The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African origin, similar in proportion to larger dairy goat breeds. They are increasingly popular and readily available.
When caring for animals, knowing their sex is essential. While it might seem obvious to look for a penis or testicles to differentiate males from females, there's an easier way, especially with newborn kids. Don't mistake the umbilical cord for a penis, and remember that young male goats also have teats, just like females. The simplest method is to look under the tail to distinguish between the sexes.
This guide is designed to help you choose, care for, and enjoy Nigerian Dwarfs with confidence, whether you're new to homesteading or simply enchanted by these pint-sized dairy goats. This guide is based on real-world homestead experience and personal research. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, or medical decisions regarding your goats.
Key Differences: Bucks, Does, and Wethers
The differences between male and female goats, bucks and does, are significant. Bucks, at times, are rather dark. When in rut, they bleat, blat, and emit a strong odor. Some jokingly compare them to teenage boys.
Bucks (Males)
- Used for breeding and are not ideal pets.
- Usually larger and more aggressive during breeding season.
- Have a strong odor due to scent glands and rut seasons.
- Can affect milk flavor from does if housed too closely.
When not in rut, bucks still rub their heads and horns on trees, tear at bark, and eat leaves, twigs, and anything else they can access. Their noise can be irritating, and their horns can damage shrubs. Good fences, pastures, and houses are essential to keep them safe and contained.
Read also: Atlanta Nigerian Passport Services
The testosterone from a buck can taint the milk of a doe if he is in the same barn or housed too close. Bucks are necessary if you want to get milk from your does!
Male goats, whether called bucks or billy goats, are capable of breeding and providing stud service for a number of does.
Does (Females)
- Generally more docile and easier to manage.
- Do not emit the strong odor that bucks do.
- Preferred for milk production.
- Experience a heat cycle every 21 days, which can lead to increased vocalization and restlessness.
It's a good idea to purchase registration papers for does. If you decide to sell or breed them in the future, having the papers will make the process much easier and ensure their value.
Wethers (Castrated Males)
- Castrated males are considered ideal pets due to their friendly and docile nature.
- Do not possess a strong odor.
- Much less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior.
Wethers are castrated males and are considered ideal pets due to their friendly and docile nature. Unlike bucks, they do not possess a strong odor. That odor in bucks comes from scent glands and rut-season urine spraying - behaviors wethers don’t experience. Wethers are also much less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, making them excellent companions for both humans and other goats.
It is important to monitor their dietary requirements and provide grains containing ammonium chloride to prevent urinary calculi. Although wethers are castrated, they may still show interest in does during breeding cycles.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Bucklings should not be castrated before 8 weeks of age, with the optimal period being at 12-16 weeks to allow for maximum urethral growth, thus reducing the risk of urinary calculi. Castration can be performed using a simple and cost-effective banding tool, with various instructional videos available on YouTube.
Pygmy Goats vs Nigerian Dwarf Goats | Key Differences and Which One is Right for You?
Registration
When considering Nigerian Dwarf goats, understand the importance of registration. Registration papers, typically issued through ADGA or AGS, verify lineage, breed standards, and eligibility for shows or resale. Only kids from registered parents can be registered.
Since bucks are primarily used for breeding, they should always have registration papers. Wethers do not need registration papers because they are kept as pets.
General Care for All Goats
Goats are herd animals! You can NOT have just one! They’re social by nature and need companionship to stay healthy and emotionally balanced. For pet homes, it’s best to keep at least two goats of the same gender to avoid feeding complications and behavioral stress.
Housing
Nigerian Dwarf goats need a well-ventilated shed or barn for cover, sleeping, and protection from predators, wind, sun, cold, and heat in summer, as well as winter conditions. A three-sided structure is not enough. Goats need to be locked in at night to prevent predator access.
Read also: Philadelphia Food Truck
Make sure doors latch securely - goats are clever, and predators are persistent. You'll also need somewhere to safely store their grains to keep rodents at bay and goats from getting into it, and somewhere to dispose of their soiled bedding, such as a compost pile. Goats waste a lot of hay - and I mean a lot. (Research no-waste hay feeders.)” so proper disposal of soiled bedding is essential.
Your structural needs will increase if you plan to breed and/or milk your goats, as you will also need kidding pens and a designated milking area. Adding a chicken pen-like small "pop door" for winter helps them keep even warmer compared to having the large door open, and a window in the pen is a plus for even more ventilation and light needed in winter months.
An effective housing setup can involve a cheap used shed split in half, with one half for the goats and the other half for hay storage. Adding cheap linoleum to the floor on the goat side can make cleaning easier and help the floor last longer. The double doors let you access the hay area without opening the side where the goats are. Ventilation should be added to the two peaks of the shed for optimal airflow. Cover peak vents with hardware cloth to prevent birds or rodents from entering. This setup works well for any gender.
Fencing
Proper fencing for goats is essential. If there is ONE thing you must do before you buy goats, it is to construct a safe and secure fence.
