Rural Living Today

Last Updated on October 3rd, 2019

Guide To Raising Rabbits for Meat – Many people are turning to build a sustainable lifestyle.

A sustainable lifestyle is one that can be maintained and controlled through work you do yourself and is an eco-friendly way to live in conjunction with the world.

One way to embrace a sustainable lifestyle is to grow and raise your own food sources.

Many people have taken on raising animals that can be used as a food source, including chickens, pigs, and even rabbits.

Why Raise Rabbits for Meat?

You may look at that cute little bunny and think they are so small why bother?

You will never be able to get enough meat produced to support your family.

But you would be surprised.

The rate of breeding makes rabbits one of the best sustainable meat sources you can raise.

They multiply rapidly and can, in the end, herald up to 200+ pounds of meat a year depending on your herd and the amount you breed.

It sounds like a good idea, right?

Guide To Raising Rabbits for Meat

There are a lot of things to consider when raising rabbits for meat, though.

In this guide, we are going to take a walk through the different steps you will need to take for raising rabbits for meat.

Let’s start with where and move on from there.

Where to Raise Rabbits?

You don’t want to get in trouble with the local officials, so first and foremost you need to make sure that you can raise those rabbits on your property for meat.

You may be able to have that little fluff ball as a pet, but when you are raising it as livestock, there are a whole different set of rules.

So, take the time to investigate where you can raise your rabbits and the rules you must follow to do so.

Here are a few options for where:

Am I allowed to Raising Rabbits for Meat at My Home

As we said above, many places allow you to have a rabbit a pet, but there may be rules about raising animals for food sources.

Make sure you check with your county or city what the rules are for this aspect of rabbit rearing.

Another thing to consider is that though it may be legal for you to raise rabbits on your property for food purposes, the county or city may not permit the butchering and processing.

If you can raise rabbits for meat on your property, then the next thing to take into consideration is which breed you will want to raise and the set-up you will need to do to prep for this new venture.

Community Gardens and Farms For Raising Rabbits

If, however, if you are not able to raise the rabbits legally on your property, but still want to try your hand at rabbit raising, you may want to investigate community gardens or communal farms.

These are an area of land that has been set aside by the city to allow the people of a given neighborhood the ability to grow an urban farm and help build a sustainable communal area.

These areas will not allow for the processing and butchering of the animals which you will have to do at a third-party processor, but you will be able to raise the rabbits to that point.

Now that you have an idea where you can begin your rabbit farm, you will be ready to figure out the set-up.

If you are using a communal garden, there may already be places build so this next section is really for those that can manage a backyard set-up.

What You Need To Raising Rabbits for Meat

There is a bit of prep that you must do before you rush out to get your rabbits.

Setting up their shelter and having the things you need to make them comfortable is the first step in starting your new business.

Here are the things you will need to have for a proper rabbit raising farm.

Rabbit Hutch (male and female)

The first part of the hutch proposition of this set-up is to craft a hutch plan.

Many counties or city ordinances will require you to file a copy for approval.

This is to ensure it meets all the standards set by the city itself regarding small livestock enclosures.

The rabbit hutch is the small wooden house where your rabbits will end up spending a lot of time.

Like a chicken coop but smaller and easily moved from place to place.

There are pre-made hutches available, or you can DIY one.

To determine the right hutch set up for your rabbit farm, you will want to consider how many rabbits you are looking to raise.

The bigger the herd, the bigger the hutches.

That’s right each sex will need their own hutch (after all you don’t want them breeding when you aren’t ready).

Here are some things to consider when deciding on your hutch design:

What to do with Rabbit Waste

You will want to make sure that there are a place and a way for the poop and other waste to be removed easily from the hutch.

If you get a pre-made one, you will find a floor constructed of wire with holes and such to allow for it to escape into a tray below.

If you are building your hutch, make sure to include this in your plan.

Nursing a Rabbit

Once you have bred, you will want a place they can go after giving birth.

The nursing compartment allows for them to take care of their young away from the rest of the herd.

Just like with the waste removal system, both pre-made, and DIY versions should have this as a feature.

Climate

If you are in an area that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, you will want to consider adding extra pieces for better climate control.

Rabbits are tough animals, but extremities of temp can cause health problems.

So, if you are in a hot climate, you may want to consider installing fans to help with the heat.

On the flip side, if you are in a climate that experiences low temps, a heater may be needed.

Rabbit Run (male and female)

You will want to build a place for your rabbits to stretch their legs and have a little hopping time.

That means attaching an enclosed pen to the hitches.

One for each sex as well, so there is no fraternizing unless you want them to.

The size of the run depends on the number of rabbits and the space you have available.

