If you're looking for a backyard pet or an addition to your farmyard, pygmy goats are a good option.They have their own care requirements, but once you understand what they need, their care isn't difficult.They can thrive in most climates as long as you have an adequate shelter.To keep them with you for a long time, you need to give them the proper food and look after their health.
Step 1: How much shelter do you need?
Take the weather in your area into account.If you live in a warm climate, your goats may not need a large shelter.Shelter from the sun and wind should be provided by a 3-sided structure.If you live in an area with severe winters, you'll need a full-on barn to protect your animals.Protection from the elements is what you need.
Step 2: Take into account the size of your herd.
Your herd size determines the size of your shelter.You need to give 15 to 20 square feet for each goat.If you only have one goat, your shelter should be at least 20 square feet.mIn practice, that's a 3-by-5-foot shelter or a smaller shelter.75 square feet is needed for 5 goats.To 100 square feet.A 10-by-10-foot shelter is equivalent to an 8 by 9 foot shelter.If you are keeping a pygmy goat in your backyard, you can use a large dog house.
Step 3: The stalls should be created.
Each goat has his or her own space if you have multiple animals.The ideal floor for goats is gravel.You can apply another layer every couple of years, because it's easy to clean out.Hay is sufficient for bedding, and goats won't eat what's on the floor.You will need troughs to feed the goats.
Step 4: You should install a fence.
The best fence for goats is wire.The fence needs to be at least 4 feet high to keep the goats from jumping over.
Step 5: Climbers should include climbing areas.
You will need to include places for goats to climb in order for them to do so.Any kind of picnic table is ideal for this.You can make hills out of dirt, as goats will find that enjoyable.They like to jump off of these places.Old tires are good for pets.
Step 6: You should buy at least 2 goats.
You should keep more than one goat.They like to live in a group.
Step 7: Allow the goat to eat.
Goats are able to eat grass, brush, and forbs.Forbs are weeds.If you have enough land, goats can eat on pasture in the summer.You will need about a quarter of an Acre.There is land for every goat.If you have a herd of goats, you will need pastures to keep up with demand.You want to give your plants time to grow back.
Step 8: Try it with hay.
If you don't have enough pasture for your goat or goats, you can feed them hay.Each goat needs about a pound of feed per day.They will need less if they are also getting grains.
Step 9: Their diet should be supplemented with grains.
In the winter, goats need more food.Young goats and goats that provide a lot of milk will need a supplemental diet of grains in the summer.Corn, barley, and oats are appropriate grains.
Step 10: There should be a plentiful supply of water.
The goats need water to live.It takes more water for goats to process their food than other animals, as they are ruminants.They should always have access to clean, fresh water.Make sure to change the water frequently and clean out the container regularly.
Step 11: You should brush your goat once a day.
To get rid of the dirt on your goat, use a sturdier brush.Next, use a soft brush to comb through the goat's hair.If there are bumps on your goat as you brush, that could be an indication of infections or a cut.Unless you plan to show her, your goat won't need clipping.
Step 12: If your goats get parasites, you should bath them.
brushing is sufficient for your goat most of the time.Warm the water so it's not cold to bathe the goat.It's a good idea to lather the goat up with a cleanser specifically for goats.Use a mitt to wash your hands.It's time to rinse off the soap.It's easier to hold on to your goat if she has a collar on.
Step 13: Provide some vitamins.
Pygmy goats need vitamins A and C in their diet.They can get this from green hay.Adding some corn to their diet is something you can do if you aren't supplying either of these.
Step 14: It's a good idea to include vitamin D.
Similar to humans, goats absorb calcium and have bone health.If your goats are outside most of the time, they will absorb the sun's rays.Feed them either sun-cured hay or irradiated yeast if they don't get much sunlight.
Step 15: Minerals should be added to pasture-fed goats.
If your goats are exclusively pasture-fed, you should add a mix of iodized salt, limestone, and animal bones.You can put the mixture in a bucket and let the goats eat it.
Step 16: Inject it.
If white muscle disease is prevalent in your area, it's important that you get selenium, as it protects against this disease.When kids are born, you should give them a supplement.The disease causes the muscles to be whitish, which is where it gets its name.
Step 17: You should give yearly vaccinations.
Your goat needs to be protected against tetanus and enterotoxemia.You can give these to yourself at local feed stores.You may want to talk to your vet about the vaccine.You can also get a clostridium CD vaccine.
Step 18: A yearly checkup is a good idea.
It's a good idea to schedule a yearly checkup for your goat.If you know your goat is in good health, you can make sure it has the proper vaccinations.
Step 19: Your goats hooves should be trimmed.
If your goats are not trimmed, you could end up with goats who can't walk.Use hoof shears, gloves, and a hoof knife to trim them.Either tie or hold the goat.Someone will need to hold the goat in place while you trim it.There are growth rings.You should be able to see where the hooves have grown.The hooves need to be trimmed back until they are even with the last ring.