The American Pygmy goat is small and stocky, with heavy bone. Height is usually 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) and weight 25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb). The pygmy goat price ranges from $75 to $400.
The Alpine goat weighs around 135-150 pounds and stands around 30 inches tall. Pygmies are less than half that size. Compared to the Boer goat, pygmies seem tiny.
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is similar in size to the Pygmy. The tallest Pygmy goat stands around 16-20 in (40-50 cm). Females usually produce one to two kids. Young pygmies adapt to any season and environment.
The Pygmy goat is as big as a medium-sized dog. Monthly costs for a Pygmy goat are $175-$600 including supplies, healthcare and maintenance.
Pygmy goats prefer leaves, shoots and herbs. Milk and meat have good taste without the goaty odor. Goats defecate more than typical pets. Most say Pygmy goats should not be house pets.
Pygmy goats can live well with dogs but need supervision. Eight to ten feet is enough space for two or three Pygmy goats.
The Pygmy originates from West Africa. Maximum male height is 23 inches. Originally exported to Europe as exotic zoo animals in the 19th century before becoming pets. Their small size, especially height, captivates people.
Do Pygmy goats make good pets?
Pygmy goats make excellent pets. Their docile temperament, lovable personality, and cute size make them good pets for all ages. They don’t bite or kick. Their small size means they require less space, perfect for beginners or those with limited area.
Pet pygmy goats range from $50 to $100. Show quality pygmy goats vary from $150 to $400.
Pygmy goats need outdoor space for grazing and browsing. They are not house pets.
An adult pygmy goat ranges from 16-23 inches tall. Does weigh 24-34 kg. Bucks weigh 27-39 kg.
Pygmy goats can produce 1-2 quarts of milk per day, with 4.5-11% butterfat. Their milking period is 120-180 days.
As pets, pygmy goats need an enriched environment to play. Their friendly nature makes them excellent pets, especially for kids.
Bucks kept for breeding don’t make good pets. Does and wethers are docile and friendly. See the goat before purchasing to ensure temperament.
The pygmy goat’s small size makes it convenient to house and care for. Despite small size, pygmy goats possess a sturdy, muscular build.
Male pygmy goats can produce an unpleasant musky odor. Frequent cleaning helps eliminate smell.
Provide each pygmy goat about two square meters of space. A large dog house could work for two goats.
Can I keep a pygmy goat in my backyard?
Some cities specify that you cannot keep livestock, including goats, within the limits. Make sure that the shelter provides them dry places to escape from rain or snow. Pygmy Goats are popular pets worldwide; therefore, keeping them is legal in most countries.
Pygmies don’t require much room to be happy so they can be kept in a small fenced backyard. Provide them with some elevated sleeping areas to keep them entertained and off of the potentially wet ground. An 8×10′ shed will provide enough sleeping room to comfortably house four adult pygmy goats. Goats do need shelter to escape bad weather.
Pygmy goats, like their full-sized brethren,do tend to smell at times. A male goat can produce a particular musky and unpleasant odor. This is not because goats are unclean by nature. Goats can develop hoof infections from standing in wet ground, so provide a dry place for them.
Pygmy goats produce milk which is high in fat content and can be used to make delicious cheese or yogurt. Usually they are smaller in size and suitable for dairy, meat and pets. These adorable creatures with playful personalities will bring joy and happiness to your backyard – whether you have children or not!
Until the kids are weaned, the mother spends several weeks raising them. The mothers care for their young without fatherly assistance. American Pygmy Goats have a lifespan of up to 12 years. Pygmy goats should have most of their diet made up of hay or grazing. In cold weather, they will require more hay since grasses will be in short supply.
Do American pygmy goats produce milk?
American Pygmy Goats produce milk. Their milk production is low compared to larger dairy goat breeds. The milk is rich in butterfat content, making it suitable for making cheese and soap.
They are herbivores and primarily feed on hay, grass, grains, and supplemental minerals. Providing them with a balanced diet is essential for their health.
While they are hardy animals, American Pygmy Goats do need adequate shelter, access to clean water, and regular veterinary care. Their hooves need trimming and they should be dewormed as necessary.
The American Pygmy Goat is a small and popular breed of domesticated goat. These goats are known for their compact size, charming personalities, and adaptability. Originating from Africa, Pygmy Goats were first imported to the United States in the mid-20th century.
Pygmy goats produce a high-quality milk with a very high fat content. It is often used to make creams and thick products. The consistency and thickness make it great for dessert toppings. It can also be used to make soap.
Pygmy goats have short legs and arms with their dwarfism being a prime feature. Like the Nigerian pygmy goat, the American pygmy also derives its lineage from West African dwarf breeds.
The American pygmy goat is small and often kept as a pet. They are also used for milk, meat, and fiber production. Their long hair produces mohair used in clothing items.
Despite their size, pygmy goats produce 1–2 quarts of milk daily over 120–180 days. Their sweet milk is high in nutrients and butterfat content, making it perfect for creating butter products.