How to Protect Rabbits

Even in the city, other creatures may look at your rabbits as food and try to get to them.

So, make sure you have protection around your open enclosure – this is key.

The last thing you want is to have some other creature enjoying your rabbit before you do.

So, making sure your rabbits are protected from all sides, both ground and sky will help make your farm just a bit safer.

Bedding

You will want to lay down bedding of some sort in your run so that you can maintain a level of sanitation.

The type of bedding is up to you, but you will defiantly want one that is easy to remove and is good at absorbing the waste from these bunnies.

Inside the hutch itself, bedding is optional. That is if you have a waste removal tray. If you do not, then you will need the same qualities as the bedding for the run in the hutch. Using the same for both areas is fine.

Food/Water & Containers

If you want good quality meat, you will want to take care of your rabbits by making sure they have plenty of clean water and the right food.

Water

Water is important, and your rabbits will need a lot of it.

The bigger the herd, the more water and so making sure that the pens are fitted with a large bottle of good clean water is a must.

Rabbit Food

You are what you eat, and that means that you are what your food source eats as well.

There are a few options when it comes to feeding for your rabbits.

When you are looking for the containers, you want ones that have a tight latticework frame or even a feeder that has a sifting capability.

This is so the rabbits can’t get into the container itself and contaminate their food with waste.

By getting the right container, you will be able to decrease the risk of illness amongst the herd.

As for the food itself, you will want to utilize a nice balance of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets.

The best hay for your rabbits according to many rabbit farmers is Timothy Hay.

This should be about 80% – 90% of their overall diet.

The rest of that percentage should go to the protein-fiber pellets and fresh veggies like carrots and lettuce.

You will want to stay consistent with your feed as rabbits have very delicate tummies and you do not want to upset them.

Slaughter & Processing Rabbits For Food

If you are planning to do the whole thing, then you will need a place where you can break down the rabbits once slaughtered.

You will want this area to be stocked with the knives and implements required for the process, as well as and tools you may want to use to take the processing further (i.e., sausages).

They should have a nice flat surface, be completely sanitary, and have some sort of refrigeration close at hand.

Now you have your rabbit farm set up it is time to meet your herd.

Choosing the right breed is the next crucial part of the puzzle.

Rabbit Breeds

You cannot just pick up any old rabbit for your rabbit farm if you are looking for a good meat source.

Rabbits good for eating tend to be longer, plumper, and have more fur.

Here is a list of the best rabbit choices for your rabbit farm:

Palomino Rabbits

These rabbits can top off the scales at close to 12 pounds and are usually pale orange in color.

Palomino’ may well be the best choice for inner-city rabbit farming as they are quiet and quite docile.

Chinchilla Rabbits

The chinchilla rabbit is a super fluffy and plump breed that can be kept as a pet or as livestock.

They can weigh in at up to 12 lbs. when fully grown.

Champagne D’Argent Rabbits

This is one of those breeds that is less common to find amongst rabbit farms.

This breed goes all the way back to the 1600s and is great for its meat and has a stunning black coat as well.

Flemish Giant Rabbits

These are the largest breed that many farmers raise for meat.

These behemoths can top the scales at 20 lbs.

The fur is prized but not more than the meat.

This breed is super docile and can be great for urban areas.

New Zealand Rabbits

These rabbits come in a variety of colors and can get up to 12 lbs. in weight.

When prepared, it does have a pinkish color, and some may think it isn’t cooked, but it is fine.

There are many other rabbit breeds that are out there in the world, but these six are by far the most popular when it comes to raising rabbits for meat.

Any of these will work, but the ultimate decision comes down to how much space you have and how much meat you are looking to produce.

Once you have chosen the breed you want, you may want to do further research to ensure you are raising these animals with just the right care.

Rabbit Mating/Birth/After

Once you have everything set-up and the rabbits chosen, now it is time to think about the next few steps.

The actual business of rabbit farming which has to do with dating, birth, and aftercare of the rabbits.

Each step of this process is important to get a good idea, and so we are going to look at each.

Mating Rabbits

The first step of successful mating is already done.

Making sure to keep the ladies and men separate until you feel the time is right.

There are, of course, other things you can do or need to know about the mating process.

• You should always take the doe to the buck’s pad. This will decrease the chance of a flare-up over territory and make her a little more open to the bucks move.
• Keep track of each does birthing dates for optimal fertility.
• You will know that the deed is done when the male rabbit stiffens and falls of the female. You may think the poor guy has passed on to bunny heaven (what a way to go, right!) but he is fine and will return to normal in a few minutes.

Birth

Raising rabbits for meat is a time-consuming feat with many levels of things you need to know.

