This was our first kidding season, so I tried to read and prepare for all possibilities when it came time for the Nigerian Dwarf does to freshen; but we learned so many things actually going through it (that just don’t seem to be covered in books). One thing that really shocked us, was that Jewel Box rejected one of her triplets (Dillinger) when he was five days old – totally surprising us. He went downhill so fast after she rejected him that we nearly lost him, and ended up learning how to tube feed a kid to keep him going (see Tube Feeding A Goat Kid).
It was actually our fault that Jewel Box rejected Dillinger, but it took us a bit to figure out what caused her to do it. It turns out that a friend handled Dillinger while wearing cologne – causing Jewel Box to decide that he wasn’t her kid. After that, she wouldn’t let him nurse, and by the next morning he was in rough shape. I hadn’t read anything about being careful about perfume or cologne when letting others handle the kids (I suppose it should be common sense), and we’d been handling them since they were born and never thought about it. So, lesson learned: Be Careful Whan Allowing Others To Handle Young Kids! After that experience, we didn’t let others handle the kids until they were about two weeks 
old.
Jewel Box’s rejection of Dillinger left us with a problem – she wouldn’t let Dillinger nurse, but he didn’t want to drink from a bottle and we wanted to keep him with his brothers if possible. So, we fed Jewel Box her grain ration on the stanchion four times a day, and while she was occupied eating grain, she didn’t have much choice but to let Dillinger nurse. It didn’t take either of them long to learn the drill – as soon as we’d open the stall door, Dillinger and Jewel Box would run to the stanchion. Jewel Box looking her usual graceful self, and Dillinger bouncing along as fast as his little legs could carry him.
After about two weeks of feeding Dillinger on the stanchion, he started sneaking in when his brothers were nursing and Jewel Box seemed to start accepting him again. After passing four weeks old – Dillinger was fully re-accepted, and doesn’t seem to have suffered for the experience. He’s a gorgeous little buckling, and is very friendly too – probably because he ended up getting handled so much – who could resist that adorable little face?
Chris Loomis says
Thanks so much for your comprehensive posts on Dwarf Nigerians.
I found your blog because I was trying to learn more about them. A woman at a local Green Fair told me that Nigerians have trouble kidding, aren’t great moms and don’t give enough milk to be worth it.
I was surprised because that didn’t jive with everything else that I’d heard or read about them.
I’m a little goat crazy right now and have been planning to get a couple Nigerians at some point. I’m glad to read that your experience has been pretty positive. Do you feel that Nigerians are a good breed for a backyard novice?
Lesa says
Hi Chris – after our first kidding season, I totally disagree with what the women told you. None of our three does had “trouble” kidding, they did it all themselves and had eight beautiful kids between them, they have been terrific moms (the only issue was Dillinger’s rejection and that was caused by us, and they certainly do give enough milk to be worth it! Tinker Bell’s kids are now fully weaned so we’re milking her twice a day now, and getting about six cups per day from her – she’s just a first freshener so that amount should go up as she gets older. And the other girl’s kids are in various stages of weaning so we’re starting to get milk from them too – we’re planning to start selling goat shares because it’s far too much milk for us.
We were goat novices when we started with these girls, and I believe they’re an excellent breed for someone starting out with goats – they’re easy to handle, social, lovable, don’t eat a lot, don’t need a lot of room, and generally adorable. I think it’s important to find good starting stock – goats that come from proven disease-free herds and excellent milking lines – it might cost a little more up front but it’s worth it. Also, if you get your goats from a reputable breeder, they’ll probably be willing to help mentor as you get started. We’re having no problem selling the kids (even if they were all boys) and everyone loves the milk. I’m sold on the breed – they’re a joy!
Chris Loomis says
Hi Lesa,
The woman was a sheep herder, so maybe she’s biased against cute little goats 🙂
I’m going to take a lesson from you and try to learn as much as I can before I start. There aren’t many people in Los Angeles with goats but there are a few in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley that aren’t too far. Hopefully I can hook up with them to get some hands-on experience. Until then, I’ll be glued to your goat cam.
There are a few farms within easy driving distance that claim to have good stock. Thanks to your post on pedigrees, I might actually be able to wade through all of the documents. Thanks for sharing your experiences, your blog is a valuable resource.
P.s. Just noticed you’re in Northeast Ohio. I grew up in Cleveland. Back in the day my friends and I talked about starting a farm in Conneaut, but the snow finally drove me away.
Kitty Cunningham says
Look at him wif dat liddle face! Oh my gawd!
He’s adorable!