The Mini Nubian is a cross between the Nigerian Dwarf and Nubian goat breeds.
Advantages of Ownership
Size:
For starters, the mini nubian is a mid-sized goat which, at full size, weighs anywhere between 100 and 125 pounds. This is beneficial, especially to new owners, because a smaller goat is simply easier to manage. A smaller goat will take up less space and eat less, which means they require less grazing land to feed. A smaller goat is easier to transport when in need of veterinarian services.
Milk Yield:
Mini nubians are great milkers, which means more milk per pound (of goat) than other breeds. Their milk contains a higher percentage of butter fat when compared to other breeds.
I milk twice a day but milking once a day is sufficient; you will still get ⅔ of the amount.
Temperament:
Mini nubians are very docile, affectionate creatures. Their interactions with each other are non-violent; they all fall into a social hierarchy. They are much more prone to run than attack. They love attention and quickly form a bond with their owner. Just like us, they all have different personalities. It is hard to let them go when the time comes.
Maintenance
Shelter:
Mini nubians are herd animals; they don’t need to be heated – they will huddle together to keep warm at night. Their natural 103 degree body temperature helps them during the cold seasons. The owner; however, needs to make arrangements to keep them dry and out of the wind. I have overhangs to keep them out of the rain. Good fencing is needed as they are intelligent and can easily escape; they can even open locks.
When babies are born watch out for predators. Predators like hawks and coyotes are a danger when babies are small. It is wise to own a well-trained dog as they are good protectors. An electric fence is a sound investment.
I use wire fencing stretched around wooden posts. My fencing is schemed to set them apart from the from rest of property.
Food:
Goats eat hay and graze on grass. They forage similar to deer; they eat different food types on different parts of the property. Your grass will eventually turn to pasture due to fertilization by the goats. They should be fed hay once or twice per day, depending on the season. There are several different types of hay: Alfalfa, Timothy Grass, Bluegrass and Clover are a few. My hay is mainly Timothy Grass as it is affordable. They like Alfalfa, but it isn’t wise to give them too much. As they don’t require pure hay, you can use cheaper mixes. I pay $6.50 for a bale of hay. I go through one per day with my 6 goats.
They love freshly cut branches. I cut bamboo because it stays green during the winter.
Goats re-chew their food. They are very clean and fresh. They are clean due to their vegetarian diet. You will never smell after being with them.
They should be given fresh water twice per day. I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar as it, in addition to keeping them healthy, makes it tastier for them and makes them drink more. They like warm water in the winter.
When I milk them I give them grains purchased from Agway Animals and Gardens Unlimited. They offer fencing, feed and other supplies for farm animals.
Deworming:
Goats are prone to getting worms. I give them natural supplements once per week to combat this. Animals can become immune to unnatural wormers. Using organic/herbal is a generally better practice, especially due to the fact that their milk will eventually be consumed. I get natural dewormers from Fiasco Farms/Molly’s Herbals.
Debudding (Dehorning):
Debudding is the removal of the goat’s horns. This is a necessary practice with domesticated goats. Goats with horns are more dangerous to humans and to each other. You can do it yourself or you can have a vet do it. Molly’s Herbals offers natural products to help them deal with pain.
Cost:
A general rule of thumb is to anticipate spending $700 per year per goat. Costs go up during winter when they require more hay; during summer natural greenery is available to them keeping costs down.
Impact on Land:
Goats fertilize the land: they don’t cause as much impact as horses and cattle. They are easy on the land.