Keeping Pygmy Goats

Reader Contribution by Shelby Devore and Farminence
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Pygmy goats are super cute, friendly and generally easy to take care of. They don’t require as much as larger standard sized goats. Pygmies are also perfect to raise if you have children. Here’s what you need to know about raising pygmy goats.

Housing

Some people get pygmy goats with the idea that they would make good house pets. Pygmy goats, although smaller than normal goat breeds, are still pretty big. The average pygmy goat can weigh about 70-80 pounds. Goats of all breeds, including pygmies, love to climb and will climb on furniture and counters. I’m not convinced that pygmy goats can work well inside of the home.

With that being said, they can be raised in your backyard. Pygmies don’t require much room to be happy so they can be kept in a small fenced backyard. If you plan on keeping a pygmy goat (or two) in your backyard, check with your local authorities or HOA to make sure that goats are legal. Some cities specify that you cannot keep livestock, including goats, within the limits. Other cities simply have regulations in place (size, housing needs, sex, etc.).

Goats do need shelter to escape from bad weather. Make sure that the shelter provides them a dry places to escape from rain or snow. Goats can develop hoof infections from standing in wet ground, so a dry place to get out of the rain is important for their health.

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