Asking some questions...

[ChristIsEverything]

Hi! I am hoping to start a small herd of dairy goats, and i have a few questions.

1. From everything that i have read, i have decided that Nigerian Dwarf goats would best fit my situation. Does anyone have any experience with these? does their milk taste good? How much milk will they give?
2. Would they do well in foresty land?
3. How much space do they need?
4. What typed of vaccinations/medications will they need? And can i do these myself? i would like to keep vet bills and little as possible
5. What should i feed them?
6. Is the birthing process complicated? do Goats often need help?
7. Anything else i should know?

Thank you!

 

[Finnie]

Hi! I am hoping to start a small herd of dairy goats, and i have a few questions.

1. From everything that i have read, i have decided that Nigerian Dwarf goats would best fit my situation. Does anyone have any experience with these? does their milk taste good? How much milk will they give?
2. Would they do well in foresty land?
3. How much space do they need?
4. What typed of vaccinations/medications will they need? And can i do these myself? i would like to keep vet bills and little as possible
5. What should i feed them?
6. Is the birthing process complicated? do Goats often need help?
7. Anything else i should know?

Thank you!

I’m sorry you’ve gone so long without an answer to these questions. I do not have goats. However, I have read through a ton of the topics in the goat section, and have followed the journals of several people on here. I feel like I have learned a lot about goats from the people in this forum. (But not enough to hand out advice! )

My suggestion for you would be to read through anything you can find about Nigerian Dwarves in the goat section.

I would also recommend reading through all the threads written by these two members: @Southern by choice and @Goat Whisperer. They both left the forum a few years ago, but they contributed a lot of valuable information to this forum which is still pertinent to your questions.

I don’t think my tags for them worked, but maybe you can find them by searching.

Edit: the tags worked! Click on them, then click on their name in the pop up, and then on the page that comes up, click on “find” and it will give you a drop down box. Choose threads- that will give you specific topics to look through. If you choose content, it will take you to all the random posts they made, which may or may not be in topics you need.

Good luck and have fun!

Another good ND breeder to look up is @OneFineAcre

 

[Youngfarmer2019]

Hi! I recently got started with goats, I have Nigerian dwarfs and one Lamancha I may be of some help (I had done extensive research before even purchasing my first goat)
1. Their milk is excellent in my opinion, rich, sweet, creamy, it’s downright delicious. As to how much they will give, it varies from goat to goat, buy one from a reputable breeder from good milking lines and your more likely to get more milk than a run-down so-called Nigerian dwarf you buy at an animal auction.
2. My goats do excellent ton varied forage, including forest.
3. They are smaller goats and therefore do well in less space than needed by a standard sized goat, a good amount should be 135-150 sq. Ft. Per goat.
4. I do not vaccinate my goats, some may say it’s necessary, but they came from a home where they weren’t vaccinated and did well and they do fine here as well. I DO however, worm my goats with Safeguard (it’s OTC and you should be able to pick it up at tractor supply)
5. I feed mine Standlee pure alfalfa hay or alfalfa/orchard grass blend and a small amount of grain
6. Nah, 95% of goat births go off without a hitch, BUT it is good to educate yourself on malpresentation so you would know what to do should any of your goats have problems.
7. Most of all have fun, goats are playful and extremely smart, hope you enjoy yourself!! Keep us updated and post pics of new goaties when you get them!!

 

[Mini Horses]

I agree. Read and buy. Look for ones bred for milk production!!!! Otherwise you'll get a cupful, disappointment and short lactation. Ask to milk a goat before buying. A milk taste sample is a good request also. Keep in mind how much you want daily and uses you hope for -- yogurt, kefir, cheese, soap -- if any, when you consider purchases.

So I have several dairy goats & milk. Mine are the full sized variety. But milking is fun, milk is great and healthy. I do not pasteurize, so raw. I prefer to buy at least two at a time as it helps them to have a known friend when I bring them home...consider that when you purchase yours.

Both farms @Finnie mentions are highly reputable, knowledgeable and promoted milk production genetics. They are still around and One Fine Acres posts occasionally.

Goats are smart, loveable animals.