| |
The Pygmy
The Pygmy Goat is hardy, alert and animated, good-natured and
gregarious; a docile, responsive pet, a cooperative provider of
milk, and an ecologically effective browser. The Pygmy goat is an asset in a wide
variety of settings, and can adapt to virtually all climates.
Pygmy goats are
precocious breeders, bearing one to four young every nine to
twelve months after a five month gestation period. Does are
usually bred for the first time at about twelve to eighteen
months, although they may conceive as early as two months if
care is not taken to separate them early from bucklings.
Newborn kids will nurse almost immediately, begin eating grain
and roughage within a week, and are weaned by three months of
age.
Feeding and housing
requirements for Pygmy goats are modest: a draft free 8' x 10'
shed furnished with elevated sleeping and feeding places will
accommodate four adult animals. An attached outside enclosure
with at least 4' high fencing will provide the fresh air and
exercise these active, fun-loving goats need. They are very
sociable and are happier in a herd atmosphere or with another
goat as a friend. A basic diet of roughage in the form of
legume and grass hay, bark, brush, and dry leaves [may need] to
be
supplemented.
|
|
