Pygmy goats for sale
Pygmy goats are miniatures, genetically dwarfed; they are kept mainly for enjoyment, interest, and companionship. The Pygmy Goat Club has set breed standards regarding size and type and organizes show classes for Pygmy goats. It has its own registration and pedigree system aimed at improvement by selective breeding. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Basically the adult Pygmy has a maximum height at the withers of approximately 56 cm for males, less for females, short legs, and cobby bodies that give an impression of perpetual pregnancy. They can be any color except completely white, with white Swiss markings on the face not allowed.
They are generally quiet and docile, but there is some variation, as one would expect with goats. Housing requirements are less demanding than for the dairy breeds since the goats are so much smaller. Kids are reared on the dams, so milking is only rarely necessary.
Castrated males (wethers) make ideal pets, but entire males should not be kept unless separate accommodation can be provided for them. The goats like company, so keeping single Pygmies should be avoided. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Pygmies need a high proportion of dietary fiber on a daily basis (80% by weight of the diet is a guide), hay being the main feature; they also need small amounts of low protein goat mix twice a day. They graze and browse well, but tethering Pygmies should be avoided.
The Pygmy Goat Club publishes an excellent booklet “Pygmy Goats” that describes in detail all aspects of housing, feeding, breeding, and general welfare of these goats. It is recommended that this booklet is purchased and read before deciding to go ahead with keeping Pygmies. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
How much are pygmy goats?
The price can vary greatly, depending on their ability to breed and whether or not they have been registered. While a pet-quality goat can cost anywhere between $40 and $70, a registered and intact Pygmy buck can go for as much as $350 or more.
Cost Evaluation says that the price range for this pet runs around $150 to $500. The figures are lower if you opt for a castrated male or an old one. The said types cost around $50 to $100.
Not all pygmy goats, though, are affordable. For instance, show quality types can cost as high as several thousand dollars.
The average cost of pygmy goats will depend on these factors:
- Age
- Gender
- Breeder/seller
- Whether the goat is registered or not
- Whether it is purebred or crossbred
The Pygmy Goat is a hardy, good-natured animal; a gentle and responsive pet. Pygmy Goats need the company of their own kind and should not be kept alone.
Owners not wishing to breed should choose two wethers. These castrated males make excellent pets, with none of the drawbacks associated with the entire (stud) male. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
How long do pygmy goats live?
Pygmy goats can live for up to 15 years and are, as with any animal, a commitment but if you can provide the right environment and can commit enough time to them they do make lovely pets.
Wethers live longer than bucks with an 11 to 16-year life span. Bucks that live past the age of 10 are unusual due to the stress of the rut.
Alpine goats, an extremely hardy and weather tolerant breed has a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years.
Angora goats typically live over 10 years if they receive good care. It is not uncommon to have an angora goat live into its teens. That’s a lot of mohair production!
Boer goats often have a longer life due to their natural resistance to disease. Bucks have an expected life span of eight to 12 years and do have a surprising expected life span of 12 to 20 years.
Kiko goats are a hardy, large meat breed. Since they are disease and parasite resistant they often live over the life expectancy of eight to 12 years.
LaMancha goats are usually kept as a dairy breed. They have a shorter life expectancy of seven to 10 years.
Myotonic goats or fainting goats as they are commonly called, appear fragile but are actually a long-lived, hardy breed. Myotonic goats can live 15 years.
Nigerian Dwarf goats are found on many small dairy farms. The superior milk production and quality from this small goat make them a frequent choice. The life expectancy is 15 years. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Nubian goats are known to be a vocal breed of goat. Get the earplugs ready for a good 15 to 18-year lifespan.
Oberhasli goats are a smaller breed, handy to have around for pasture cleanup! They live approximately eight to 12 years.
Pygmy goats are a popular breed for small homesteads. Expect to have the goats for 12 years.
Pygora goats are a fiber breed derived from a careful breeding system using white angora goats and purebred pygmy goats. The life expectancy easily reaches into the teens so expect to have your Pygoras 12 to 15 years if they remain in good health.
Saanen goats are a heavy milk production breed. With that high production comes a need for increased protein. If nourished well, the Saanen goats can live past 15 years.
Toggenburg goats are friendly and curious often kept as both pet and dairy suppliers. The life expectancy of a Togg is eight to 12 years.
Are pygmy goats hard to care for?
Pygmy goats may be as sweet as cats, but they are definitely more interesting. Unlike the usually domesticated animals, keeping pygmy goats as pets is a very unique experience. They have good-natured and distinct personalities that differ from one goat to another. If you plan to keep pygmy goats as pets, then you are in for a treat.
Below are simple things that you should know before you even buy your own pair of goats. Make sure that you have taken all the requirements into consideration to ensure that your goats will live healthy and happy lives.
First, you need to have a 20 feet by 20 feet fenced area around your home. If you do not, then you are advised not to have pygmy goats as pets. Keeping pygmy goats requires a big space to live, feed, and play on. It will not do them well if you place them in a small area.
If you can spare this much space for your pets, then go right ahead. Use high-quality materials in building the barn and the fence to ensure your goats’ safety. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Next, make sure that you have all the equipment in place. Does your barn have enough sleeping platforms for the goats? Are feeders installed far away from each other to avoid overcrowding? Does the area have a steady flow of drinking water?
Make sure that you have all the basic requirements before you even make arrangements to acquire your goats. If you do not, have a handyman install them for you. Keeping pygmy goats spells out a big investment but it will surely give you a high return for your money.
Before bringing home your pygmy type of goats, make sure that you have enough grain feeds on the stock. Pygmy goats favor alfalfas over any type of grass, but make sure that you feed them hay as well.
Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Goats are very picky. They will not eat anything that has already fallen on the ground; so make sure that your feeders are big enough for your goats’ daily needs.
You also need to ensure that you have a veterinarian check-up on your goats at least once a month. Trim their hooves every six weeks to keep them from harming one another. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
Follow these basic requirements and you will be set to have the pygmy type of goats around your house. If you take care of them well enough, you shall be able to spend long, happy years with your pets. Have all of the requirements installed and keeping pygmy goats will surely be a pleasurable experience.
If you’re looking for a backyard pet or an addition to your farmyard, pygmy goats are a good option. They do come with their own set of care requirements, but once you understand what they need, their care isn’t difficult. In fact, they can thrive in most climates, as long as you create an adequate shelter.
Are goats high maintenance?
The pygmy goat is the diminutive cousin of your standard domestic goat. They are fun, friendly, and easy to keep, for many reasons. Such as … Well, admittedly they are not ideal for urban living, but will happily dwell in a medium-sized suburban garden (see The Good Life).
Maintenance. Goats are relatively easy to take care of, and sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food, and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Goats need to have their hooves trimmed every four to six weeks.
If you’re looking for a backyard pet or an addition to your farmyard, pygmy goats are a good option. They do come with their own set of care requirements, but once you understand what they need, their care isn’t difficult. In fact, they can thrive in most climates, as long as you create an adequate shelter. Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021
There are some basic things to think about when considering what type of shelter you will provide for your goats: Goats need basic housing to keep them dry (goats HATE to get wet) and to protect them from wind during the winter. … It’s safest to lock up your goats at night. You will need something that locks up securely.
Conclusion
The American Pygmy is an American breed of achondroplastic goat. It is small, compact, and stockily built. Like the Nigerian Dwarf, it derives from the West African Dwarf group of breeds of West Africa.
Pygmy goats for sale in the UK and Ireland in 2021