But one of the most important things to understand is what happens after the breeding.

Birthing cycle of rabbits are:

• Rabbits take 30 days to gestate. The new mother will have a few pregnancies before learning how to care for her kits properly. This means that you may lose the first few litters before being successful with breading.
• The big day is getting closer when you notice the momma pulling out her underbelly hair and adding it to her hole. This is done by them to ensure there is enough warmth for the kits.

After Birth Care For Rabbits

Once you have successfully mated and kept a litter, you will want to understand the aftercare system and what to expect from the other.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• You will not want to be loving all over the kits. This could interrupt the bonding process of the mother and babies and increase the chance of the mother not caring for the kits.
• You can lightly check if they are still alive but no heavy petting or removal from the rabbit hole.
• You may never see the mother feeding the babies, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t. In nature, it is natural or them to hide their babies and only fed them when no one is looking. In the wild, this is meant to save them from predators.
• The mom will relax once the babies have fur and begin to hop on their own.
• You may want to build a new hutch so that when the babies are big enough, you can move them to their own space.

Now that you have some idea of the entire process, we want to make sure you are not doing anything that will detract from all your hard work.

So, check out what not to do when raising rabbits for food.

Things to Not Do When Raising Rabbits

There are some distinctive things that you should stay away from doing regarding your rabbit farm.

Here a list of no-nos:

• Do not use straw in the rabbit’s hole section in the hutch. Straw can carry mites, and your herd is very susceptible to these little parasites.
• Use wood shavings as bedding only in places where newborn kits will not be present. The scent from the shavings is bad for the little one’s breathing system and can be the cause of death if not careful.
• You want to make sure to keep the pens and hutches free of flies. So, install fly strips or rub everything down with vinegar. This is so that you can keep the flies from laying eggs in the babies and eating them.

Health Considerations for Rabbits

Rabbits, in general, are very sturdy and easy to take care of animal.

There are a few things regarding health that you need to be knowledgeable about to keep your herd as healthy as possible.

Mites

You want to raise healthy rabbits, and one of the things they are most liable to get is ear mites.

This can be combated by making sure that you keep their hutch and pen clean and with just a few preventative measures.

You can use a tincture of olive oil and tea tree oil to fend off the small fiends.

A couple of drops in each ear of each rabbit will help decrease the risk of mites being an issue for your herd.

Rabbit Hygiene

The other big thing you must do is to clean their pens and hutches weekly.

This is done by removing the rabbits (setting them up in a temp pen) and removing all bedding.

Then you need to scrap any waste off and wash the hutch down with a diluted bleach mixture.

You will want to let the hutch completely dry and air out before replacing the bedding and letting your rabbits back into the structure.

While you do this, making sure that the food and water containers are also waste-free and clean is also a task that should be done.

Pros/Cons of Raising Rabbits For Food

Raising rabbits for meat is not something that is suited for everyone.

So, understanding the pros and cons that are associated with this venture.

Let us start with the pros:

Pros of Raising Rabbits For Food

It is an Ethical Choice

Commercially processed meat can have things pumped into the meat via the feed they feed their animals.

Then there is the treatment of the animals themselves.

If you are someone who actively opposes overcrowding in pens and unsanitary conditions, then raising your own meat is a better ethical choice for you.

You will also be able to manage what they eat and end up with a cleaner, healthier product.

Short Lifecycles

Everything happens so fast with rabbits.

The doe is always fertile, and the gestation period brief.

They wean quickly and are mature enough to slaughter quickly as well.

With this cycle, you can have plenty of meat year-round for your family plus some.

This means that though you may be intending to keep the meat, you could also have enough to make a little money as well.

Less Food Needed

Rabbits do not take as much food as other livestock you may consider for your backyard farm.

This means you can save money on free and on your groceries.

It is a win-win situation.

Simple Diets

They do not require much too feed, nor do they require a special diet either.

They are not picky.

Mostly they eat hay and some pellets with a few fresh veggies.

All of which in the end is cheap.

You can even use fresh vegetables from your garden if you have one, and that saves even more money (and just like the meat itself, allows you to control what chemicals if any, you use on it).

Rabbits are Sturdy

Rabbits can be bred and farmed anywhere, and except for a few extra considerations when it comes to extreme heat or cold, they can pretty much survive anything.

Rabbits are Quiet

Unlike chickens or even pigs, rabbits are quiet.

This makes them great for settings where your neighbors are close to your back yard.

If you make sure to keep up on the cleaning and build a pen and hutch that is safe from their escape and the entrance of predators, there should be no noise and even less fuss.

Cons of Raising Rabbits For Food

Now that you know all the good stuff, it’s time to lay some of the disadvantages on you.

