consider them

 

[Sepaditty]

Thanks! All of these tips help a lot. What is the difference between dwarf & pygmy?

 

[goats&moregoats]

Thanks! All of these tips help a lot. What is the difference between dwarf & pygmy?

The Dwarf Nigerian is a milk goat and the Pygmy is a meat goat. Pygmy can be milked but not much production.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I milked a show-quality, registered pygmy for a year and got almost a half-gallon a day of the sweetest, creamiest milk ever. Even better tasting than the Nubians I milk! She had a beautiful udder, but small-ish teats.

I've been a long-time pygmy breeder and I would love to see more people milking their pygmies!

 

[goats&moregoats]

I milked a show-quality, registered pygmy for a year and got almost a half-gallon a day of the sweetest, creamiest milk ever. Even better tasting than the Nubians I milk! She had a beautiful udder, but small-ish teats.

I've been a long-time pygmy breeder and I would love to see more people milking their pygmies!

I stand corrected, however I believe that the usual is what I stated above.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

No argument with your statement at all! My point is that Pygmies can be a dual purpose goat, but in order to reach that status folks really need to promote their milkability and breed for it!