All About Nigerian Dwarf Goats (FAQ)

Why should I buy a Nigerian Dwarf Goat?

Oh, my goodness, the list of reasons. I’ll try to keep it short, and all of these will be given more depth as you read on.

1. The milk. Assuming you don’t drink a gallon of milk a day (and I hope you don’t) or have a huge business to run, then the amount of milk you get from the size of these goats is pretty incredible. Two quarts a day?! That’s a lot of milk for one little goat! Other miniature goat breeds can’t produce as much milk.
2. The color. Other miniature goat breeds just don’t have as many color options!
3. The milk. Again. It’s better for you than cow’s milk. More on that in a minute.
4. HAVE YOU SEEN THEM?! They’re adorable, friendly, and great for pets and/or show!

Are Nigerian Dwarf Goats from Nigeria?

The short answer is ‘kinda’?

There are two common breeds of miniature goats recognized in the USA – the Pygmy goat, and the Nigerian Dwarf goat. Both breeds stem from a small species of goat found in West Africa. Nigeria is in West Africa, hence the name.

They were first imported to America and became popular between 1930-1950, where they were mostly featured in zoos. They are hardy and can thrive in just about any climate. These small breeds of goats are great companions. They are gentle, playful, and have a great overall disposition.

How much milk can a doe produce in a day?

One Nigerian Dwarf Goat doe can produce up to TWO QUARTS of milk every day. Isn’t that amazing!? And since they can breed year round and be milked for up to TEN MONTHS of the year, they are an excellent source of milk.

What is special about goat milk?

So many things! But the weird thing about it is how many Americans don’t even consider it as an option! Research has shown that goat’s milk can really be more beneficial and more easily digested than cow’s milk. Here’s a quick list of some of the reasons goat milk is so special.

1. Oligosaccharides. These are the prebiotic carbohydrates which support the “good” bacteria in our intestines. Nigerian Dwarf Goat milk has a higher presence of oligosaccharides than cow’s milk.
2. Lactose. Because of the higher presence of oligosaccharides and the lower presence of lactose than cow’s milk, goat milk can actually be a great choice for people who struggle with lactose intolerance but love milk!
3. Saturated fat, or “butter fat”. In terms of health, this may not be the most compelling argument; but because of the high percentage of butter fat in goat’s milk, it has the richest flavor! Plus, this makes our goat soap extra sudsy and long-lasting.

When can they reproduce?

A buck kid is fertile at just 12 weeks, and does can be bred around 7 months old. But just like hitting puberty doesn’t mean people should take immediate advantage of their physiological capabilities, it is best to wait until at least 1-1.5 year old for the does to reproduce. They can reproduce year round, not just in any one season.

How long is a Nigerian Dwarf Goat’s gestation period?

The gestation period is 145-153 days, or about 5 months.

How many kids can be born at once?

Nigerian Dwarf Goats usually have twins or triplets, but can have anywhere from 1-4 kids at a time! Each kid usually weighs about 2 pounds at birth. Breeding these goats is no small task when that many kids come around!

What is the difference between a Pygmy Goat and a Nigerian Dwarf Goat?

The first, and most easily identifiable difference, of course, is the appearance. Pygmy goats are small and stocky with a limited number of colors and patterns. Nigerian Dwarf Goats, on the other hand, are more slender with every possible color combination. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are most specifically bred for milk production, while Pygmy Goats tend to be for companionship and show.