What would it take to keep dwarf Nigerians?

[Burbsteader]

I've been tossing around this idea for awhile now, but we are finally getting to a point with our property where I could consider raising a couple dwarf Nigerians or maybe a couple mini sheep. I am trying to figure out what would be the best for our situation.
Maybe one of each? Could they be content with each other's company?

What would it take to properly care for a couple of dwarf Nigerians? Fencing needs? Will these be just as likely to climb as other goats, etc. I would only keep females, no billies or wethers.

If I raise sheep or goats, I am looking for milk production. I like the idea of sheep because of fleece, but I like the idea of a dairy goat. I like goats' personalities.

Any suggestions? (besides more land! LOL )
Thanks

[Hip_Shot_Hanna]

Any goat will climb to some extent But, I believe sheep will also escape if not securely fenced.

Personally, I love my Nigies! They have wonderful temperaments and known for being gentle and good natured.

Never had sheep, so I can't really compare the two.

[delphinium]

I have ND's and love them. I use 5-high cattle panels (5 feet high with 4" squares) and cut a gate from another panel. I use heavy duty U-posts and can move the goat pen around just by moving the panels to other posts that are already in place. They sleep in a large cedar dog house and have a sheltered area for food, minerals, baking soda and hay, a water bucket is clipped to the fence and they have a couple of stumps, rocks and a dog igloo to play on. Goats are smart and interactive, eat up any leftovers from the garden and provide wonderful manure for the garden. I love the self-sustaining aspect of having my own goats, chickens, rabbits and organic gardens.

[dap]

I have NDs as well and so far have not had a problem with "escape artists". I just love 'em to death! They are great friends. Delphinium~I'd love to see pictures of your set-up, I need to do something different with my living arrangements and your's sounds very interesting!

[Burbsteader]

I'd love to see your set up too delphinium. Do you have pics?

We have been using the cattle panels around our gardens. The rest of our fencing is 5' tall cedar that is not quite a solid fence. The boards are vertical.

[manygoatsnmore]

Of course, coming to a goat forum, you are going to hear "get 2 goats", lol!

Sturdy fencing with small holes is a must. Make it kid tight, too, which is like 2"x4" openings, at least 4' tall. Why, you ask, when you are just getting a dwarf breed? Because goats are addictive, and before you know it, you'll be breeding (you do want milk, right), and one thing leads to another... You may start out with NDs, but eventually decide you want a full size dairy goat. You'll want at least a 4' fence for them (48" high is better). Better to spend a little extra on fencing at the start, than to have to spend twice to build higher. Besides, fences are also to keep predators out, and higher is better for that.

A 3 sided run-in shelter, open on the side with the least amount of wind, is the most basic barn needed. You can go fancier, but as long as they have a dry place out of the wind, your goats will do fine. Goats can stand the cold, but rain and drafts will do them in. Make sure you have a hay feeder in the shelter to cut down on the amount of hay they waste. Plenty of fresh water and free choice good hay is usually enough for dry does or wethers. Grain for late pregnancy, milking, and flushing before breeding.

A utility knife works to trim hooves, a brush to groom them, a stand for all the various work you will do from milking to vaccinating is good - you can build one out of scrap lumber or PVC for very little money, lots of plans available on the net. A few basic vet supplies - wormer, cocci preventative, Vit B complex injectible, CD&T injectible, BoSe if you are in a selenium deficient area, injectible antibiotics (penicillin or LA200), a good loose goat mineral (if you have sheep, make sure they can't get to the goat mineral - the higher copper is good for goats, toxic to sheep) some baking soda and a container to put it in so the goats have it free choice) a few buckets for water, grain, and general hauling, collars and leads for taking them from here to there, and basic milking equipment when you get to that stage. Add a few toys in the pen for them to play on (stumps, rocks, or a climbing platform of some kind are good basics).

I'd add at least couple good goat books. Harvey Considine's Dairy Goats for Pleasure and Profit is an excellent reference, as is Raising Goats the Modern Way by Jerry Belanger, and raising Milk Goats Successfully by Gail Luttman. 2 more I'd recommend are the Caprine Supply's Goatkeeping 101, and one my (wonderful) vet got in, called Raising Goats Under Primitive Conditions. It was originally called Health Care of Goats, by Robert Vanderhoof, DVM, and has been revised recently. The publisher is Christian Veterinary Mission www.cvmusa.org and it is a good basic reference guide, aimed at missions similar to heifer project, but equally valuable to homesteaders here. There are a couple good goat mags out there, too, such as Dairy Goat Journal. Along with good reference sites on the web and a good support group here, you should be nearly set.

I say nearly, because one of the most valuable things you can have is a knowledgeable veterinarian. The time to establish that relationship is before you need it. Research the local vets, ask other goat people in the area who they use and who they don't, and spend some time interviewing the vets themselves, as well as their assistants. It will cost you a bit for their time, but will pay dividends when you have the inevitable goat emergency where time is of the essence.

I'm sure I overlooked something important, but others will chime in, too, I'm sure. Hope this helps.

