Nigerian Dwarf goats are one of the best choices for small farms due to their compact size, friendly temperament, and excellent milk production. These miniature dairy goats are highly adaptable, easy to manage, and provide numerous benefits, making them ideal for homesteaders, hobby farmers, and families.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- Why Nigerian Dwarf goats are perfect for small farms
- Top bloodlines and breeders
- How to choose the best Nigerian Dwarf goats
- Care and management tips
- Breeding and milk production
By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to select and raise the best Nigerian Dwarf goats for your small farm.
Table of Contents
Why Nigerian Dwarf Goats Are Perfect for Small Farms
1. Compact Size
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small, standing only 17–21 inches tall and weighing 60–80 pounds. Their miniature size makes them:
- Easier to handle than larger goat breeds
- Require less space (ideal for urban or backyard farming)
- Cheaper to feed compared to standard-sized goats
2. Excellent Milk Production
Despite their small stature, Nigerian Dwarfs are prolific milk producers, yielding 1–2 quarts per day with 6–10% butterfat content—higher than most dairy goats. Their milk is sweet, creamy, and perfect for:
- Drinking fresh
- Making cheese, yogurt, and soap
- Feeding families without excess waste
3. Friendly and Docile Temperament
These goats are known for their playful, affectionate personalities, making them great for:
- Families with children
- 4-H and FFA projects
- Therapy animals
4. Low Maintenance
Nigerian Dwarfs are hardy and require:
- Basic shelter (a sturdy shed or barn)
- High-quality hay, grains, and fresh water
- Routine hoof trimming and deworming
5. Colorful and Attractive
They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including:
- Black, chocolate, gold, and caramel
- Spotted, roan, and pinto patterns
- Blue-eyed or brown-eyed varieties
Their charming appearance adds aesthetic value to small farms.
Top Nigerian Dwarf Goat Bloodlines and Breeders
Choosing goats from reputable bloodlines ensures good genetics, health, and milk production. Here are some of the best:
**1. Sunny Oak Nigerian Dwarfs (California)
- Known for high milk production and show-quality goats
- Focus on strong conformation and gentle temperaments
**2. Firefly Farms (Tennessee)
- Specializes in blue-eyed Nigerians with excellent udder structure
- Produces goats with high butterfat milk
**3. Mystic Acres (Texas)
- Focuses on registered, disease-free stock
- Strong bloodlines for both pets and dairy production
**4. Cedar Lodge Farm (Ohio)
- Well-known for ADGA-registered Nigerians
- Emphasis on health and longevity
**5. Pinecone Nigerian Dwarfs (Oregon)
- Produces goats with outstanding milk records
- Great for small-scale dairy operations
Tip: Always buy from ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) or AGS (American Goat Society) registered breeders to ensure quality.
How to Choose the Best Nigerian Dwarf Goats
When selecting Nigerian Dwarf goats for your farm, consider:
1. Purpose (Milk, Show, or Pets?)
- Dairy Production: Look for does with well-attached udders and strong milk pedigrees.
- Show Quality: Focus on conformation, color, and breed standards.
- Pets/Family Goats: Temperament is key—choose friendly, well-socialized kids.
2. Health Check
- Bright, clear eyes
- Shiny coat, no signs of parasites
- No limping or hoof issues
- Check for CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis) testing
3. Pedigree and Registration
- ADGA or AGS registration ensures purebred status
- Ask for milk records if buying for dairy purposes
4. Age Considerations
- Kids (0–6 months): Require bottle-feeding or dam-raising
- Yearlings (6–12 months): Ready for breeding soon
- Adult Does/Bucks: Proven milkers or breeders
5. Male vs. Female
- Does: Best for milk and breeding
- Wethers (neutered males): Great pets, no breeding/milking
- Bucks: Only needed if breeding (can be smelly and aggressive)
Care and Management Tips for Nigerian Dwarf Goats
1. Housing and Fencing
- Shelter: A dry, draft-free shed (10 sq ft per goat)
- Fencing: 4–5 ft tall, woven wire or electric to prevent escapes
2. Feeding Requirements
- Hay: Free-choice grass or alfalfa hay
- Grain: ½–1 cup per day (16% protein dairy goat feed)
- Minerals: Loose minerals with copper (Nigerians need copper!)
- Fresh Water: Always available
3. Health Maintenance
- Hoof Trimming: Every 6–8 weeks
- Deworming: Rotational dewormers (Famacha check for anemia)
- Vaccinations: CDT vaccine (Clostridium perfringens types C & D + Tetanus)
4. Breeding and Kidding
- Breeding Age: Does at 8–12 months, Bucks at 6+ months
- Gestation: 145–155 days
- Kidding: Usually easy, but monitor for complications
5. Milking Routine
- Milk twice daily (12-hour intervals)
- Clean udder before milking
- Store milk in sterilized containers
Breeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Milk and Show
1. Selecting Breeding Stock
- Look for strong milk production history
- Avoid genetic defects (hermaphroditism, weak pasterns)
- Choose bucks with good conformation and strong bloodlines
2. Breeding Strategies
- Linebreeding: Strengthens desirable traits
- Outcrossing: Introduces new genetics
- AI (Artificial Insemination): Expands gene pool without owning a buck
3. Raising Kids
- Dam-raised vs. Bottle-fed: Dam-raised kids grow stronger, but bottle-fed are tamer
- Weaning: At 8–12 weeks
- Disbudding: Recommended for safety (done at 1–2 weeks old)
Here are ten frequently asked questions about choosing and raising the best Nigerian Dwarf goats for a small farm, along with detailed answers.
