If you have the space, then you might be interested in keeping dwarf goats. Dwarf goats have become well-known, thanks in part to the many children’s farms. These animals are extremely inquisitive, social and well-behaved in the company of young children. Being incredibly gregarious, they form a close-knit group. With sufficient space and the right knowledge, you will have a lot of pleasure from these hobby animals. Dwarf goats are becoming increasingly popular as hobby animals. There is only one breed of dwarf goat, but they come in a variety of beautiful colours.

• Dwarf goats are herd animals so ideally start with a number of animals.
• Do you have enough space to keep dwarf goats?
• Playfulness is one of the most obvious animal behaviours of dwarf goats. They are adventurous and inquisitive animals. Remember this when designing the layout of the paddock.
• Also consult your neighbours before you start.
• Get a good idea of the cost and time you will need to spend on keeping dwarf goats to avoid any surprises later on.

Country air and exercise are healthy for dwarf goats. If they are given the opportunity to roam and graze unimpeded in a paddock on a daily basis, this will improve their metabolism and promote digestion.

• You need a 125m² paddock to keep two or three dwarf goats; a smaller surface area increases the likelihood of worm infections and means that the diet has to be supplemented more with concentrated feed.
• Dwarf goats will happily escape if they have the opportunity. Fencing must be at least 1.25 metres high, and the stakes should be placed no more than two metres apart. A wire mesh, such as chain link mesh or sheep wire, is usually used for the fencing. Wire netting with a fine mesh is preferable. Make sure that the bottom is completely closed off and the top fortified; entrance gates must also close properly allowing no possibility of escape.
• Trees in the paddock should be fenced off using wire mesh because dwarf goats like to gnaw on them.
• If the animals do not have access to a stable, a shelter ought to be erected.
• Also install a water trough and clean it regularly. A salt lick is also important as this provides extra minerals.

• Goats detest rain, draughts and damp. A good shelter is important for the winter and on rainy days. The ideal temperature for dwarf goats is between 10 and 18°C. If it is too cold, the animals will eat more to maintain their body temperature. In warm weather they will eat less.
• Make sure the shelter has sufficient light and good ventilation.
• The floor of the shelter must be easy to clean. Scatter a good layer of wood fibre / sawdust first as this will absorb a lot of the urine, and then put a layer of straw on top. Top this up regularly to ensure that the top layer stays clean and dry. If you use this method, you will only need to muck out the shelter every six weeks.

Playfulness is an important natural characteristic; dwarf goats are born climbers and clamberers. So, there should also be opportunities for them to climb and jump around in the paddock.

Dwarf goats like to rub themselves. For this purpose, brooms can be attached to the climbing and jumping apparatus. One broom at stomach height and another at back height so they can have a really good rub when they need to.

Dwarf goats are ruminants, like cattle, sheep and deer. Grass, hay and straw are vital for keeping their digestive system working. If there is insufficient grazing, this must be supplemented with concentrated feed.

• Putting dwarf goats out to grass is still the main way of supplying them with green fodder.
• In addition, the general guideline is to supplement this with one kilogram of hay per day per dwarf goat.
• Dwarf goats need approximately 100 to 200 g of concentrated feed per day to absorb sufficient nutrients, minerals and vitamins. (Concentrated feed (Teurlings goat pellets) is made from a variety of cereals and seeds and has a high energy value.)

Tip: sheep pellets should not be given to dwarf goats as they are low in copper so there is a chance the goats could suffer from copper deficiency.