How much is that Pygmy in the window?

How much is that Pygmy in the window?

Notice I said “adding pets". Goats are herd animals. While they enjoy the company of "their" humans they do need the companionship of other animals. I believe it is preferable for the other animal to be another goat, however many people have a dog, cat, donkey, or horse as a companion for their goat.

1.     Do you have appropriate housing for the goats? Is there enough room for them to run and play? What toys do you have for play and exercise?

2.     Do you have the time to care for, grooming of, and attention to the goats?

3.     Do you live in an area that restricts the ownership of livestock? You can usually check your zoning by calling your local animal control.

4.     If you are considering breeding your pet Pygmy, make sure you FULLY understand the ramifications of having an intact buck. An adult buck does not make an ideal pet. Bucks do have an odor, and can be less than docile when interested in breeding.

5.     If you are not interested in breeding, make sure that you purchase a "wether", ( a castrated buck), or of course doe. Wethers are usually less expensive and make ideal pets and have no odor.

6.     Are you interested in showing your pet in the future? If so, the Pygmy must be registered with the National Pygmy Goat Association. This means that both parents are registered and the kid that you purchase is registered.

7.     Pygmy goats are naturally horned. Usually at an early age they are dis-budded, this means that they will not grow horns. If the goats are to be in a confined area it is advisable that they do not have horns. Horns can become caught in fencing, and can cause accidental injury to you and the Pygmy.

8.     Do you have correct fencing to protect your goats from loss or injury? What about protection from predators?

Ok, now let’s start shopping for that Adorable Pygmy Goat.

1.     Put together a list of breeders that are in your area with goats for sale. Add to the list any breeder that you know and that "may have" a goat for sale.

2.     Compose a list of questions and make telephone or e-mail contact with the breeders.

Questions To Ask The Breeder

1.     Age of the kids that are for sale. Most breeders sell between 6-8 weeks. Bottle babies then they can leave in 24-48 hours.

2.     What is the pedigree of the dam and sire? Do they currently own the dam and sire? Will they provide a written pedigree? The importance of a pedigree varies greatly between pet, breeding stock, or show prospect. In any case, a 2-3 generation pedigree should be available for pets that will not be used for breeding. For breed stock and show prospect animals a more extensive pedigree should be available.

3.     Are vaccinations and routine care current? At 6 to 8 weeks of age a kid should have received 1 CDT shots and may have one wormer treatment and routine Coccidia treatment. Will they supply a written health record?

4.     Do they test for CAE, CL, or Jonnes ? When was the last test? Where there any positive results? Is their herd exposed to Contagious Ecthyma (Score mouth)? If so, are the kids vaccinated, naturally immune, or immune following outbreak?

5.     What is the total cost for the purchase of a kid?

6.     Are the kids dis-budded?

7.     If you are considering a wether: If banded or with elastration the   scrotum and all of its contents may take from 3-6 weeks to fall off. If the scrotom has not detached when purchased, the wound should be monitored for infection.

8.     How long have they owned/bred Pygmy goats?

9.     Do they provide a health warranty?

10.   Will they supply a few days of feed to assist in diet transition?

11.   Are they a member of the National Pygmy Goat Association? There is a Code of Conduct for breeders that belong to the NPGA.

12.   Will they provide references: vet, other breeder, and customers?

13.   Are the kids registered or unregistered?

14.   If you plan to later breed the doe you are considering: Do they offer stud service? If so, you can evaluate the kid for potential offspring. Make sure of the relationships in the breeder's herd and select to prevent inbreeding. Closer attention should be then given to breeding structure and the history of the dam and sire.

15.   When can you come see the kids and their dam and sire? Breeders should welcome you to tour their facility and meet their goats.

16.   Do they offer continuing support?