Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats

There are several reasons why you DON’T want Nigerian Dwarf Goats, here are my Top 9 Reasons.

Before you start shooting the messenger and accuse me of wrecking your homesteading dream or saying I’m a goat-hater, let me explain myself.

I love goats. More importantly, I love Nigerian Dwarf Goats. I own Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and I will probably own them the rest of my life.

Top 9 Reasons Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats

I LOVE GOATS!

But, BUT (add more buts if needed), there are many people adding NDG’s to their homesteads or backyards because they are the ‘it’ livestock, without giving it any thought or prior goat experience.

In addition, many of these unwanted goats end up homeless and in rescue because the previous owners didn’t know what to expect going in.

Because I LOVE goats, I’m writing this article so that people who are considering adding a Nigerian Dwarf Goat, or some other breed of goat to their homestead will consider all of the pros AND the cons.

#1 Reason Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Space

Although Nigerian Dwarf Goats are one of the smallest breeds, (standing at just 22″ shoulder height) they still require ample space.

The minimum square footage recommended for goats is 250 sq. ft. per goat, this is the minimum recommendation.

They will also need shelter, a milking station, birthing station, place to store the hay, and play area.

If you don’t have the adequate space, consider getting a smaller livestock like chickens, quail, or rabbits.

Males and Female Goats Should Not Be Raised Together

Male and female goats should not be kept together.

• You can not control breeding or know when to expect kids.
• The bucks will continue to try to mate with pregnant does, thus injuring the does and risk losing the pregnancy.
• Bucks can become aggressive and they are very stinky (very).
• You will need separate living quarters for bucks and does, and they each need a goat companion.
• That is a minimum of four goats if you want both male and female, for a total of 1000 sq ft minimum.

#2 Laws Against Having Livestock

Laws, they are a wonderful thing, aren’t they? Well, they can be. But sometimes for the person trying to become self-sufficient, not so much.

Make sure you check with your Homeowners Association and County/City Laws before you bring home goats.

This is not a situation where you want to ask for forgiveness later instead of permission now.

Adapting to a new home can be stressful on the goats and the family members. You want to minimize rehoming the goats so check the laws first.

 

#3 Reason Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Heat Cycles

Most goat breeds only come into heat one season a year, generally in the fall season.

Nigerian Dwarf Goats come into heat every month.

Meaning you will have a goat in heat, wanting a mate every month throughout the year.

Goats in heat are loud (see “noise” below), can be aggressive, want attention, try to escape, personality changes, and they will try to mate anything and everything.

Males and female goats should not be kept together unless the male is fixed.

#4 Nigerian Dwarf Goat’s Milk Production

Nigerian Dwarf Goats have the highest level of butterfat content of all the other milking breeds.
The high butterfat lends to its rich, creamy and sweet taste that people love.

However, they are not heavy producers.

A Nigerian Dwarf doe in milk could yield one quart per day (sometimes more).

You have to milk the goats at least twice per day unless you keep a kid on them.

If you desire a gallon(s) of milk, you will want a larger goat breed, like Nubian’s. Research which goat breed is best for you to suit your homestead’s needs.

#5 Reason Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Fencing

Goats are jumpers and climbers. If you do not have proper fencing, you can say goodbye to your goats.

We have 6 ft. fencing and have come home more than once to our neighbors kindly bringing our girls home.

Generally, our fence was sufficient to keep them on our property, but when something spooks them- watch out. They become half goat, half jumping bean. Thank God we have great neighbors.

#6 Reason Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Landscaping

Goats do not graze and they won’t replace your lawn mower. They will, however, eat everything else in sight.

They will eat your: gardens, trees, bushes, flowers, siding on your house, shoes (we still can’t find the other flip-flop), and anything else they can get their mouths on.

So if you plan on keeping your goats in the same area as your prized petunias, I would strongly reconsider.

Many plants are toxic to goats, see the full list of toxic plants for goats to make sure you don’t have any of the listed items on your property before getting goats.

#7 Time: Make Sure You Have Enough Time For Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Goats are loving animals. They crave attention and interaction.

They also require care like: feeding, trimming hooves, oral care, brushing, worming, giving treats, milking, supplements, vet checks, and special care during pregnancy and birthing.

If you don’t have a lot of free time to spend with them, you may want to look into livestock that requires less hands-on experience.

#8 Reason Why You DON’T Want Nigerian Dwarf Goats: You Can Only Get One

Goats (all goats) are herd animals. Which means you can’t have just one.

That doesn’t mean you can place a goat with a horse or a dog and it will be okay, they need another goat companion.

A single goat will get bored and lonely, very lonely. Yes, even if you love it, hug it and call it George. It needs a goat buddy.

You can place two does together, a doe and a wether (a neutered male), two bucks together, a buck and a wether, or two wethers.

#9 Goats Make A Lot of Noise

Oh, my goaty’ goodness are they loud.

Most of the time you wouldn’t even know you have goats, but when they want something (generally your attention) or they are in heat? WOWZA.

I once had a neighbor across the street call and ask if one of our daughters were injured. They sound like screaming girls.

Their bleating is like none other.

Because we lived in a development with relatively close neighbors, we needed to stay outside with them during every heat cycle from sun up to sun down to keep the noise at bay and the cops from visiting us.

They are loud.

If you have the acreage, this should not be a problem for you. But if you live in a community like we did?

Bring a good book and a chair because you will be pulling noise control once a month.

#10 Bonus Reason- More for Me

I do adore Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and in my opinion, the good far outweighs the bad.
But, they are a huge responsibility and one that deserves a great deal of consideration before jumping right in.

It’s okay if goats aren’t right for you, you can still be a homesteader, you can still be self-sufficient even if you don’t own land or livestock.

Owning goats doesn’t define your independence of ability to homestead- but they do add a nice touch.

Are You Ready to Add Goats To Your Farm or Homestead?

If you’re ready to add Nigerian Dwarf Goats, CONGRATS! And Welcome to the Crazy Goat Owners Club.

Unfortunately, there are good and bad breeders of every kind out there. We offer some tips we’ve learned through a bad experience when buying goats.

• 6 mistakes to avoid when buying goats.

Hopefully, you’ll be more informed than we were after reading our newbie mistakes.

Ready To Start Your Goat Herd?

If you’re ready to get your goat on, you’re going to need some names!

We have a GREAT list of goat names for you to choose from. 

Each year we pick a new ‘theme’ for all new goat babies born on the farm that year!

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