[kerrinatoz]

Originally Posted by delphinium

I have ND's and love them. I use 5-high cattle panels (5 feet high with 4" squares) and cut a gate from another panel. I use heavy duty U-posts and can move the goat pen around just by moving the panels to other posts that are already in place. They sleep in a large cedar dog house and have a sheltered area for food, minerals, baking soda and hay, a water bucket is clipped to the fence and they have a couple of stumps, rocks and a dog igloo to play on. Goats are smart and interactive, eat up any leftovers from the garden and provide wonderful manure for the garden. I love the self-sustaining aspect of having my own goats, chickens, rabbits and organic gardens.

Hi I was considering on getting two bucks nigies. I presently have two does that are in a smaller sized barn (10x12) This is plenty of room (actually almost too much) but they will have kids someday and we'll fill that space up!! But as far as the bucks go, could I just get away with a large dog house for two? And when you say large, how large is that??? Also I haven't built or managed to get a milking stand yet. What is a good alternative to keeping them in place when they are being groomed?? Thanks for any suggestions!

[Carrie C]

Originally Posted by kerrinatoz

Also I haven't built or managed to get a milking stand yet. What is a good alternative to keeping them in place when they are being groomed?? Thanks for any suggestions!

I went years without a milk stand. The goats wore collars so I tied them to the fence with a leash and clipped hooves, shaved - show Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats , gave shots, and all that jazz.
Now that I have my milk stand, I will NEVER go back! I can't believe all the things they put me through while I tamed them! Now they can't, hee hee. I get them in the stand and even the wild ones can't do much.
Ok, that's my pitch for milk stands.
Mine have a dog house that they go into, also, although it is in addition to the barn. It's about 4' x 3' x 3' tall. I think it's a resort dog house
Anyway, hope this helps a bit.
~Carrie C.

[henfruit]

i have 4 nubians 3 weaters and a doe.they are great like dogs they follow me all around the paddock.the newest is a alpine nub cross what a sweet boy. it a bit for the first three to let him into the group.also have two mini donks and a holstien steer ,the leader of the pack. we use 4 foot wire fence and 5 stands of electric in the field,never had an escape of the goats through the electric. i guess they all know where there bread is buttered.

[kerrinatoz]

Originally Posted by Carrie C

I went years without a milk stand. The goats wore collars so I tied them to the fence with a leash and clipped hooves, shaved - show Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats , gave shots, and all that jazz.
Now that I have my milk stand, I will NEVER go back! I can't believe all the things they put me through while I tamed them! Now they can't, hee hee. I get them in the stand and even the wild ones can't do much.
Ok, that's my pitch for milk stands.
Mine have a dog house that they go into, also, although it is in addition to the barn. It's about 4' x 3' x 3' tall. I think it's a resort dog house
Anyway, hope this helps a bit.
~Carrie C.

Great thanks for the tips. I have to trim hooves for the first time next week and I was debating on getting a milk stand before then but I really should wait. ($$) One is very calm the other doesn't stand for much, so I think I will try the grain in a bucket and tied to the fence idea. That should buy me some time!!
I wanted to buy a buckling but won't be able to build a shelter until May, and the ones I wanted may be ready to go before then. So I was thinking of buying a nice doghouse about the same size you mentioned from a local wood store that sells them. So, this would probably work for a Nigerian buckling at least if I needed an immediate temporary solution you think?? Then I suppose it would be a nice cozy spot to hang when they have a shelter as well.

Kerrin

[mygoat]

Originally Posted by Carrie C

I went years without a milk stand. The goats wore collars so I tied them to the fence with a leash and clipped hooves, shaved - show Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats , gave shots, and all that jazz.
Now that I have my milk stand, I will NEVER go back! I can't believe all the things they put me through while I tamed them! Now they can't, hee hee. I get them in the stand and even the wild ones can't do much.
Ok, that's my pitch for milk stands.
Mine have a dog house that they go into, also, although it is in addition to the barn. It's about 4' x 3' x 3' tall. I think it's a resort dog house
Anyway, hope this helps a bit.
~Carrie C.

I know what you mean about the stand! I have NO IDEA how I got along without it. if you have goats, you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED a stand! They're not hard to build, either. I used the fiasco farm stand plans, got it done in one afternoon. Best b-day present I ever got, I think. Well, besides my doe, Boston.

[mygoat]

Here's a link to Fiasco Farm's milk stand plans. They're free and easy. I HIGHLY reccomend thier plans and the stand. Great, just great.

Milkstand

[kerrinatoz]

Originally Posted by mygoat

Here's a link to Fiasco Farm's milk stand plans. They're free and easy. I HIGHLY reccomend thier plans and the stand. Great, just great.

Milkstand

Cool thanks I downloaded that plan and supplies list, I'll definitely get started on that project! It seems pretty straightforward, much easier than other plans I've seen. Are your goats the smaller size? Will I have to make adjustments if I wanted to use this with Nigerians?? I have yearlings now and I'll be getting a couple of bucklings this spring.

Kerrin

[dap]

I have the Nigerians and a buddy of mine built the Fiasco Farm stand for them and it works great.

[kerrinatoz]

Wonderful! I can't wait to build it. I may get my chance very soon. It is supposed to be 60 degrees tomorrow in southern NH. Can you believe it???