Goat 4-h?

[x_xbirdie]

Hey everyone. I'm looking into goat 4-h

My mom and I live on two acres. I was wondering what dwarf breeds of goats are there? How much space do they require? We have an outside dog, would that be good for company? Or do we need to get two?

[ScorpionFlower]

Our family is also joining 4-H for chickens, goats, and crafts.

If you want a small breed I'd say pygmy or nigerian dwarf. I'm partial to nigerian dwarf as our most playful goat is half nigerian dwarf. We have our large goats housed in about 20X20 fenced area. and I let them out to run around the 1 acre we currently have fenced. I'd be weary of the dog if he's never been around goats before. He may see them as dinner. I'd say get at least 2 and the dog can stay outside the goatpen unless you're there.

[Carrie C]

Hi, and welcome to the world of Goat 4-H! I was in 4-H and in goats for most of the time. It was great, so much so I'm volunteering as an adult.
I wouldn't recommend planning on your dog being your goat's companion. It might work out, but I highly doubt it, unless he is used to being not only around animals, but living with them. Even then, I encourage you to get at least 2 goats.
Dwarf breeds include Nigerian Dwarf (small dairy breed), the Pygmy (small meat-type breed), the Kinder (pygmy x full-sized Nubian and breed into a new, mid-sized breed) and of course the miniature dairy breeds (Nigerian Dwarf x full-sized dairy goat = mid-sized goat).
I keep my 5 goats (2 Nigerian Dwarves, 2 Nubians, and a Boer) and their kids (until they are sold) in about a 40x30 foot area. They are happy in it. But if you have more room, use it!
Best wishes with your project!
~Carrie C.

[xoxoGOATSxoxo]

:baby04: Have fun with 4-H!!! I've been in it for 5 years with goats, ducks, lambs, rabbits and crafts. I'll tell you, it's a blast!

Get some pygmys or nigerian dwarfs. Those are the only mini breeds I know of, but I'm a dairy person. I wouldn't let the dog near them, even if he's friendly, beacause he might hurt them accidently by playing with them. I'd get at least 2, but get more and you'll have more fun with them. Give 'em as much space as possible, (They'll be happier and more energetic) and provide something for them to climb on like electrical spools or crates or rocks.... a friend of mine even has an old wooden jungle gym and playhouse. The goats love it! Be sure, though, to give them a sturdy fence, because mini's are even more skilled at escaping than the dairy's. Chain link is best, but really expensive, so we used wooden rail reinforced with hog panels, and hog panels staked in the ground for places where there was no rail fence. Electric fence will work too, but goats have to be trained to respect it.
Ya know, I'm just going to stop talking and recommend you a book, Storey's Guide to Raising Goats. It's awsome, and it covers all the basics of goats....find it at the library, internet, bookstore, etc....

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GOATS!!!!!!! :baby04: