Thinking about NDs

[doulanobles]

Since my alpine mix only had a single and only has one functioning teat and my nubian evidently had a false pregnancy after an obvious heat and breeding, I think we need more goats!

I'm considering NDs as they are a bit smaller and therefore easier for my 10 yo dd to handle and milk. I know a very reputable breeder, CAE/ CL free closed herd. She's willing to sell us a doeling for $75 because dd is in 4H. Dad looks like a calico cat and mom is the color of honey...beautiful! So, if she has a doeling, we get first dibs.

What's your experience with NDs been? How are they on fences? We have a 5 acre pasture fenced partially with livestock panels and the rest with field fence.

We intend to milk. How are they to milk? Amounts? Kidding?

Thanks all!

[pookshollow]

My first goats were Nigerians - I bought them to milk, but only one turned out to be pregnant that year, and they hadn't been handled enought to make it anything less than a goat rodeo. I can't milk with one hand and hold a goat up with the other!

I've got a couple this year that have been handled since birth, so they'll be going up on the milkstand when they kid. Actually, one is 1/2 Saanen, but she's no bigger than the Nigies. I'm expecting her to milk pretty well.

As for amounts - depends on the breeding, as with any goat. Some will give you 1/2 a cup, others might give a couple of quarts.

My goats are inclined to go under fences - our property was fenced for beef cattle with woven wire fencing. There's a lot of wonky posts and the fence is none too tight, so it's not exactly goatproof. Our other property was fenced for the goats with chainlink and 2"x4" wire, and they never got out there.

[waygr00vy]

Field fence is ok for adults unless you have a spot where a wire breaks and then they can squeeze through. They are kind of like roaches, can squeeze through spaces half their size! Mine never went far though and would come right back through the same hole. Horse no climb or chain link works real well. My nigies give me anywhere from 1-2 quarts per day.

I haven't had too many issues kidding although this year I had a tangled set of quads and did lose the first one Also if they have a big single sometimes I have had to help pull.

[BethW]

Ours are easily contained with livestock panels, although beware the panels with 4"x4" squares as the kids can get their heads caught in them.

Our NDs are a lively, super friendly bunch who eat far less than the standard size goat. Not overly loud, and there's something to be said for being able to trim hooves while holding the goat in your lap. Not to mention, if one doesn't want to move, I can just pick him up

[Wags]

I like the portability factor - I can pick them up and move them around the place if needed. And for transport - a large dog kennel works just fine. And as Beth said hoof trimming goes a lot easier when you are bigger than they are.

In general they are very friendly and only one of mine has escaped - only time she did she she went up to the house looking for a handout. I don't have to worry about my 2 & 4 year olds around them either.

Yesterday they were playing hide and seek with the week old buckling. He actually seemed to get the hang of the game and was taking turns hiding and seeking with them.

[jBlaze]

Don't forget teat size as a factor to consider. Most nigis I see have then tiny teats. I have a doe with nigi-ish teats and I hate milking her! There is nothing to grab. Try having dd try milking one of his does to see how it goes. My dd does not like milking our small teated does. She does, but prefers the ones with something to fill your hand.

[Wags]

Teat size can really vary - some are pretty easy to get a hold of.