| Have you ever considered owning a pet goat? | | | | With good goat care, their average lifespan can |
| Nigerian Dwarf goats are of western African origin. | | | | range between fifteen to twenty years! |
| They are miniature dairy goats standing less than | | | | They can produce a range from one to eight pounds |
| two feet tall. They have calm, even-tempered, | | | | of milk per day. Their milk has a sweet taste due to |
| sweet, gentle and playful personalities. They are | | | | a high butterfat content and is excellent for making |
| easily trainable and can even walk on a leash. These | | | | soap. |
| characteristics make them lovable companions or | | | | Nigerian Dwarf goats can breed all year round. They |
| pets, especially, for small children, the disabled, and | | | | can have several kids at one time, with triplets and |
| the elderly. | | | | quads being common. They are excellent mothers |
| They come in many colors including: white, black, red, | | | | and take care of their kids, if you allow them. |
| cream and patterns. Some have white "frosting" on | | | | If you have never considered owning Nigerian Dwarf |
| their ears and blue eyes. The nose is straight and the | | | | goats, as pets, you may reconsider. Not only are |
| ears upright. Their coat is soft with short to medium | | | | these miniature goats friendly and easily trained, they |
| hair. | | | | are great to enter in goat shows! |
| The Nigerian goats share pastures, peacefully, with | | | | One of the top twenty events across the |
| other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and | | | | Southeast, USA is called the Goats, Music and More |
| donkeys. They help improve pastures by eating | | | | Festival. This festival will occur in Lewisburg, |
| weeds, brambles and ivy that other livestock will not | | | | Tennessee on October 8th through October 10th, |
| eat. | | | | 2010. This festival is not just any small event, it has |
| These goat breeds need ventilation for optimal | | | | grown from a few thousand its first year to over |
| health. They should not be kept in airtight buildings. | | | | 17,000 attending from all fifty states in the USA and |
| Their pens should be clean, draft-free, without pests | | | | four countries. At this festival, you will find a variety |
| like flies and rodents. Fresh straw or hay should be | | | | of goat shows, arts and crafts, goats milk soap, |
| used for bedding. Some owners have used an | | | | activities for children and adults, goats milk soap |
| over-sized doghouse, or two, with toys included for | | | | makers, a variety of goats milk products, live bands |
| their playful nature. They are able to survive in many | | | | performing music from Motown music to gospel |
| locations, including cold weather locations, such as | | | | songs, country music artists, entertainment, food and |
| Ontario, Canada. | | | | fun for all! |
| Their hooves should be trimmed, regularly, every four | | | | If you have never considered owning a pet goat, |
| to eight weeks and vaccinations should be checked | | | | Nigerian Dwarf goats make, farm fun, adorable pets. |
| with a veterinarian. Worming is, also, important for | | | | These goat breeds can be more than cute and |
| maintaining good health. Good hay, pasture and fresh | | | | cuddly; they can be one of your most prized |
| water, in clean containers, should always be available. | | | | possessions! |