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THE AUSTRALIAN MINIATURE GOAT

Life span: Can live well into their 20's

Maintenance: Low maintenance

Recommended for:  Alternative pet seekers, children, families

History:

The Australian Miniature goat breed officially became recognized as a [height] breed in February of 2000 when Sue Ludwig, after many years of breeding these tiny animals, decided to form The Australian Miniature Goat Club. A group of enthusiasts that had been introduced to the breed, worked together to promote and develop the breed. Together these people collected information, set "Breed Standards" and formed a "Breeders Network" to market their stock. The Miniature Goat is a genetically small animal. It's conformation is similar to that of the larger breeds, with all parts of the body in balanced proportion relative to its size. They are hardy, alert animals with impeccable temperaments that come in all colors and color combinations. Their recommended height range is from 17” to 25”.  The Australian Miniature Goat is recognized in four breed types, NUWBYS, SHELTIES, MINIKINS and PIXIE

Acquiring Animals:

Goats are very affectionate animals and do not like being alone so it is recommended that two or more be kept. It is important that you tell the breeder/seller how you intend to keep the goat, as animals need to be matched to their owners and to their living conditions. The general appearance and health of the animal should be good; they should appear friendly and alert and have kind and docile temperaments. Horns are removed by a breeder before sale. Front teeth are only found on the bottom jaw and should be in good condition. Animals can be purchased as bottle babies from a 10 days of age onwards.
Get details of breeding, pedigree and if possible the sizes of parents and siblings. Wethers [de sexed males] make great pets, as they do not come into season like females and they do not stink like the males. If you would prefer females so you can breed, keep two females or one female and a companion wether, as the entire male goat will stink and are often quite a handful even if they are very small in size. Some breeders accept "outside" does and will put them in kid for a stud fee , [ranging from $50 to $250, depending on the size and grade of the male].

Temperament and Training: 

Goats, in general, are one of the most intelligent breeds of livestock. These animals love human companionship and will often form close bonds with their family, including other pets. Food rewards work well in teaching them and early education is by far the best. Miniature goats can be taught to lead, stand up, jump up, and can be taught a lot of things that a dog can, including toilet training. Handlers should strive towards maintaining a reasonable level of discipline and use common sense when "trick" training. Miniature goats should not be encouraged to play rough games and it is not recommended that they be left with children unsupervised.

Housing & Fencing: 

Hinge joint fencing is best, with the smaller squares toward the ground. To keep the fence tight I would recommend an extra top and bottom wire.These little animals rarely jump over fences, however they are capable of squeezing through the smallest of gaps. Goats must have some form of weatherproof shelter and should also have access to fresh clean water at all times.

I have put a piece of 200x200 square concrete rio in front of the fence where I feed. Height is 1.2m same as the dog wire. I have cut the dog wire at the height required for the size goat so they can put their heads through to eat from the trays(pvc pipe or roofing gutter)This stops them bending the fence when they come to feed and the trays outside make it simple to feed them,plus keeping the feed off the ground.

Maintenance: 

Miniature goats require little additional feeding when grass and bush is readily available. Fresh hay should be supplied where grazing/browsing is unavailable.  Small amounts of grain may be given. Fruit and vegetables are also enthusiastically accepted in small amounts.We recommend you give your goats access to a vitamin and mineral lick block at all times.

Health Issues:

Regular worm treatment for internal parasites and an annual 6 in 1 vaccination [available from your local veterinarian], and hoof trimming are generally the only health requirements needed. Faults to be aware of include, hermaphrodite or intersex [both male and female], twisted face, pronounced over or under bite and any severe leg deformities.

Breeding: 

Miniature goats are often seasonal breeders. Pairing often occurs in late summer through early winter. The female will often come into season when the male goat is introduced. The female has an 18-21 day estrus cycle or season. The doe's season usually lasts from a few hours to a day or so. The gestation period is five months. 

Single births are common, twins and triplet births are not unusual.

Ideal Owner: 

Their small size makes them very easy to manage, very easy to keep and they require much less space in comparison to their larger counterparts. They are great for people living in alternative lifestyles, subsistence farmers and small families wanting a smaller amount of milk. They are cheaper to keep than a dog and are quite happy to be left out the back provided they have fresh water and access to grass and weeds .