Category: backyarding with kids and every day house projects

🏡 Homestead Diary Entry: The Day I Learned Milking a Goat Is Equal Parts Yoga, Wrestling, and Patience Training

If you’re diving into the world of homesteading, there’s one moment that makes you feel like you’ve truly “arrived” — the first time you pour a jar of fresh, creamy milk that came straight from your own goat. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and just a little chaotic (because, well… goats).
Milking goats is a daily dance between human determination and goat attitude. Some mornings it’s peaceful and calm, other days it’s a full-contact sport. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look at store-bought milk the same way again.

Whether you’re milking your first doe or fine-tuning your technique, here’s a few things  you need to know to make milking time smooth, sanitary, and maybe even enjoyable.

🐐 Step 1: The Prep Work — Clean Goat, Clean Hands, Clean Bucket

Before you even think about milking, cleanliness is key. Dirt, hair, and hay will find their way into that milk if you skip this step.

• Brush your goat’s udder and belly to remove debris. ( I give a good brushing also on their backs and sides. After all they are giving you milk why not give more of a brushing.)

• Wash the udder with warm water and a clean cloth or udder wipes. ( some use this. I how ever do not. I like to use my own mixture that my neighbor introduced to me – you will need a spray bottle or a squeeze bottle,  I like to use lavender essential oil, lemon essential oil. 20 drops of each (if you do not want to use lavender you could use eucalyptus essential oil  with the lemon essential oil) and  2 tbsp Of castile soap.  Mix well put in your bottle of choice.  Spray on the teats and wipe with a clean cloth some use paper towels.  I like to use a cotton wash cloth. I wash my cloths after I’m done)

• Dry completely — moisture is not your friend when it comes to milking time.

• Clean your hands –  I wash before I get started with everything, yes I know you are handling the brushing and their cleaning but unless you have a sink in your milking area you are not going to be able to clean your hands between all your does for milk.

• What to put your milk into – Try to use a stainless steel bucket or glass jars.  Plastic holds smells and scratches easily (and no one wants a side of barn aroma with their latte).

🪑 Step 2: Set the Scene — Milking Stand = Your Best Friend

If you don’t already have a milking stand, build or buy one. Trust me, crouching in the dirt while your goat tap dances around is a fast track to back / knee pain and  bad moods. Cause I am not in my 20s and my knees and back won’t take that. 🤣
A milking stand keeps your doe secure, raises her to a comfortable height, and — most importantly — lets you bribe her with grain while you work. A busy mouth means less mischief from the back end. ( you hope! )

Want to make things even easier? Some goat owners use a milking sling to gently lift and support their goats during trimming or milking. It’s like a spa hammock for your goat — minus the cucumbers on her eyes.

🥛 Step 3: The Technique — Squeeze, Don’t Pull

Goat teats aren’t udders on a cartoon cow. Pulling is a no-no. Instead, trap the milk in the teat with your thumb and forefinger, then gently squeeze downward with the rest of your fingers.
It’s all about rhythm. Think of it like playing a tiny udder piano — soft, steady, and in tune with your goat’s patience level.
Pro tip: The first few squirts should go into a separate cup or the cloth (to check for clumps or discoloration) before milking into your main bucket.

🧊 Step 4: Chill Out (Literally)

Once you’re done, strain the milk through a fine filter, coffee filter, or cheesecloth and get it chilled as quickly as possible. Cold milk tastes fresh; warm milk… tastes like regret.
Pop it in the fridge right away or use an ice bath to speed up the cooling process. The faster it cools, the fresher it tastes.

💕 Bonus Tips for a Happy Milking Experience

• Stick to a schedule: Goats are creatures of habit. Miss milking time and she’ll let you know. Loudly. ( I milk in the morning and then in the evening remember your doe in milk will need to eat twice a day)

• Massage matters: A gentle udder massage can help get milk flowing and keep your goat relaxed.

• Be patient: Some goats are milk stand divas at first. Consistency (and grain) wins them over. ( after we are done milking we give a treat, animal crackers, apple cut into little chunks,  peanuts some of mine love them in the shell and some don’t care for the shell)

• Keep records: Track how much milk you’re getting — it helps you spot health or feed changes early.

• Use that sling when needed: It can make things safer and easier for both of you if your goat is fidgety or needs extra support.

😂 The Reality Check

You’ll spill milk. You’ll get head-butted. You might even find hoof prints in places they shouldn’t be. But the moment you pour that fresh, creamy milk into your first homemade batch of cheese, yogurt, or soap — it all feels worth it.
So grab your bucket, take a deep breath, and embrace the chaos. Because once you get into the groove, milking time becomes less of a chore and more of a morning meditation — just with more bleating.

At the end of the day, milking goats isn’t just about the milk — it’s about the bond, the rhythm, and the bragging rights when you tell people you literally got your own milk.

🥛🐐✨ Please share your photos with me of your goats, set up, or even what works for you or what doesn’t! 

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If you’ve owned goats for more than five minutes, you already know they come with two things: big personalities and high-maintenance feet. Trimming hooves isn’t anyone’s favorite chore — it’s somewhere between “catching chickens in a thunderstorm” and “convincing a toddler to eat vegetables.”
But it’s gotta be done.

