All About Mini's
Here's what you need to know:
A wether or a doe will make a lovely pet for the whole family to enjoy. A doe can become
noisy when on "heat" and usually costs a little more than a wether. It is really a personal choice. We do not recommend Bucks to be kept as pets. Bucks are best to leave to do what bucks do best! Castrated males (wethers) do not smell.
Good solid fencing is required for goats as they are quite the opportunist and if there is a weak spot they will try to use it to their advantage.
Shelter in the form of a pen or dog kennel, shed or stable is also a must. Ensure that the pen is anchored down to the ground well. If breeding, ensure that your does/kids pen is vermin proof (ie safe from dogs and foxes) at kidding time.
Fresh water must be available at all times as goats will not drink dirty or stale water.
Goats need companionship. This can be a second mini goat or another family pet such as a
dog, mini pony, calf or lamb. Remember though that each animal has their own unique nutritional requirement and a mini goat does too so feed carefully. Ensure that whenever you introduce your mini to other family pets or farm animals to supervise their meeting until both animals have had a chance to find their own space.
Acquiring a Miniature Goat
Miniature Goats have been around for about 20 years.
By carefully selecting small feral type goats of correct type with other breeds of similar type the Mini Goat was born.
It is highly recommended that you purchase your goat from a registered breeder. Unfortunately, there are people that advertise animals as "miniature" and it is very difficult to tell them from their larger counterparts at a young age.
You should visit studs and ask to view the parents and ensure they are registered with a reputable miniature goat association. Do not rush in and buy the first mini goat you find.
There are only a handful of height verified purebred mini goats in Australia, most breeders are still working with quality "grade" stock.
Grades and heights are explained in more detail here along with the different ear and coat types.
Grades are not important when choosing a pet, as most pet mini's are not registered unless you intend to show them.
Owners do however seem to have a preference when it comes to color, coat and ear types.
Miniature goats come in all colors, including solids, patches, spots, belts and combinations of the above.
Better Homes and Gardens
Dr. Harry visited Yattarna Stud in Qld in June 2008 where he filmed a Better Homes & Gardens Episode with the Miniature Goats and featured them on the show on 29th August, 2008.
Dr. Harry, who has a soft spot for goats himself was very impressed by the breed and gave them the thumbs up.
How do I know if my goat is ill?
- Tends to stay away from other goats and/or you
- Has a distressed or depressed expression in the eyes
- Looks dull and listless
- Does not want to move
- Grinds teeth
- Breathes in a quick, shallow fashion or coughs a lot
- Has no appetite, is not interested in food
- Urinates frequently
- Tries to urinate but is unable to do so, especially wethers
- Exhibits a changed color and consistency in the faeces, ie, scours
- Has a temperature above normal
- Shows drastic change from normal habits and behavior
- Head pressing, presses head against wall or fence
Photo Courtesy of Robin Sharrock Warrnambool Vic
Miniature Goats
Celebrities on the TV
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Photo courtesy of Robin Sharrock -Warrnambool Vic
Australian Miniature Goats
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