Here are the main drawbacks of foraying into the world of rabbit breeding:

No Extras

Some animals that you may consider raising for meat in your back yard have extras that come with them.

We are primarily talking about any fowl that you chose.

Each of these will come with the extra gifts of egg production.

Unfortunately, with rabbits, the only by-product that you will be able to take advantage of is one you get only after the animal has met their maker and that is the fur.

Start-up Costs of of Raising Rabbits

The initial start-up cost of this venture is quite an investment.

From the rabbits themselves to the feed, you will be set back a pretty penny.

You will have to shell out cash for a hutch and run too.

All in all, the money saved on groceries may not be worth it unless you are in it for the long haul.

It will take a month or two to negate the cost of starting this new business or hobby.

More Maintenance

You will need to spend time making sure that the enclosures you built for the rabbits are cleaned regularly as well as make sure that they stay in tip-top shape.

This will take time away from other areas of your life, and though it is not an all-consuming project, you will need a lot of time, up to several hours a week to maintain the set-up and take care of your herd.

Susceptible to Predators

They are small and easily picked off by anything from birds of prey to snakes.

Knowing the predators that live in your area is essential, and by acting when building your pens, you should be able to negate this problem with little to no issues.

Third-Party Processors

If you are unable to butcher the rabbits yourself due to regulations, then you may have to deal with a third party, and this can mean an extra added cost.

This tacked-on cost could make this venture a little too costly for some, but if you are not raising a big herd, it should be easily managed.

Now that you have a few ideas of what the advantages and disadvantages of are raising rabbits for meat you may be able to more easily decide if this is a good fit for you and your family’s meat needs.

Rabbit Raising FAQs

To help you, we have also taken the time to check out some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to raising rabbits for meat.

Here are just a few:

How Many Rabbit Does & Bucks Do I Need?

A small set-up only needs one buck, and two does to get their farm started.

This is good because a lot of city ordinances only allow for this in their regulations.

What Age Can You Slaughter Rabbits?

There are two ages that work, and this depended on the method of which you plan to cook them.

At about three months old, the rabbit should weigh between one and a half to three and a half pounds and is labeled as a fryer.

This means that this rabbit is great for frying.

If you wait until the rabbit is eight months old or 4-pound, then this is a roaster.

Either age is acceptable or will hear a different texture of meat.

How Much Does a Rabbit Cost?

When you are looking at the cost of breeds, it all depends on the type and age.

Typical good meat rabbits can range from $10 to $50 apiece.

How Much Can You sell Rabbit Meat For?

If you are looking to sell your extra meat and have processed it on-site, you can easily charge $5 – $7 per pound.

If you are dealing with a third-party processor, you may only be able to get $3 – $6 per pound.     

Now that some of the biggest questions have been answered we thought we would sum up the steps that you need to take to create your rabbitry.     

Steps to Create Your Rabbit Farm

With all that information put together, you should have a pretty solid plan for executing your rabbit farm.

Here is a breakdown of the steps to follow using the information above to help you along:

Determine how big you want your rabbit herd to be

This will play a key role in deciding how big your set-up needs to be.

It will also help you estimate the overall costs of this venture.

Plan out the rabbit facilities

This is when you either choose your pre-made set-up or build your own hutch and run.

Apply for any legal permits you need

You want to make sure that you do everything on the up and up, so getting the proper permission and following the guidelines set by your city or county will help you do just that.

Build your rabbit farm

Now that you have the right permission, you can start the process of building out your farm.

Prep the space

The buildings and runs set up you will want to make sure you have the food and water system set up as well as any bedding laid that you want.

Buy Your Bunnies

Now that your rabbit farm space is set up, you can head down to the local breeders of whatever breed you chose and pick up your herd.

Set up a schedule

Once your herd is settling in, you will want to begin crafting the correct feed schedule for you and your little furry livestock.

Breed them

Female rabbits are always fertile, so that is why you need to separate pen structures.

Once you are ready for your chores to change, you can begin to let them mingle.

If you decided on having more than one, make you may want to keep track of who your buck is breeding with so that you can keep a close eye on who the male has the best results with.

Once the does are pregnant, you will know exactly when they are getting ready to have the babies as they will start pulling out hair and making a nest with it.

The kits will be born naked and blind and will not be seen really until they are completely weaned from their mother.

You can still check them to make sure they have survived just be cautious.

The babies are easily susceptible to bacteria, so make sure you do everything you can to minimize contact.

Also, do not be worried if you lose a few of the kits.

It is common for does to lose most or their entire first few litters.

Decide on the endgame

You will want to decide who you will be sent to slaughter and what you intend to do with them.

