Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Complete Care & Breeding Guide

Nigerian Dwarf goats have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. These pint-sized dairy goats produce surprisingly rich milk, have wonderful personalities, and are perfect for small farms and homesteads. Here’s everything you need to know about raising Nigerian Dwarf goats.

Why Choose Nigerian Dwarf Goats?

The Perfect Small-Farm Dairy Goat

Nigerian Dwarf goats offer several advantages:

Compact size: 17-21 inches tall; easy to handle
High butterfat milk: 6-10% butterfat (twice that of standard dairy breeds)
Year-round breeding: Can breed any time of year
Friendly personalities: Great with children
Efficient: Produce good milk on less feed
Versatile: Milk, pets, show animals, or brush clearing

Milk Production

Despite their size, Nigerian Dwarfs are serious milk producers:

Metric	Nigerian Dwarf	Standard Dairy Goat
Daily production	1-3 quarts	1-2 gallons
Butterfat	6-10%	3-4%
Protein	4-5%	3%
Lactation length	10 months	10 months

Their rich milk is ideal for:

Cheese making: Higher yield per gallon
Soap making: Creamier bars
Drinking: Sweet, mild flavor
Ice cream: Naturally rich and creamy

Getting Started

How Many Goats?

Goats are herd animals and should never be kept alone.

Minimum: 2 goats Recommended starting flock: 2-4 does With buck for breeding: Separate housing needed

Choosing Quality Stock

Look for:

Registered animals: ADGA, AGS, or NDGA papers
Health records: CAE, CL, and Johne’s testing
Good conformation: Level topline, correct legs
Milking lines: If dairy is your goal
Friendly temperament: Important for handling

Price range: $200-800 for quality registered does

Find Nigerian Dwarf breeders →

Housing Requirements

Shelter

Nigerian Dwarfs need protection from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Space requirements:

10-15 square feet per goat (shelter)
200+ square feet per goat (yard/pasture)

Shelter features:

Three-sided minimum; four-sided in cold climates
Raised floor or thick bedding
Good ventilation without drafts
Protection from precipitation

Fencing

Despite their size, Nigerian Dwarfs can be escape artists.

Recommended fencing:

4-foot woven wire or cattle panels
Electric hot wire at nose height
Secure all gates with goat-proof latches
Check for head-sized holes

Bedding

Keep bedding dry and clean:

Straw (most common)
Wood shavings
Deep litter method works well
Clean wet spots regularly

Feeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Basic Diet

Hay (main diet):

Good quality grass or mixed hay
2-4 lbs per goat daily
Free-choice preferred
Alfalfa for milking does

Browse/Pasture:

Excellent foragers
Love brush, weeds, and leaves
4-8 goats per acre
Rotational grazing recommended

Grain (supplemental):

1/2-1 lb daily for milking does
Less or none for dry does
Quality goat feed, 16-18% protein
Avoid overfeeding (obesity is common!)

Minerals and Water

Free-choice minerals:

Loose goat minerals preferred
Must contain copper (unlike sheep!)
Provide in covered feeder

Water:

Fresh, clean water always available
1-3 gallons per goat daily
More when milking or in hot weather
Heated waterers in freezing climates

Treats (in moderation)

Safe treats include:

Apple slices
Carrots
Banana
Pumpkin
Raisins
Sunflower seeds

Avoid: Chocolate, avocado, tomato leaves, rhododendron

Health Care

Routine Care Schedule

Daily:

Check overall condition
Ensure fresh water
Monitor appetite

Weekly:

Check body condition
Examine hooves for issues
Look for signs of parasites

Monthly:

Trim hooves (every 4-6 weeks)
Check FAMACHA scores

Annually:

CD&T vaccination
Fecal testing
Breeding soundness exam

Hoof Care

Hoof trimming is essential:

Trim every 4-6 weeks
Use quality hoof trimmers
Stand goat on milk stand
Take small amounts at a time
Stop if you see pink (blood supply)

