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Housing
by Lydia Hale
Many books and articles
have been written about housing for dairy goats, but there is
little material available that pertains specifically to Pygmy
goats. Much of the available information about dairy goats is
varied [. . .] but all the authors are in agreement on two essential
requirements; shelter from wind, rain and snow; and freedom
from stress. Pygmy goats are no exception in their needs for
these two things.
In my recent travels to
various parts of the country, it was interesting to see how
very differently herds of Pygmies are managed. [. . .] Breeders
in the southern sections of the United States need to provide
only very basic shed type structures [. . .] while in the
northern areas, it is an entirely different matter. Substantial
barns are a matter of course to provide protection from wind,
rain, snow, and severe cold for not only the goats, but also
their owners who appreciate some comfort while doing the daily
chores.
In planning a barn for
Pygmy goats, ease of cleaning and finances may determine just
what structure is feasible. No matter how simple the housing is
to be, it should be large enough to accommodate the herd
without crowding (allowing approximately 15 to 20 square feet
per animal), and it should also be draft free [. . .].
Pygmies love niches to
which to jump and sleep. Ours are constructed against the walls
of the stalls about two feet up off the floor, and the area
underneath is a perfect haven for young kids if the older goats
get restless and rough in their play. Built-in hay mangers keep
the hay up off the floor and cut down, somewhat, on the amount
of hay wasted – a problem that seems universal with goats. So
much for the mistaken idea that goats will eat everything! They
are by far the finickiest eaters of all animals. Once the hay
has dropped on the ground it becomes “bedding” fit only to play
or lie in [. . .].
Drinking water, fresh and
clean, is essential to all goats and they should be encouraged
to drink as much as possible. Several years ago, Bob gave me
the nicest Christmas present ever – a hot water heater for the
barn. Now we can easily provide warm water all winter, and how
they love it!
The flooring in the goat
stalls can be of wood, concrete or, best yet, clay. The wood
will hold the odor of urine and will rot out eventually.
Cement, although easy to keep clean, is cold and damp. We have
found that a thick layer of clay on top of a gravel base is
perfect for goats. It packs down into a hard surface which can
be swept out when the stalls are cleaned; it holds no odor, and
a new layer of clay can be applied every two years or so to
freshen it up. Any moisture soaks through the deep bedding and
on down to the gravel base. We have no problems with too much
moisture in the air even when the barn is closed completely in
mid winter. Warm, moist air can cause respiratory problems and
lead to serious illness. Good ventilation and fresh air are a
must for goats.
Exercise yards, grazing
areas and/or paddocks surrounded by good fencing are best
located adjacent to the sheds of barns where the goats can have
access to their stalls and come and go at will.
[. . .]
Good secure fencing is a
worthwhile investment. It not only keeps the herd where it
should be, but also protects from outside predators [. . .].
Excerpts from:
Hale, Lydia, and Ellen Kritzman, eds.
Pygmy Goats: Best of Memo
(1976-1981)
National Pygmy Goat Association: pp 22-23
This document is for
informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be a
substitute for medical consultation with a qualified veterinary
professional. The information provided through this document is
not meant to be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a health
problem or disease, nor should it be construed as such.
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