Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Having decided that I'd like an on-site source of milk, I settled on Nigerian Dwarf goats as being the most space efficient producers of delicious, rich milk. And since milk production means kid production, I find myself a breeder of Canadian Goat Society registered Nigerian Dwarf goats. One goat leads to another, and another....
Management and Breeding Philosophy
To me, it is important that my goats be healthy, easy kidders, good herd citizens, and civilized on the milk stand; I also want milk in the bucket; so these are my primary breeding and management goals. Planned matings, to improve conformation to breed standards in the offspring, help to reach those goals. I do not select for eye colour, nor coat colour or pattern.
Because of the many predators in the area, this small herd is housed in barns with exercise yards, unless enjoying supervised browsing. They are fed high quality alfalfa blend hay as their mainstay, with goat formulated grain rations added, for pregnant and lactating does, and growing kids. Seeds, oils, and herbs provide further nutrition at these times. Balanced loose minerals and clean water are always available. Due to insufficient copper availability in their regular rations, herd members are supplemented with elemental copper, according to individual need. All herd members are vaccinated against a variety of Clostridium strains, and preventive measures are taken against coccidiosis. They are tested periodically for parasites, and treated as necessary. CAE testing was begun in 2015. Kids are disbudded to be suitable for 4H showing. They are dam raised for best nutrition, but handled daily, to be well socialized. All are tattooed for identification.
Because of the many predators in the area, this small herd is housed in barns with exercise yards, unless enjoying supervised browsing. They are fed high quality alfalfa blend hay as their mainstay, with goat formulated grain rations added, for pregnant and lactating does, and growing kids. Seeds, oils, and herbs provide further nutrition at these times. Balanced loose minerals and clean water are always available. Due to insufficient copper availability in their regular rations, herd members are supplemented with elemental copper, according to individual need. All herd members are vaccinated against a variety of Clostridium strains, and preventive measures are taken against coccidiosis. They are tested periodically for parasites, and treated as necessary. CAE testing was begun in 2015. Kids are disbudded to be suitable for 4H showing. They are dam raised for best nutrition, but handled daily, to be well socialized. All are tattooed for identification.
2016 KIDS AVAILABLE
Buck Kids
BLACKBIRD CREEK'S "DANTE"
Sire: Cowboy's Blue Brer Goat Dam: Blackbird Creek Farm's Benue dob 28th May 2016 His calm and cuddly nature belie his horns, which contrary to policy I've let grow: his dam carried late (to benefit his smaller twin sister, I believe) so at birth, the horn buds on this strapping young fellow were already too big for the iron. Light gold with liberal symmetrical overlay of white; brown eyes. |
OTHER 2016 KIDS
Doe kids
BLACKBIRD CREEK'S DULCE DE LECHE
Sire: Cowboy's Blue Brer Goat Dam: Blackbird Creek Farm's Benue dob 28th May 2016 Dainty and demure, Dulce was small at birth, though energetic and growing apace. I'm retaining her at least until she's "all growed up", at which point I will decide whether to offer her for sale, or keep her. White with a couple of small, symmetrically placed gold spots, blue eyes, wattles. |
The Does
MOSTLY MINIS' FX ANAMBRA
Sire: Taylorsides' U Can Foxtrot Dam: Taylorsides' Aggie Raised from an early age as an only kid, Annie has been the apple of her dam's eye, and just a little spoiled--er, socialized. She has a gentle nature, is an easy kidder, and a good mother. Her first freshening was in June of 2014. Bred again to Thistle Creek's Amber Moon, she delivered twins on 18th May 2015. CAE negative (2015). |
The Bucks
COWBOY'S BLUE BRER GOAT
Sire: Outlaw's Wild Blue Bill Hickok Dam: Outlaw's Blue Princess Tiana Sweet natured and full of goatie kisses, Brer Goat arrived in the autumn of 2014, to be consort to the doelings born that year. He is developing a lean, clean, athletic body, with a long, straight topline. He is a blue eyed chamoise with white overlay. His first progeny were born in June 2015. |