Wells' Providence
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
We raise Nigerian Dwarf goats for pets and high quality milk. We chose the Nigerian Dwarf breed because they are easy to keep. Their miniature size does not require the space that larger dairy goats need. Likewise, they do not require as much feed as their larger counterparts, which makes them practical for the small family farm. Nigerian Dwarf Goats produce a large quantity of high butter fat, nutritious, milk for their size. A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce over two quarts of sweet milk per day They are the ideal milk goat because they can be bred year round to stagger freshening for a more continuous supply of fresh milk.
We take pride in our animals and strive to keep the breed character true. We breed for quality and conformity to the breed standards so that the breed is improved and faults are eliminated. We look forward to growing our herd and breeding high quality dairy and show goats.
We’re members of the American Dairy Goat Association, the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association, and the American Goat Society.
Here's an excellent website for Goat Care Information, Health & Husbandry: http://fiascofarm.com/goats/ and another excellent site on worming goats NATURALLY, the way mother nature intended it to be: Land of Havilah Farm
If you plan on purchasing a milker, buy the right milker the first time! We went through all types of milkers and wish we would have purchased the Ultimate EZ Milker the first time! This milker is far superior than anything else we have tried (trust me, we've tried them all) so save yourself the money and the hassles and buy the best from the start, you'll be glad you did!
Is goat milk better than cow milk? Here’s a list of health benefits: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/goat-milk-benefits/
About Nigerian Dairy Goats
The Nigerian Dairy goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Nigerian goats are enjoying a rise in popularity due to their small size, colorful markings and dairy characteristics. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets. The milk is also higher in butterfat and has a sweeter taste. Nigerian goats are easy to handle; even for small children. Nigerian goats are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf Goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects.
The Nigerian is a Miniature Dairy Goat
A healthy Nigerian Dairy doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size - up to two quarts per day or more. In addition, Nigerian goat milk is higher in butterfat (6-10%) and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds. Many Nigerian goat owners raise their goats for milk production but others raise them for the pleasure and companionship these little caprines bring to their lives.
Nigerian Dairy Goat Conformation
A Nigerian goat's conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds. The parts of the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight, although there may be a small break or stop at the level of the eyes. The ears are upright. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable. Although most goats are naturally horned, many breeders disbud (dehorn) them at a young age, usually 2 weeks of age. Some goats are naturally polled and will not develop horns.
Ideal height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17" to 19" for does with does up to 21" allowed in the NDGA breed standard. Ideal height for bucks is 19" to 21" with bucks up to 23" allowed in the NDGA breed standard. There is no minimum height; although NDGA specifies an "ideal" height between 17" and 19" for does and 18" to 20" for bucks.Ideal weight is suggested to be about 75 lbs, about the size of a Labrador retriever. Animals are disqualified from the show ring for being oversized for the breed standard and/or for other faults: having a curly coat, roman nose, pendulous ears or evidence of myotonia (a breed characteristic of fainting goats).
The NDGA breed standard sets the maximum height for does at 21" with bucks up to 23" tall at the withers.
The AGS breed standard sets the maximum height for does at 22.5" with bucks up to 23.5" tall at the withers.
The ADGA breed standard sets the maximum height for does at 22.5" with bucks up to 23.5" tall at the withers.
Nigerian Dwarf Coloring
Color is one of the factors that makes breeding Nigerian goats so popular. You can never be sure what color the babies will be until they are born; even then you can't be sure because many times their color may change. Main color families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every color combination imaginable being produced. Nigerian goats can be dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patterns are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a "cape" around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe and leg markings. Brown eyes are the most common; however, dwarfs with china blue eyes are becoming increasingly popular and available.
Nigerian Goat Temperament
Nigerian goats are gentle, loveable and playful. Their calm, even temperament and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4H or FFA. Breeders of other types of goats find their Nigerian goats blend in with the rest of their herd and do not need special quarters; just adequate fencing to contain them because of their small size.
Many Nigerian goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys. In fact, they will often improve a pasture by removing brambles, undergrowth (including weeds) and ivy (even poison ivy) that other livestock won't eat. They are great for brush control...save your back and let a goat do the job of clearing your weeds.