1. Why are Nigerian Dwarf goats considered the best for small farms?
Answer: Nigerian Dwarfs are the ideal small farm goat for several key reasons:
- Small Stature: They are easy to handle, require less space, and are less intimidating for beginners and children.
- High-Quality Milk: Despite their size, they produce a surprisingly high milk yield (1-2 quarts per day) with very high butterfat (6-10%), making it perfect for cheese, yogurt, and soap.
- Gentle Temperament: They are known for their friendly, curious, and playful personalities, making them enjoyable pets and therapy animals.
- Year-Round Breeders: Unlike many dairy breeds, they can be bred any time of the year, allowing for a continuous milk supply.
- Efficient Eaters: They consume less hay and grain than larger dairy goats, reducing feed costs.
2. What should I look for when buying my first Nigerian Dwarf goat?
Answer: Look for:
- Health: Clear, bright eyes; smooth coat; no signs of limping, coughing, or diarrhea.
- Documentation: A herd with a CAE (Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis) prevention program and testing. Ask for proof.
- Conformation (Body Structure): A straight, strong back; well-attached, symmetrical udder (for does); correct leg structure.
- Pedigree & Registration: Papers from the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) or American Goat Society (AGS) verify lineage and add value.
- Reputable Breeder: Choose a breeder who is knowledgeable, answers all your questions, and raises goats in a clean, healthy environment.
3. Can I keep just one Nigerian Dwarf goat?
Answer: It is strongly discouraged. Goats are herd animals and are prone to extreme stress and loneliness if kept alone. This can lead to poor health and excessive noise (crying). You should always have at least two goats. A wether (castrated male) is a perfect companion for a single doe if you don’t want a large herd.
4. What is the difference between a doe, a buck, and a wether?
Answer:
- Doe: A female goat. This is what you need for milk production.
- Buck: An intact male goat. They are necessary for breeding but can be smelly (especially during rut), loud, and aggressive. They are not recommended for most small farms.
- Wether: A castrated male goat. They are sweet, docile, and make excellent companion animals and pets. They do not produce milk.
5. How much space and what kind of fencing do they need?
Answer:
- Space: A minimum of 200 square feet of outdoor space per goat is a good starting point. They also need a clean, dry, and draft-free shelter (a simple 3-sided shed often suffices in milder climates).
- Fencing: This is critical! Nigerian Dwarfs are clever escape artists. Use 4-foot high, no-climb horse fencing or sturdy woven wire with electric strands as a deterrent. Avoid large-hole fencing where they can get their heads stuck.
6. What do Nigerian Dwarf goats eat?
Answer: Their diet consists of:
- Forage/Hay: High-quality grass or alfalfa hay should be available 24/7 (their main diet).
- Grain/Concentrate: Lactating and pregnant does need a small amount of grain to support milk production and body condition.
- Minerals: A loose goat-specific mineral (not a block) is essential for their health.
- Fresh Water: Clean, fresh water must always be available.
- Browse: They love to eat brush, leaves, and weeds, which is great for land clearing.
7. How much milk can I expect, and is it hard to milk them?
Answer:
- Yield: A well-bred Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce between 1 to 2 quarts of milk per day over a 10-month lactation after freshening (giving birth).
- Milking: The process is straightforward but requires a consistent routine. It involves udder cleaning and hand-milking twice a day, about 12 hours apart. With a gentle doe, it becomes a quick and easy task.
8. Are they loud? Will they bother my neighbors?
Answer: All goats make noise, but Nigerian Dwarfs are not excessively loud if their needs are met. They will call out if they are hungry, see you coming with food, or—most importantly—if they are lonely or bored. Keeping them in a pair or small herd and ensuring they have enrichment (toys, things to climb on) will minimize noise. It’s always wise to talk to close neighbors before getting any livestock.
9. What are the most common health issues I need to watch for?
Answer:
- Internal Parasites (Worms): This is the #1 health issue. Regular fecal exams and managed grazing are crucial.
- Hoof Trimming: Their hooves need to be trimmed every 4-8 weeks to prevent lameness.
- Vaccinations: They need annual vaccinations for CD&T (Enterotoxemia and Tetanus).
- Pregnancy Toxemia & Ketosis: A risk in overweight or underfed pregnant does.
10. Do I need to breed my doe for her to produce milk?
Answer: Yes. A doe must “freshen” (give birth) to start producing milk. She will lactate for about 10 months after kidding. To have a continuous milk supply, most owners breed their does once a year. If you don’t wish to breed, you can enjoy a goat as a pet weather or a dry (non-milking) doe.