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Owning a pygmy goat can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. Pygmy goats are small, friendly, and social animals, but they still need proper care and attention. Here's what it takes to own a pygmy goat:
### 1. Space Requirements
- Pygmy goats need adequate outdoor space to roam and play. They are active animals that enjoy climbing and exploring, so a fenced yard or pasture is essential. A minimum of 200 square feet per goat is recommended.
- The fence should be at least 4 feet tall to prevent them from escaping, as goats are notorious climbers.
### 2. Shelter
- They need a dry, well-ventilated shelter to protect them from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. A simple shed or barn is sufficient, but it should be clean and dry with proper bedding, such as straw or hay.
- The shelter should be about 15-20 square feet per goat inside, with space for each goat to rest.
### 3. Companionship
- Pygmy goats are herd animals and thrive in social environments. You should always have at least two goats, as they get lonely and stressed without companions.
- If you already have other farm animals, they might get along, but pygmy goats bond best with other goats.
### 4. Diet and Nutrition
- A pygmy goat's diet primarily consists of good-quality hay, grass, and pasture. They also need a goat-specific grain feed to ensure they get necessary nutrients, especially if pasture quality is poor.
- Fresh, clean water should always be available, and you should provide salt licks or mineral blocks designed for goats to supplement their diet.
### 5. Veterinary Care
- Regular veterinary care is essential. Goats need routine vaccinations, such as CDT (Clostridium perfringens type C&D and Tetanus), and regular deworming to prevent parasites.
- Their hooves need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to prevent issues like hoof rot.
### 6. Grooming and Maintenance
- Pygmy goats generally don’t need much grooming, but regular hoof trimming and keeping their living area clean are important for their health.
- If you live in colder climates, they might need additional care during winter, such as a thicker bedding layer and a draft-free shelter.
### 7. Training and Enrichment
- Pygmy goats are intelligent and curious, so they benefit from mental stimulation and activities like toys, ramps, and platforms for climbing. They can even be trained to walk on a leash or do simple tricks with time and patience.
- They are great escape artists, so you’ll need to ensure their environment is safe and secure.
### 8. Legal Considerations
- Check your local zoning laws and regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on keeping goats, especially in urban or suburban settings.
- You might also need to register your goats with a livestock registry depending on your location.
### 9. Cost of Ownership
- Initial Costs: Purchasing pygmy goats can range from $100 to $300 each, depending on their age, sex, and breeding.
- Ongoing Costs: Expect to pay for feed, bedding, veterinary care, and hoof trimming tools or services. These costs vary, but could average $50-$100 per month per goat.
- Shelter and Fencing: Building appropriate housing and secure fencing might be an upfront cost as well.
### 10. Time and Commitment
- Goats require daily care, including feeding, watering, and cleaning their living area. You'll need to spend time socializing with them, checking their health, and keeping their environment safe.
- Goats can live for 10-15 years, so it’s a long-term commitment.
If you're ready to provide the space, care, and companionship pygmy goats need, they can make wonderful, playful pets!