General information on caring for pygmy goats plus some useful articles......

 
 
The Marshview Herd - June 2007.
 
 
 
 
 
 General requirements.

 


The Pygmy Goat is a hardy, good-natured animal; a gentle and responsive pet.  Pygmy goats are NOT a dairy or commercial breed.
PYGMY GOATS NEED COMPANY OF THEIR OWN KIND AND SHOULD NOT BE KEPT ALONE.
Housing requirements
Modest; an 8' x 6' shed, furnished with a bench and hay-rack being suitable for two pets.  Access from the shed to a well-fenced play area will provide space for exercise and fresh air, both essential for the fun loving Pygmy Goat. Tethering is NOT a suitable means of restraint.
Diet
A basic diet of hay and clean drinking water should be supplemented by 2-8 oz of concentrate a day, depending on age and condition.  Pygmy goats are browsers not grazers - they should not be considered as lawn-mowers. Vegetables and fruit should be added to their diet along with twigs, leaves etc. Care must be taken to avoid poisonous plants.New food should be introduced gradually.
Health
You should provide your pygmy goats with a yellow mineral lick in their goat shed.
Their hooves should be trimmed every 6-8weeks. They will need to be wormed at least
twice per year and should be treated against lice during the spring and autumn.
Vaccinations will be required against entero-toxaemia. Your vet' will advise you on this.
Owners not wishing to breed should choose two wethers. These castrated males make excellent pets with none of the drawbacks associated with the entire(stud) male.
Legal requirements
ALL goat owners are required by law to register a holding number and a herd number. This applies even if only two goats are kept in a back garden. To register contact your local DEFRA office. All goats must be identified by an ear-tag or tattoo and goat movement between properties must be accompanied by an official license. All reputable breeders will advise and arrange this.

 

 
 
   View from inside of Marshview Goat House
 
 
                              Fencing around paddock       
 
 
 

                                 SOME USEFUL PYGMY GOAT ARTICLES

The Pygmy Goat Breed Standard

Breeding chart (to calculate kidding dates)

A beginners guide to kidding

Feeding chart for hand reading pygmy goat kids