The perfect time to do this is between 3-4 months.

Then all you must do is keep repeating step seven through nine to your heart’s content.

Guide to Raising Rabbits

This is a big venture to undertake in the beginning and may not be well suited for everyone.

Those that do take on the chore of raising rabbits for meat will have to pay close attention to the cost, requirements, and all the other stuff that comes with building a small backyard rabbit farm.

Before diving in, ask yourself if you are ready for the commitment and if all the hoops you must jump through before you can get started are worth it.

These are all questions and considerations that you must answer for yourself.

We just hope that with this comprehensive guide about raising rabbits for meat, you now feel better equipped to make the right decision.

This decision is one that will have you regret-free and saving money on your groceries.

Maybe even making a little money raising rabbits for meat too!

Everything you need to Know about Pygmy Goats

Last Updated on November 12th, 2019

We humans, love pets and adore them a lot irrespective of their type. If you are thinking of having a unique pet that is small and friendly, pygmy goats are one of the most viable options.

These goats can turn out to be a perfect pet for anyone who can take care and put an effort to raise them.

Pygmy goats are a hardy but docile breed, very much capable of adapting to varying climates.

They need reasonable shelter and care.

In addition, they provide you with the milk rich in high-fat content.

These little bundles of joy offer never-ending fun as they are adorable and love to play.

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the pygmy goats, including how to raise and train them. 

Origin of Pygmy Goats

The breed originated from the Cameron Valley, West Africa.

It is one of the most productive and hardiest goat breeds.

Apart from offering meat and milk, these goats serve as a great pet as they are responsive, cooperative, and lovely companions.

Hence, pygmy goats are highly suitable for commercial purposes and as pets.

Pygmy Goats Characteristics

Pygmy goats offer a wide range of characteristics, including their adaptability.

They are considered as an asset in various aspects.

This breed provides great resilience when it comes to the climate and environment.

Being one of the smallest goats, they range between 15 to 20 inches in their height.

The average weight of a pygmy goat may range from 40 to 50 pounds.

Their physical structure is compact and is less refined in appearance.

These goats have different colors, patterns, and shades.

Their coats are medium long and straight.

The density of their coats depends on the weather and climate.

Moreover, adult males have beards while this feature lacks in female pygmies. 

Apart from being the most lovable pet, these goats are also known for their highly nutritious milk production.

On average, a pygmy goat tends to produce one to two liters of milk depending on the age of the female breed.

Although the milk comprises of 4.5% to 11% of butterfat, the milking period is relatively short.

They continue to produce milk for almost 4 to 6 months after giving birth to a baby.

These goats are non-seasonal breeders and can give birth to their young ones during practically any time of the year.

They attain puberty after 4 to 5 months of their birth.

However, it is advisable to breed them after they reach the age of 9 to 10 months.

Finally, the average lifespan of pygmy goats is 10-15 years.

Size of Pygmy Goats

Pygmy goats look like dwarfs, as they have short legs and a stocky body.

The limbs are relatively short as compared to the body length.

The salient appearance features include a broad forehead, short horns, erect ears, a small nose, and rounded muzzle.

The male goats are slightly different in appearance due to the presence of a long beard.

As a whole, this breed looks adorable and friendly.

Feeding Pygmy Goats

Just like other breeds, pygmy goats are ruminant animals.

They stay healthy and productive if appropriately fed.

When feeding these goats, you need to consider their age, sex, and individual circumstance.

Typically, pygmy goats are less demanding when it comes to their food.

They can feed on simply green grasses, corn, and other types of grains.

It would be great if you offer them a natural grazing area.

However, don’t stop to feed them hay to improve their digestion.

Besides, you can also feed them with supplementary feeds.

But make sure to offer a balanced amount of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Proper Housing For Your Pygmy Goats

In order to keep your pygmy goat safe and healthy, you need to provide it with proper goat housing.

A clean and cozy environment can help to protect these goats from seasonal or viral diseases.

If you have plenty of space, make a fence around a reasonable area with plenty of grass.

During summer, it is essential to provide them good shade if there aren’t enough trees around.

The goat house should have adequate set up for drainage.

Whether Pygmy Goats are a Good Pets

No doubt, Pygmy goats are good pets in most of the cases.

The reason for this is the fact that they are friendly, easy to handle, social, and love to play.

They can also be trained, just like any other pet.

Moreover, they are the best companions for the kids and elderly alike.

When it comes to feeding, they don’t eat anything that falls on the ground.

Hence, you need to use a specific utensil for them to feed and make sure they drop less while eating.

As a whole, pygmy goats serve as the best pet if you know how to take care of them and give them due attention.

