Nigerian Dwarf Goat

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

Nigerian dwarf goats come in all sorts of colors, such as red, white, gold, and chocolate. Their coat can have several types of patterns, including polka dots, solid patches of different colors or no pattern at all. Their eyes are either brownish gold or blue.

Range & Habitat

Originally from West Africa, but after many years of breeding they can now be found all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, and in the North and South Americas.

At the Virginia Zoo, they can be found in our ZooFarm in the Goat Yard.

Behavior

These goats enjoy socializing in groups of up to 100 individuals, and always need at least one other companion. They often kept as pets due to their sweet, loving character and easy-to-train personality, but are mostly bred for producing milk.

Goats “head butt” each other to establish dominance within the group, and a female goat usually becomes the Queen that makes all of the decisions.

Diet

Nigerian dwarf goats are herbivores.

Fun Facts

• A goat has rectangular pupils so it can see danger coming from behind.
• Goats are believed to have discovered coffee. A herder noticed his goats were more active and energized after consuming the bean, which he also tried for himself!
• Nigerian dwarf goats can produce 2.5 quarts of milk in a day during the lactation period.

Virginia Zoo Animals

Females:

Melanie (born: 2/10/2020)

Molly (born: 2/10/2020)

Miley (born: 2/10/2020)

Beth (born: 2/28/2022)

Lucy (born: 2/28/2022)

Zoey (born: 3/2/2022)

Kara (born: 3/5/2021)

Peyton (born: 3/10/2021)