Dwarves | Better Hens and Gardens

Goat Kids - Preparing for Breeding

Ultimately, the reason most folks have dairy goats is because they want the milk; and for this the does need to be bred and have
kids. Standard size does can generally be bred after they reach 80 lbs. or seven months of age; but breeders often wait until does are older for miniature breeds like Nigerian Dwarves. In our case, we’ve waited until the does are 1 ½ years old (Honey and Tinker Bell) and 1 ¼ years old (Jewel); both because we wanted springtime kids and we’re sure the does are mature enough now.

We don’t own a buck, so it’s important to [...]

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Goat Update

Springtime was cold and late in Northeast Ohio, so the goats didn’t get their coats trimmed until this week – their first trims as yearlings. After giving them their haircuts, we went to the American Goat Society (AGS) 2011 National Show (as spectators only).

The show was a real learning experience; we saw many beautiful Nigerian Dwarf goats and met some very dedicated breeders. I was happy that although our girls wouldn’t take first place at the Nationals, I don’t believe they’d be last either (although their haircuts need to be much neater).

Anyway, the show encouraged me to start seriously trying to photograph the girls so I’d learn their [...]

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