Q&A for How to Raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats

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  • Question
    Can the goats be outside in the winter?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, they can but they need to have a shelter with extra bedding in the wintertime. In inclement weather, they need to be brought inside a barn.
  • Question
    How many acres do you need per goat?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    A general rule of thumb is 10 goats per acre. It will take 10 goats about a month to eat one acre of land.
  • Question
    What is the life expectancy of a Nigerian dwarf goat?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    With the proper care, a Nigerian dwarf goat can live between 12 and 14 years.
  • Question
    How many babies do Nigerian dwarf goats have at once?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Generally, they'll have 1 to 2 kids per pregnancy. They don't tend to have problems during birth.
  • Question
    How much grain should my adult dwarf goat eat?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Adults do not need grain concentrate added to their diet. The most important part of their diet is having constant access to high-quality hay. They also need a mineral supplement.
  • Question
    Can I let my goats out of their pen and run free in my unfenced yard?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    No, goats will wander and explore and could get hurt by cars or wildlife. They should be in a pen.
  • Question
    What age can goats start having kids?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Goats should be at least 1 year old before being bred to allow for reproductive maturity. The doe should be at least 80 pounds before being bred
  • Question
    What are the signs that a dwarf Nigerian goat is pregnant?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes there will be signs such as an enlargement on the right side but other times there are no signs at all. Consult with a veterinarian.
  • Question
    Do I need to help a newborn goat to go to the bathroom if I am bottle feeding it?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    They will go to the bathroom naturally without help. You can rub the anus with a warm wash rag to stimulate the process. You can also give the goat an enema with warm water and a small gentle soap if needed.
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