Taking care of your Pygmy Goat

When you own a pygmy goat or want to have one, the first thing to consider is knowing what it takes to raise it as a pet.

You need to focus on a wide range of aspects, including housing, feeding, cleaning, and other similar factors.

Things to pay attention to when raising a pygmy goat as a pet:

Pygmy Goat Shed

• Make a shed that is 10ft by 10ft, offering a spacious area for the goat to sit and sleep
• It should be properly ventilated
• It must have a heating facility during winters
• The floor must have spaces for the urine to drop down and keep the area dry
• Make fences around the shed
• Keep them safe and offer the necessary protection against predator attacks

Feeding Schedule for a Pygmy Goat

• A natural diet like grass and small plants provide the best nutrition
• Supplementary hay also serves the purpose well when fresh fonder isn’t available
• Pygmy goats love fruits and vegetable
• They need Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Hence, make sure to use such foods that offer these vitamins
• Offer a quarter cup of grains every day
• Pygmies love to graze in the open fields, allow them to graze freely in a small patch of land having lush green grass
• The feeding requirement of pygmy goats is less than other goats. Hence, avoid overfeeding them

Maintaining your Pygmy’s Health

• Get the Pygmy goats dropping tested twice a year for the worms
• Check regularly for lice infection
• Trim the hooves after 3 to 4 weeks
• Provide yellow mineral lick
• Regular vaccinations

Breeding Pygmy Goats

• The Pygmy goats reach sexual maturity too early, almost at the age of 4 months
• Avoid breeding them early
• Keep them away from bucks for at least a year
• The gestation period takes approximately 5 months.
• Pygmy goats give birth to 2-4 kids after every 9 to 12 months
• Consult a veterinarian for an authentic breeding advice

How to Raise Pygmy Goats

Raising pygmy goats as pets and for farming purposes is quite popular these days.

People love them due to their small size and unique body structure.

Besides their attractive appearance, they are friendly too.

There are different opinions about raising a pygmy goat, which depends on the purpose for which you are going to raise it.

Things to Consider When Raising Pygmy Goats

Before starting raising a pygmy goat, it is essential to keep a few things in mind.

These include the knowledge about the behavior, habits, and temperament of these goats.

This is necessary to offer your goat a suitable and highly favorable environment.

No one wants an unhappy pet; hence, you need to make sure that you are well prepared to bring a pygmy goat to your home.

For this purpose, you must know about the typical characteristics of this breed.

If these specifications match with the facilities you can provide, pygmy goats can serve as the best pet you ever had.

Pygmy Goat Mood and Temperament

Just like any other pet, pygmy goats may have their distinctive personality and behavior traits.

Hence, they require some specific treatment.

However, as a whole, these goats are typically friendly and behave well while in the company of humans and other animals.

Most of these goats are docile and congenial; especially, female pygmy goats are of good nature.

They will turn out to be a perfect pet for you when you pick them during the early months of their lives.

They will adapt to the environment without any issue.

One thing you should keep in mind about the behavior and mood of pygmy goats is their intolerance towards getting wet.

Hence, if you want them to be happy and behave well, try to keep them dry.

 Sharing Pygmy Goat’s Emotions

Usually, the pygmy goats are responsive, friendly, and gentle to humans.

What they usually demand is attention and love.

However, some owners do claim that pygmy goats are not good at showing their feelings.

This suggests that they are good at hiding their feelings.

On the contrary, they appear to be very loud when showing their displeasure and demanding something.

Pygmy goats as pets are faithful and loyal, which suggests that they would serve as a good companion.

Pygmy’s Daily Activities

Generally, pygmy goats love to play, and they spend a lot of time running and jumping.

Especially, baby pygmy goats are simply unstoppable once they are active.

This means you need to provide enough clearance at your home for such activities.

Young pygmy goats are in the habit of having mock fights, yet they are occasional, and things settle down after a few minutes.

Besides, feeding them properly, it is equally essential to give them a proper environment that helps to stimulate their growth and physical abilities.

Give them enough space for running, jumping, and climbing over small heights.

Some owners suggest that pygmy goats may get bored easily.

Hence, you need to offer them new and interesting playing facilities.

Know how to Feed a Pygmy

If you are looking forward to raising a pygmy goat, it is highly recommended to learn how to feed them.

Although this breed isn’t choosey about the food, you must offer them nutritious food depending on their daily needs.

The feed for pygmy goats is relatively different from that of other commercial goats.

It is possible to supplement the regular goat chow, but fresh grass is the most desirable food for these goats.

Don’t offer alfalfa hay regularly, as this diet may result in urinary calculi.

