Nigerian Goat Information

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Nigerian goats hail from Africa. On average, Nigerian goats have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. The goats have coats that come in a variety of colors, although black or brown hair tends to be the most common. This small stature goat breed does not typically reach maturity until it is 24 months old. A Nigerian goat weighs in at about 50 to 80 pounds once it reaches maturity – with very little size difference between males and females. Male Nigerian dwarf goats are about two feet tall, on average. Females of the same breed stand a little more than 22 inches high. Males reach sexual maturity when they are only three to four months old. Female Nigerian dwarf goats are not ready to reproduce until they are seven to eight months old. These miniature goats are hardy animals and cannot just survive but thrive in nearly any type of climate. 

These little goats are widely renowned for their gentle nature and even temper. Nigerian goats are often so friendly they have been tapped to become companion animals. Due to their small stature, easy to control demeanor, and kind nature. Nigerian dwarf goats are easy to raise, control, and show. Like all other goat breeds, Nigerian dwarf goats are herd animals. They will not do well alone and need at least one other animal as a companion. Goats of this breed also make great companions for aging horses, llamas, and sheep.

You do not need a ton of room to roam to offer a Nigerian dwarf goat a suitable home, they are truly high energy animals. If you free range your goats on a large homestead with varying terrain, the goat herd will find plenty of ways to entertain themselves.  But, if you keep the goats in a pen or small space, they will require ramps, stumps, and other climbing structures and tunnels to entertain themselves. A bored goat will quickly become a destructive and sometimes aggressive goat. These miniature goats need the same basic grain feed, roughage, water, mineral supplements, shelter, and vaccinations as all other goat breeds. The one big advantage of keeping Nigerian dwarf goats from a habitat perspective is the size of the fence you must erect to keep them in. These goats will not be able to climb a fence that is taller two to two and a half feet tall – making fence purchasing less expensive and time-consuming.