Accommodations
Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts and pests like flies and rodents. They also require adequate fencing due to their small size. Nigerian goats should not be housed in airtight buildings; they need to have ventilation for optimum health. For one to just a few goats, many owners find that an oversized dog house or two does the job. Pens or houses should be kept clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Many owners find that providing a few "toys" for the goats provides them with hours of caprine entertainment. Tree stumps, rocks or large cable spools are great for "king of the mountain" games and jumping.
Feeding Nigerian Goats
Goats need hay, browse, and small amounts of grain daily. Most breeders feed a 12% - 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. It must not contain urea as this is toxic to goats. Many breeders give less grain if good pasture and browse are available. We add black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) to their grain. Hay or pasture should always be provided in abundant supply. Fresh water in clean containers should also be available at all times.
It is important that goats have free choice minerals and baking soda at all times. Ensure the minerals you purchase is designed for goats (and not designed for sheep - sheep cannot have Copper and goats MUST have Copper in their minerals). Use only loose minerals. Mineral blocks are not effective for goats and the goat will be unable to get the proper amount of minerals from a mineral block. We offer free choice minerals as well as free choice FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth to help control intestinal parasites.
We also offer free choice baking soda to prevent bloat. Bloat can occur when the animal grazes on lush young pasture, particularly if the pasture is wet.The stomach of ruminant animals produces a lot of gas. The animals continually belch, once each minute, to get rid of the gas. Occasionally belching stops and gas builds up in the rumen to cause bloat. The goats will nibble the baking soda when needed to help neutralize the excess gas that develops as long as baking soda is offered free choice. To minimize bloat, do not allow very hungry animals to graze a pasture. Offer dry, cut grass/hay first before turning out to graze.
Breeding Nigerian Dairy Goats
Nigerian goats breed year round. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the doe at least a 6-month break. Of course, this is a personal choice for each breeders. The gestation period for a doe is 145 to 153 days. For the most part, Nigerian goats are a hearty breed with few kidding problems. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. Watch out for those little bucks! Bucklings can be fertile as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean does and bucks separately to help you avoid unintentional breeding.
Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Some breeders prefer to wait until they are at least 1 year or older. Nigerian goat does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being common with some quintuplet births occurring. Nigerian goats are generally good mothers able to take care of their babies should you leave them to do the raising of the kids. They can also provide a surprising amount of milk for their size if you decide you want your own delicious goat milk or cheese.
Bucks are able to be used for service as young as 3 months of age and easily by the time they are 7 or 8 months old. Nigerian goat bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand breeding (contained) or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come into estrus. Both methods are used successfully.
Health Care
Nigerian goats, like all other breeds, need some basic care for good health and long life. Hooves should be trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks or more often if needed. A properly trimmed and shaped hoof should resemble those of a kid goat's hoof.
Vaccinations for clostridium perfringens types C&D and tetanus (CD/T) is the basic vaccine given. Vaccinations need to be given on a regular basis. The kids receive their CD/T vaccine series during the first three months of life and then on an annual basis thereafter. Administering the vaccine is very simple and it is very common for breeders to immunize their own goats.
Parasites are common in nature and worming should be done several times a year (spring, summer and fall). Your vet can suggest any special supplements (such as selenium), additional immunizations, recommend a wormer and worming schedule for your particular herd based on your area and known preventative health measures.
Nigerian Dwarf Registries and Shows
Nigerian goat shows are growing in popularity and are becoming more readily available all over the country. Shows are fun, educational and a great way to meet other breeders and owners. They are a place to sell your goats or obtain superior stock for breeding. Shows or event information can be obtained through registries, local goat clubs and organizations, including NDGA.
What's the difference between a Nigerian Dwarf and a Pygmy goat?
Although they have similar origins, Nigerian Dwarfs and African Pygmies are separate and distinct breeds, with recognized differences. Pygmies are bred to be "cobby" and heavy boned. Dwarfs are bred to have the length of body and more elegant structure that's similar to their larger dairy goat counterparts. Pygmies are also primarily "agouti" patterned, with black, silver and caramel being the most common colors.
How Much Do They Cost?
Average cost for registered breeding stock is between $300 and $500 per head, with champion pedigrees, milk production recorded animals and unusual coloring at premium prices. Pet quality stock often costs much less with wethers (neutered males) generally available for $50 to $100.
Source: http://www.ndga.org/