To build an affectionate relationship with your pygmy goat, it would be better to welcome it with a handful of grains two to three times a day.

It would also be appropriate to offer fruits and vegetables as treats.

It is beneficial to feed them goat mix not more than twice a day for better growth.

Since pygmies have a tendency to get obese, it is necessary to control this issue by providing them with a moderate feed.

Make sure to keep them away from poisonous and allergic herbs and plants such as Japanese yew, azaleas, laburnum, and rhododendrons.

In addition, don’t feed them with food wastes or leftovers from other farm animals.

This means you should always provide them with a fresh and adequate amount of food and fresh water.

Proper Shelter for a Pygmy

In farm settings, providing a perfect shelter for a pygmy isn’t an issue, as this breed loves the company of other animals.

However, when you are raising a pygmy goat as a pet, you need to pay much attention to the proper housing.

Usually, pygmies need a simple housing setup.

They will be more than happy if you offer them an easy-to-build three-sided enclosure.

The house should be well ventilated and provide a nice cozy place for the goat to sit and relax.

Besides, try to build a secure and robust enclosure for the pygmies, as they love to jump around.

It will not only offer required protection against the predators but also prevent their escape during the night.

Moreover, pygmies love to sleep in relatively higher places.

Therefore, it would be better to build their house slightly above the ground.

Make sure to keep it dry and clean.

Don’t forget to put something in the house that your pygmy loves to play with.

It will help your pygmy goat to build a connection with the housing.

Tips for Raising Pygmy Goats

No doubt, pygmies are amazing pets, and if you consider raising them, it won’t be a difficult task altogether.

Hence, if you think that you can take care of them and provide them with all the essentials, go ahead and bring one to your home.

Tips t0 raising a pygmy goat as your pet:

• Before considering raising pygmies as a pet, it would be appropriate to consult the livestock regulations of your state or county
• Since bucks smell horrible, don’t consider them raising as pets. On the contrary, female pygmies are more appropriate for this purpose
• Disbudding is a great option in order to avoid getting your pet hurt if you are raising two or more of them
• You also need to trim the hoofs regularly after every 3 to 5 weeks
• Don’t forget to vaccinate them timely and take them to vet regularly
• Regular worming tests are also necessary for the pygmy goats
• Try to buy pygmy babies from a registered breeder

Is it Possible to House Train a Pygmy Goat?

House training a pygmy goat is easy and hassle-free.

The process is similar to that you follow while training other goats.

In fact, these goats are so loving and adorable, that it is actually fun to train them. 

Besides potty and urinating training, you can also train pygmy goats to restrict their movement in a particular area of the house.

It is also possible to train them to stop biting, chewing, and eating such things other than food, especially clothes.

Learning Abilities of Pigmy Goat

If you have a pigmy goat and want to train it, the first thing that may come to your mind is to what extent you can train your goat.

In fact, you can train your pygmy for several things.

For instance, it is possible to teach your pygmy to come back up on command and heel like a dog.

You can also train your goat to pull a cart or wagon and to carry some load.

Teaching it good manners while living in a camp may also prove handy.

Here are a few other learning abilities of a pygmy goat and tips to train them properly.

Training Pygmy Goat to Develop Good Habits

Apart from teaching tricks, you can also train your pygmy goat to learn good habits.

Although some traits and characteristics of pygmy goats may turn out to be destructive, you can alter them by merely training your goat.

Especially when goat tends to jump over the furniture and ruin your cozy sofas, you can teach them not to jump over any of these things.

Similarly, chewing pillows and curtains is another issue that you may face when raising pygmy goat as a pet.

You can also resolve this issue by teaching the goat how to behave.

To accomplish the task of teaching good habits and eliminating the bad ones, the first thing you need is to establish a strong bond with your pet.

In addition, you also need to make the environment more suitable for the pet.

This is because the inability to eradicate some of these bad habits of your pygmy would stress you out within a few weeks of raising it as your pet.

Moreover, chances are also there that the pet could hurt itself or cause damage to your household or other elements of your property.

You can train your pygmy goat not to misbehave by giving it an alternate way to utilize its energy.

Spend some good time with it in the outdoors and allow the goat to stretch its legs.

Try to feed the goat after regular intervals. In addition, offer it gourmet treats when it performs well and obeys your orders.

House Training a Pygmy Goat

House training is essential, as it includes some basic elements like urinating and outdoor potty training.

These are the two of the most critical parts of any house training when you are raising a four-legged pet.

This is because, with this type of training, you can ensure the required cleaning and sanitation conditions in your home.

Normally, goats are wise and intelligent creatures, as they can perform numerous tasks when trained.

This also applies to potty training and urinating habits.