Parasite Management

Worms are a significant concern:

Prevention:

Rotational grazing
Don’t overstock
Clean feeding areas
FAMACHA scoring

Treatment:

Fecal egg counts before deworming
Targeted treatment (not routine deworming)
Work with your vet on protocol

Common Health Issues

Parasites: #1 health concern
Bloat: Emergency—contact vet immediately
Enterotoxemia: Prevent with CD&T vaccine
Pneumonia: Keep housing dry and ventilated
Pregnancy toxemia: In late pregnancy

Breeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Breeding Age

Does: 7-8 months old and 40+ lbs
Bucks: Can breed at 7 weeks (separate early!)

Year-Round Breeding

Unlike most goats, Nigerian Dwarfs can breed year-round:

Cycle every 18-21 days
Standing heat lasts 12-48 hours
Can kid any month

Signs of Heat

Flagging (wagging tail)
Mounting other goats
Swollen vulva
Clear discharge
Vocal
Reduced milk production

Breeding Methods

Buck ownership:

Pros: Breed anytime, lower cost per breeding
Cons: Housing needs, smell, aggression

Buck service:

Pros: No buck maintenance
Cons: Timing challenges, cost per breeding

Artificial insemination:

Pros: Access to top genetics
Cons: Requires training, lower conception rates

Pregnancy and Kidding

Gestation: 145-153 days (average 150)

Pregnancy care:

Increase feed in last 6 weeks
CD&T booster 4 weeks before due date
Reduce grain 1 week before kidding
Prepare kidding kit

Kidding kit essentials:

Clean towels
Iodine for navels
Bulb syringe
Dental floss for cord tying
Molasses for mom
Colostrum (backup)
Vet’s phone number

Kid Care

Nursing: Kids should nurse within 1 hour
Disbudding: At 1-2 weeks if desired
Banding: Males at 8-12 weeks if not breeding
Weaning: 8-12 weeks

Milking Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Milk Stand Training

Start training before freshening:

Use treats on the stand
Short positive sessions
Handle udder gently
Build trust over time

Milking Procedure

Before milking:

Secure goat on stand with feed
Clean udder with warm water or wipes
Strip first few squirts (check for issues)

Milking:

Wrap hand around teat
Squeeze with thumb and forefinger first
Roll pressure down with remaining fingers
Alternate hands
Milk until udder feels empty

After milking:

Dip teats in teat dip
Keep goat standing 15-20 minutes
Strain and chill milk immediately

Milking Schedule

Twice daily: Every 12 hours (highest production)
Once daily: Acceptable for lower production
Consistency: Same time each day

Common Questions

How long do Nigerian Dwarf goats live?

12-15 years with good care.

Can they live with other animals?

Yes! They get along well with sheep, chickens, and horses. Keep separate from standard-sized goats initially.

Are they loud?

They can be vocal, especially during heat or when wanting attention. Generally quieter than Nubians.

Do I need a buck?

Not if you use buck service or AI. Many small farms use outside breeding.

How much space do they really need?

Minimum 200 sq ft per goat for exercise area, though more is always better.

Costs of Keeping Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Startup Costs

Item	Cost
2-3 goats	$600-2,000
Fencing (1/4 acre)	$800-1,500
Shelter	$200-1,000
Milk stand	$100-300
Supplies	$200-400
Total	$1,900-5,200

Annual Costs (per goat)

Item	Cost
Feed/hay	$300-500
Vet/health	$50-100
Supplies	$50-100
Total	$400-700

Getting Started Checklist

Conclusion

Nigerian Dwarf goats are ideal for small farms and homesteads. Their friendly personalities, manageable size, and excellent milk production make them perfect for beginners and experienced goat keepers alike. With proper care, they’ll provide years of enjoyment and delicious dairy products.

Ready to find your Nigerian Dwarf goats? Browse our breeder directory to connect with reputable breeders.

New to goats? Start with our beginner’s guide to goat farming.