Pygmy Goat Facts and Information
Introduction
The Pygmy Goat is a species that has been domesticated. This is a small species. The females can be about16 inchestall and the males are about23 inchestall. For weight the females range from 50 to75 pounds. The males are somewhat larger with a weight from 60 to85 pounds. This is a subspecies that are used to create dairy products around the world.
Pygmy Goat Description
The colors of the Pygmy Goat can vary. Some of them are gray, white, brown, or black. They can be light or dark and they can offer several colors on one of them. Genetics plays a huge role in the overall color that it will be. They have long ears that fold forward and a long snout. They have a thick body with a heavy coat and think legs that are very sturdy.
Pygmy Goat Distribution
There is a huge diverse habitat for the Pygmy Goat due to the fact that they are able to adapt to a variety of climates and conditions. It is believed that they were domesticated as early as 7,000 B.C. It is also believed that they are now found around the world.
Pygmy Goat Behavior
The Pygmy Goat is able to leap very high so you have to keep that in mind when they are in captivity. Offering them elements that they can climb on is a good idea as it helps them to stay entertained and reduce aggression. They are very social so you must have them with others. They do mix well with other species of goats too. They are common prey for various predators so the location for them needs to keep them safe.
During the warm periods of the year they love to go swimming. They are naturally good at it. If there is access to such a body of water around where they are being raised then they will likely spend time in it.
Pygmy Goat Feeding
Green grass, plants, and grains are the most common forms of food for the Pygmy Goat. They will spend large amounts of time grazing around and eating at their leisure. They are extremely picky about what they will eat though. Owners of the Pygmy Goat have to keep a good eye on them. They have to watch that they are eating and the food out there isn’t being passed over.
This goat requires access to fresh water all the time. If they don’t have fresh water they will refuse to drink what is available. Even if they are extremely thirsty they will refuse to drink it. This is a very important fact to know if you consider raising this type of goat.
Sometimes the young have to be bottle fed due to their mother dying or not wanting to care for them. This can create a very strong bond between the young kid and the human that is feeding them.
Supplements are often given to them with their feed to help them develop a strong immune system. The Pygmy Goat is very susceptible to health problems including pneumonia and colds.
Pygmy Goat Reproduction
As long as there is plenty of food and the aren’t feeling stressed in their habitat the Pygmy Goat is able to mate all year long. The females tend to have 1 to 4 young every year. After mating the gestation period is about 5 months.
The young will feed from the mothers body for the first few weeks of life. However, within a week they are eating grains and other types of food. By the time they are 3 months old they will be completely weaned.