However, you can’t train a goat overnight, as it requires some time, patience, lots of affection.

Pygmy goats love to be treated like a kid. They tap or scratch their ears when they perform a trick or obey your order.

What you need to do is appreciate your pet every time it does something right.

Besides, you also need to reward the goat with a handful of grains.

Tricks to Teach a Pygmy Goats

In order to teach new and interesting tricks to your pygmy, you need to focus on its habits.

It is necessary to take a young pygmy of at least 3 to 4 months old if you want to teach it different tricks.

At this age, the goat will learn more quickly and remember all the ticks for an extended time.

Before training your goat, it is essential to analyze whether you have the time and patience to accomplish it.

Moreover, you also need to consider whether you have got the patience and tolerance to train your pygmy.

Ticks that you can teach to your pygmy goat:

Targeting and Cue Sticks

One of the easiest ways to train your goat is to start with a cue stick.

A cue stick has a tiny tip on its end, similar to a magic wand.

It may have different colors, but a black stick with a white tip is the most appropriate one.

The idea behind the white tip is to draw the attention of your pet pygmy goat and allow it to focus on the movement of the stick.

With this prop, you can direct your pet to go in a particular direction or perform an action.

To familiarize the goat with this stick, allow it to touch the wand’s tip with its nose.

This procedure helps in different types of training, but it works perfectly well when you are teaching a particular trick to your goat.

Also, you can use your index finger, but a cue stick will keep you at a reasonable distance from the goat.

With the help of a cue stick, you can easily teach the ‘targeting’ trick.

When the goat tries to approach the tip of the stick, you can divert it to any other target or area.

This would help to divert the attention to any other thing that you want the goat to focus on.

For instance, you can teach a goat to open the door with this method.

Just ask you goat to touch the sick and then say ‘touch’.

After this, say open the door, which is the cue word that your goat would remember and act accordingly when you say it.

After some time, the goat will memorize the cue word, and you don’t have to use the cue stick for this purpose.

Teaching your Pygmy to Respond to its Name

This is the first thing that you may try to teach your goat.

Typically, pets learn to respond to their names quickly.

By just saying the name of your goat every time you talk to it is the simplest way to teach your goat its name.

Especially, calling your goat by its name is essential when you are offering it the treat.

It would help your goat to remember its name much quickly.

This is because the goats or any other pet relate their name to the food you offer to them.

Hence, goats respond to their name instantly when you call them.

If you haven’t named your goat yet, you can try a few simple things.

First, you need to give it a name that doesn’t rhyme with any other words that you use for the training.

For instance, if you use names like “Snow”, it would be confusing for the pet, as it rhymes with the word “no”.

On the other hand, a strong name like “Jazzy” is much better than a soft name such as “John”.

The reason for this type of selection is the ability of an animal to learn the harder sounding names much quickly.

In this way, other words won’t blend in with your goat’s name.

This rule also applies if you have more than one pet goat.

Try to give them such names that are different and easy to distinguish.

This would help the goats to respond to their own name, rather than responding to you on call when communicating with another goat.

Leash Training a Pygmy Goat

Leash training is relatively tough, especially when you have a doe fed goat.

Hence, make it sure that you are dealing with a bottle-fed goat.

Basic tips to offer leash training to your goat:

• The younger your goat, the better it would be to start the training
• Work one goat at a time if you are training a bunch of goats
• Allow them to bond with you instead of having a connection with other goats
• Divide your training into different short sessions by choosing different times
• Be patient, loving and kind while training your goats
• Use a soft brush to offer a soothing brushing session before and after the session. It will help the goat to develop a relationship with you and show confidence when in your company
• Tapping and moving fingers on the head and back will make your goat comfortable and relaxed. It gives them the required feeling of motherly grooming and affection.
• Be slightly firm when teaching your goat. However, don’t be too strict or choke your goat when teaching the leashing trick

Pygmy Goat Guide

After going through this extensive pygmy goat guide, you are now in a position to buy this animal and raise it as a pet.

Although pygmy goats serve as great pets, it is essential to make sure that you have the patience to deal with these animals.

This is because these pets require regular attention and care.

Just like any other pet, you need to train a pygmy goat to learn different tricks and obey your orders.

Similarly, by spending some time with the pygmy goat, you also create a connection and strong bond, which would help you to enjoy the companionship of your pet.

Before buying a pygmy goat, it is recommended that you must check the veterinary regulations for your state or county.

If there are no strict regulation or legal hurdles, buying a pygmy goat would be a perfect option.

Especially, kids and the elderly love the company of a pet, and if it is a pygmy goat, the level of fun and enjoyment would definitely be at another level.

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