Healthy hooves mean happy goats, and happy goats mean fewer dramatic limp sessions and less side-eye when you walk into the barn with trimmers in hand.

My First Time Trimming  Hooves

Let me tell you, my first hoof-trimming experience was… humbling. I had my fancy new trimmers, a goat who looked innocent enough, and zero clue what I was doing. Five minutes later, I had dirt on my face, a goat that was kicking and bucking, hitting my hand and wrist giving me some nice bruises!!  The overwhelming realization that this was not as easy as the YouTube lady made it look.
But over time, I learned some of the tricks — and the bruises healed — so now I can pass on some information and maybe you can skip the chaos… or at least minimize it.

Why Hoof Trimming Matters

In the wild, goats climb rocky hillsides that naturally wear their hooves down. On our nice soft pastures? Not so much. When hooves grow too long, they start curling and trapping moisture and gunk — the perfect recipe for infections like hoof rot.
Long or uneven hooves can cause:

• Limping or sore legs
• Joint and posture issues
• Pain and infection
• And one very grumpy goat who doesn’t want to walk or play!

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want to walk around in shoes two sizes too small — neither do your goats.

How Often to Trim

It really depends on your setup:
• Rocky terrain? Nature helps file them down.
• Soft, muddy ground? Get ready to trim every 4–6 weeks.
• Active goats? They wear them naturally.
• Lazy loungers? You’ll need to step in more often.
A quick monthly check keeps things under control. If you hear “click-clack-click” when your goat walks in the barn, that’s their not-so-subtle way of saying, “Excuse me, I need a pedicure.”

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start your goat spa day, gather your gear:

• 🐐 Goat hoof trimmers – sharp ones! (Dull trimmers are basically medieval torture for you and your goat.)
• 🧹 Hoof pick  – to clean out dirt and gunk.
• 🪓 Rasp or file – for smoothing out rough spots.
• 💉 Styptic powder ( blood stop powder) or cornstarch – for “oops” moments when you trim too close.
• 🧴 Disinfectant spray – keeps things clean. ( tools and stand)
• 🍪 Treats  or grain – the most powerful goat motivation tool known to man.

How to Trim Without Losing Your Mind

• Secure your goat.
A milking stand is your best friend. If you don’t have one, a corner and a patient helper will do. Some goats behave like angels. Others suddenly discover acrobatics.

• Clean those hooves.
Get rid of mud, hay, and mystery debris (you don’t want to know). This helps you see what you’re working with.

• Start trimming.
The hoof has two parts — the hard outer wall and the softer inner sole. Trim little by little, leveling the wall with the sole. If you see pink, stop — that’s the quick, and cutting it will make your goat hop and scream. This does hurt – think of it as if you cut your nail too short. This is where you would use the cornstarch or blood stop powder. 

• Flatten and even out.
The goal is a flat, balanced hoof that sits evenly on the ground. Uneven trims lead to pressure and limping.

• Smooth the edges.
Use a rasp to tidy things up.

• Inspect and treat.
Check for bad smells, black spots, or soft areas — possible signs of hoof rot. Clean them well and use an antibacterial spray if needed.

• Give snacks and Compliments
“Who’s a good goat? You’re a good goat!” — say it proudly. They’ll act mad for two minutes, then forget everything when you hand over the treats.

The Sling Trick: Hands-Free Goat Hoofing (and Fewer Bruises for You)

Now, if you’ve got one of those wiggly goats who thinks trimming time is an audition for Cirque du Soleil, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the goat sling.

A sling is basically a soft hammock that holds your goat off the ground while you work on their hooves — and it’s a total game-changer. You can buy one online or make your own from sturdy fabric and straps (old hay nets don’t count, no matter how creative you feel).

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Your goat can’t squirm, leap, or moonwalk away mid-trim.
• You can actually see what you’re doing.
• It’s easier on your back (and your patience).
• It’s safer for older or heavier goats who need extra support.
Just slip your goat’s legs through the sling, lift them gently until their hooves dangle, and get to work. They’ll pout at first, but most quickly realize it’s basically a goat-sized recliner. Bonus points if you hum spa music while you work.

Pro tip: Some goats relax so much in the sling they start chewing cud like they’re on vacation. That’s when you know you’ve nailed the art of goat pedicures.

Pro Tips from the Barn

• Trim after rain — soft hooves are easier to cut.
• Keep trimmers clean and sharp. Dull blades crush the hoof instead of slicing.
• If your goat has light-colored hooves, lucky you — it’s easier to see the quick.
• Go slow on dark hooves; the quick’s harder to spot.
• Do frequent small trims instead of waiting too long. (It’s faster and less drama.)
• And most importantly: don’t take it personally when your goat acts betrayed. They’ll forgive you… eventually.

Hoof Rot: The Uninvited Guest

If your goat’s hoof smells like something died in it —  it’s probably hoof rot. It’s caused by bacteria that love damp, dirty conditions.

What to do:
• Trim away the rotting parts carefully.
• Clean thoroughly.
• Apply a hoof treatment or antibacterial spray.
• Keep your pens dry — standing in muck is like wearing wet socks all day.
Regular trims and clean living spaces prevent most problems before they even start.

