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Basic feeding for pygmies includes fresh cool water
changed frequently in the summer and warm water in the winter where
weather is severe. Fine stemmed alfalfa and a variety of grass
and or oat hays is enjoyed by many herds. Free feeding of
loose minerals is also important as well as supplements recommended
by your personal veterinarian depending on your area of the country
and depletion of your soil. Many breeders add grain to the diet of
their does and bucks however, wethers do not need supplement of
grains that can be in fact very harmful to them, leading to the
development of urinary calculi.
Each breeder develops their own choices for vaccination
schedules and which ones they use. At the bare minimum pygmies
should be wormed on a regular basis and should receive CD&T vaccines
at least once a year. Your veterinarian is your best guide in
helping with this decision. There are also many articles on the
internet that might help to supplement your knowledge. We choose to
add vitamins and selenium supplement to our schedule as well.
Housing can be basic but must be appropiate to your climate.
Pygmies are very much a herd animal and are at their best and
happiest when kept with other pygmies. With daily attention
and kindness they still will develop a close bond to their owners.
At least 15 to 20 square feet per animal should be the starting
point. They will need a draft free enclosure which can be
anything from a dog igloo to an enclosed barn. An area to romp
in is also needed as pygmies like to move about. Goat toys to climb
on are also appreciated. Our goats enjoy mini lofts that they
are able to access via a ramp to sunbathe and the babies enjoy
jumping on old tires half buried in the ground. A simple
teeter totter very low to the ground is great muscle building fun
for the yearlings.
Pygmy babies typically will not be weaned from their mothers
until 8 to 10 weeks of age. One word of caution is given about baby
bucklings, they can be capable of breeding as young as 6 weeks of
age and should be separated earlier then their sisters. We choose to
give our babies grain through their first year as well as alfalfa
and grass hay for the needed roughage.
Hoof trimming as well as weight of each goat is performed on
a monthly basis. Record keeping may seem too time-consuming but it
is very welcome when evaluating the health of each goat on a regular
basis.
It has worked well for us to keep our goats in show ready condition
at all times whenever we can.
Very helpful information can be obtained through the
National Pygmy Goat Association. As well as registering pygmy goats
they also offer many helpful articles and books in their shopping
page.
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