The lifespan of Pygmy Goats

The lifespan of Pygmy goats is 15 years on an average. Pygmy goats can live for 12 years to 18 years.

Pygmy goats are native to Cameroon Valley of West Africa. Also called African Pygmy goat. In Africa, Pygmy goats are raised for meat and milk. But in the west, they are considered adorable pets due to their small size, friendly, docile, playful, and intelligent nature.

At maturity, pygmies weigh about 75 lb on average.

  • The male pygmy goat is known as Buck which weighs around 27 kg  to 39 kg (60 lb to 86 lb)
  • The female pygmy goat is known as Doe which weighs around 24 kg to 34 kg. (53 lb to 75 lb)

The height of miniature Pygmy goat at the shoulder averaging 15 to 20 inches tall. The lifespan of Pygmy goats is 15 years on an average. Pygmy goats can live for 12 years to 18 years. The average daily milk yield is 0.9 kg to 2.5kg. The lactation period is 120 to 180 days. Even the meat tastes good.

 lifespan of Pygmy Goats, Pygmy Goats life expectancy,

The sexual maturity of Pygmy goats is too early – an average of 4 months. Pygmy Does need to be separated from bucks to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Early maturation will lead to unwanted, unhealthy kids if Does and Bucks are left together. During every kidding Pygmy goats can deliver from 1 kid to 4 kids.

Pygmy wethers make excellent and popular pets. The does have overall friendly temperaments, but bucks are known to be a bit stubborn and independent. Pygmy goats are more Athletic. They are playful, can leap great heights. So be careful with the fence height.

Pygmy Goat Care

Pygmy goats are well suited for the family. Keeping pygmy goats at home is like having a dog/cat. Pygmies are very playful. Its always recommended disbudding the goat at the age of 2 weeks. The goats in general headbutt playfully.  The horns sometimes injure you while playing, so its good to disbud when you keep them as pets.  A few times horns can get stuck to fence and goats can hurt themselves. So discuss with your veterinarian about disbudding as early as possible.

Pygmy goats are quite hardy and can adapt to any climate. But during winters and rainy season, they prefer to have lukewarm food and water. Pygmy goats can eat anything available at home. To keep pygmies diet feeding a lot of vegetables and fruits. The two essential vitamins required by pygmy goats are Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

Foods rich in Vitamin A include green pasture, green hay, yellow corn, etc. During summer, exposure to the sun is enough to provide the goats with the required amount of Vitamin D. Pygmies love grazing, a small patch of land with full of grass, will keep them happy and content. Always give them fresh food and clean water. Due to their small size, they do consume in small quantities.

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The Goat shed should be very well ventilated. So that to minimize respiratory inspections. Goad shed should keep the pygmy goats warm during winters. Since pygmy goats are more playful, they require a lot of open space in front of the shed. Giving them something to climb up, like a table or a log. They jump and run a lot. A perfect playmate for any kid.

Fences should be about 4 feet high since Pygmy goats can’t jump higher than that. Pygmies are prey to many predators, the location of their shelter is to be carefully chosen and should be safe. Provide enough straw in the goat shed. The goats need to feel warm during the night.

Pygmies like any other goats, need to check their health regularly. Twice a year, worms should be tested in the fecal matter. Once in 2 weeks, check for any lice infection. Trimming of hooves for every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. Pygmies should be provided with a yellow mineral lick in the goat shed. Regular vaccines should be provided once a year, consulting VET is required.

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