ABOUT THE BREED

About the Breed The Pygmy Goat is a hardy, good-natured animal; a gentle and responsive pet. Pygmy goats are NOT a dairy or commercial breed. PYGMY GOATS NEED COMPANY OF THEIR OWN KIND AND SHOULD NOT BE KEPT ALONE. Housing requirements Modest; an 8' x 6' shed, furnished with a bench and hay-rack being suitable for two pets. Access from the shed to a well-fenced play area will provide space for exercise and fresh air, both essential for the fun loving Pygmy Goat. Tethering is NOT a suitable means of restraint. Diet A basic diet of hay and clean drinking water should be supplemented by 2-8 oz of concentrate a day, depending on age and condition. Pygmy goats are browsers not grazers - they should not be considered as lawn-mowers. Vegetables and fruit should be added to their diet along with twigs, leaves etc. Care must be taken to avoid poisonous plants.New food should be introduced gradually. Health You should provide your pygmy goats with a yellow mineral lick in their goat shed. Their hooves should be trimmed every 6-8weeks. They will need to be wormed at least twice per year and should be treated against lice during the spring and autumn. Vaccinations will be required against entero-toxaemia. Your vet' will advise you on this. Owners not wishing to breed should choose two wethers. These castrated males make excellent pets with none of the drawbacks associated with the entire(stud) male. Legal requirements ALL goat owners are required by law to register a holding number and a herd number. This applies even if only two goats are kept in a back garden. To register contact your local DEFRA office. All goats must be identified by an ear-tag or tattoo and goat movement between properties must be accompanied by an official license. All reputable breeders will advise and arrange this.