Visit to Ironwood Ranch (PIX)

[rebbetzin]

Today I went to visit Ironwood Ranch today. They raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats.

I was greeted at the door with 2, week old kids.

Then one was put in my arms. They are just too cute!

There are three kids being bottle fed.
Here they are in the house.

They have a very nice set up, I should have taken more photos.
Here are a few eating,

there are 12 does, 3 bucks, and I think about 6 kids at the moment.
This is a "kid" pen. How quickly they grow, the smallest kids are about a week old, the larger one is a month old.

This one is due any day now.

I had a great time! Those kids are so tiny compared to Nubian kids.

 

[seedcorn]

asking becuz I don't know, what do you use them for?

 

[vfem]

I'm assuming they are milking goats? Do you use them to get milk for your soap?

My, they are cute... couldn't convince hubby for a goat if I wanted to.

 

[tifsgarden]

So cute! I would love to have a couple of them. I could easily talk hubby into it but I just don't have the room for them.

 

[rebbetzin]

So cute! I would love to have a couple of them. I could easily talk hubby into it but I just don't have the room for them.

They don't take up much room.... I have room in my backyard easy for a couple of them... But... Mr. NO CHICKENS.. is saying "NO GOATS!!

 

[rebbetzin]

asking becuz I don't know, what do you use them for?

they are a dairy breed. And give a decent amount of milk for much for how small they are, most have a decent sized udder. Here is a sample of a VERY FULL Nigerian Dwarf udder.

Many breeders are now crossing the Nigerian Dwarf with the other dairy breeds. They get a smaller goat, and about 3/4 the amount of milk for much less feed cost.

 

[Holachicka]

They are so stinking cute!! reminds me of when my girls were little! I have 4 and they are such a joy to have around. Hmmm.... Crossing with a nigerian, I'll have to remember that when I breed my girls. They are alpine, la mancha and 2 toggenburgs.

 

[rebbetzin]

They are so stinking cute!! reminds me of when my girls were little! I have 4 and they are such a joy to have around. Hmmm.... Crossing with a nigerian, I'll have to remember that when I breed my girls. They are alpine, la mancha and 2 toggenburgs.

Given the difference in size, you would have to do AI I would think. I don't see how a dwarf could "service" a full sized doe. And you wouldn't want to do it the other way around, because the resulting kids may be too large for the mom to deliver.

 

[Holachicka]

I did wonder about that! Well I guess you just never know with Amour!

 

[stano40]

I have 14 goats, Alpine, Alpine X Nubian, Saanen X Boer, Arapawa, Arapawa X LaMancha, Saanen X LaMancha.

Hopefully will be breeding this Fall or Winter to have Spring babies. Building a herd for milk, brush control & pets.

Here in Maine many breeders raise goats for meat, such as the boer & Kiko goat which is primarily a meat goat. Goats make a wonderful pet.

bob