Goats like to rub on fences, which is the main issue with wire fencing - they push on it to scratch. Sturdy wire is needed; we recommend woven wire fencing with 2"x4" openings - it holds up to rubbing and prevents head entrapment. or hot wire strands to keep them away from the wire and perhaps scratching posts could help. They also try to stick their heads through openings and are very clever about getting out of their enclosures.
Sufficient goat fencing needs to be escape-proof: high and tight. We haven't had an issue, but I have seen some kids jump right over a 4' fence to get to their owners. So keep this in mind; I cannot guarantee 4' is sufficient. Neighborhood dogs are the primary predators of goats in this area, and we also have bears. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure a dog cannot jump over their fence, you may need hot wire if bears are common in your area.
Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for these goats. They need quality hay for fiber and grains for nutrition. Fresh water should always be available. Goats love warm water, especially in colder months.
Free choice 2nd cutting orchard grass hay should be available at all times. Nigerian Dwarf goats need a covered hay feeder outside year-round, with an additional small hay feeding area inside for the winter months. Always keep the hay dry and accessible. Avoid open troughs or ground feeding - goats won’t eat hay that’s been stepped on or soiled. For the first 8 months, the kids should have hay 24/7, so you'll need to provide hay inside even in the summer. After 8 months old, they don't need hay inside during the summer as long as you let them out early and lock them in later at dark. Wasted hay will build up quickly and cause more work for you. We estimate a grown adult to eat about 1 "slice" of hay each day.
Sweet goat feed is available at local mills or Tractor Supply stores; buying local when available is recommended. All goats will need free choice minerals inside at all times. Minerals can get wet in humidity and goats won't eat them, so take half a cup out here and there as needed. Goats tend to eat more minerals during the winter months. Never use a sheep mix, as it does not have the needed copper for goat food. Minerals should be loose, not blocks. Goats don’t consume enough from licking blocks, and it can lead to deficiencies.
Additionally, baking soda is given free choice to our does but not the bucks.
We also feed our does free choice kelp to help with zinc and other beneficial minerals and vitamins; it's not necessary but can be very beneficial.
Health
Our pregnant does receive a CDT injection 1 month prior to kidding so kids carry immunity until 4 to 6 weeks of age, it is then that a CDT vaccine is needed and a 3-week booster thereafter. Then goats need a CDT annual, please research pregnant doe needs in regard to vaccines if you plan to breed. Many goats will have a small lump or swelling at the injection site. This is normal and usually goes away on its own.
Kids will be dewormed before leaving, Please Learn FAMACHA, google it and see how its done with goats. You will need to follow up deworming in 10 days after your kid leaves and research on deworming goats and how to deal with worm loads etc, this is important. FAMACHA scoring uses the color of the lower eyelid to assess anemia caused by barber pole worms. Scores of 4 or 5 mean the goat needs treatment.
Coccidia is a serious concern for young kids. Please speak with your vet about prevention protocols before your goats arrive. Sulfa medications like Dimethox are commonly used for treatment and prevention. If a goat kid has diarrhea, it may have been overfed, gotten into bad feed, or developed coccidia. Important: Some medications, like Corid (amprolium), can interfere with thiamine absorption.
We trim hooves as needed, but also follow a quarterly goat care protocol. Every three months, we check and trim hooves, assess parasite load, administer copper bolus if needed, and review overall health.
It's essential to have a livestock vet lined up for any medical needs or emergencies. A vet experienced with goats will be invaluable in maintaining the health of your herd and helping you access medications when needed. While you can certainly handle your own vaccinations, deworming, and hoof trimming, having a vet available ensures you're covered when things get complicated.
Disbudding
Disbudding is the process of removing the horn buds of young goats to prevent them from growing horns.
Horns can injure both goats and handlers. Many goat shows require disbudded animals.
Some goats can be naturally polled, meaning they are born without horn buds. Polled goats carry a dominant gene, so at least one parent must be polled for kids to inherit it. However, if your goat is not naturally polled, disbudding is a necessary step to ensure their safety and well-being.
A goat may scur (A scur is a partial horn that can regrow after disbudding. If caught before 6 to 8 weeks of age, it can be corrected). Boys tend to scur before females. Scurs can grow in odd shapes and may break or bleed.
| Characteristic | Buck (Male) | Doe (Female) | Wether (Castrated Male) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor | Strong, especially during rut | Minimal | Minimal |
| Aggression | Higher, especially during rut | Lower | Low |
| Use | Breeding | Milk production, breeding | Pet |
| Horns | Often present | Often present | Often present |
| Registration Papers | Recommended | Recommended | Not Required |
Toxic Plants
It's important to be aware of plants that are toxic to goats, as they can pose serious health risks. Common culprits include cherry trees (especially wilted leaves), rhododendrons, azaleas, and wild hydrangeas. To keep your goats safe, research toxic plants specific to your region. Local extension offices or livestock vets can help identify risks in your area.