Seasonal Hoof Trimming Schedule

Hoof growth changes with the weather, so adjusting your trimming routine helps keep your goats in top shape all year long:
🌸 Spring:
Wet ground + fresh grass = soft hooves that grow fast. Check every 3–4 weeks.
☀️ Summer:
Dry weather slows growth, but rocky ground can crack hooves. Trim every 5–6 weeks, and watch for chips.
🍂 Fall:
Rain returns, and mud loves to hide in hooves. Go back to monthly trims and double down on cleaning.
❄️ Winter:
Cold slows everything down. Trim every 6–8 weeks (unless your goats are living in a warm, muddy paradise — then stick with every 4–6 weeks).

Goat Owner Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner

After a few years of trial, error, and mild goat chaos, here are a few lessons that could’ve saved me a lot of time (and bruises):
• Never trust a goat who stands too still. They’re planning something.
• Hoof trimmers disappear faster than socks in a dryer. Keep spares.
• Don’t trim in your favorite jeans. You will end up covered in dirt and goat hair.
• Snacks are more effective than strength. Bribe, don’t battle.
• Check kids’ hooves early. Start handling their feet young, and trims will be way easier later.
• Trimming days go smoother with music. Bonus points if you pick something upbeat — goats love a good jam session.

Final Thoughts

Trimming goat hooves may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the best ways to keep your herd healthy and happy. It’s a small job that pays off big — fewer limp scares, better posture, and goats that can bounce, run, and dance like they were born to.

So grab those trimmers, your sense of humor, and a pocket full of snacks. Whether you’re using a milking stand, a sling, or pure determination, it’s time for the great goat pedicure — because nothing says “I love my herd” quite like making sure their feet are just as fabulous as their personalities.

Remember: it’s not chaos, it’s hoof care with attitude. 🐐💅

Here are some photos of our goats in the goat sling! While we also do use the milking stand I would have to say the sling is my favorite way to do hooves!

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If goats had a fashion runway, the French Alpines would be strutting it with confidence. Tall, colorful, and full of personality — these goats aren’t just good-looking; they’re hardworking milk machines that keep homesteads running (and laughing).

From the Alps to Your Homestead

The French Alpine goat comes from—you guessed it—the Alps. These goats were originally bred to survive tough mountain life, where they had to be strong, clever, and resourceful. France later refined the breed for dairy traits, giving us the gorgeous, hardy milkers we know today.
Because of that mountain heritage, French Alpines can handle just about anything—hot summers, cold winters, or your goat-proofing attempts that don’t quite work as planned.

A Barnyard Fashion Show

If you love variety, Alpines are your kind of goat. They come in just about every color combo you can imagine—white, black, brown, gray, spotted, solid, you name it.
They’re tall and lean, built like little athletes. With upright ears and proud faces, they always look like they know they’re fabulous. And honestly, they kind of do.

Quick stats:

• Does: 135–155 lbs
• Bucks: 170 lbs or more
• Ears: Upright and alert (the better to hear you opening the feed bin)

The Real Star: Their Milk!

Let’s be honest—most folks fall in love with French Alpines for their milk.
• They can produce 1–2 gallons a day at their peak.
• Butterfat averages around 3.5%, making their milk rich and creamy without being heavy.
• Flavor: Sweet, clean, and mild—perfect for anyone new to goat milk.
• Uses: Drink it fresh, make cheese or yogurt, or whip up some goat milk soap that smells like success.
If you’ve got a family to feed or a soap business to start, these goats will keep the milk flowing.

Mischief Makers with Charm

Alpines are the life of the barnyard party. They’re smart, curious, and full of energy.
You might catch one trying to “help” you with chores, or another seeing if the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence (spoiler: they’ll find out).

They’re not overly clingy but still enjoy hanging out with their people—especially if snacks are involved.

Caring for Your French Alpines

They’re hardy, but they still like the good life:

• Shelter: Dry, draft-free, and cozy.
• Diet: Good hay ( I use alfalfa for all my goats), loose minerals, and a little grain for milkers.

• Health: Trim those hooves every 4–6 weeks and keep up with vaccinations if you choose to do them. Do your research and find out if vaccinations or the holistic way is best for your herd.

• Breeding: Does need to be bred each year to keep the milk coming. Gestation is around 150 days, and twins or triplets are common.

• Fencing: Strong and tall. These goats are Olympic-level jumpers and escape artists. ( honestly most goats are great at escaping no matter the breed!)
With proper care, they can live 10–12 years (and keep you entertained every one of those years).

• Herd : Remember you do need more than one goat!

Beyond Milk: The Other Side of Alpines

Sure, they’re dairy stars—but French Alpines can pull their weight in other ways too.

• Meat: Extra males that aren’t used for breeding can be raised for tender, flavorful meat.

• Pack Animals: Castrated males (called wethers) can be trained as pack animals! They’re strong, sure-footed, and love a good adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of goat hiking buddies, these are your guys.
Even the “extra boys” can have a purpose on your homestead or trail.

Why You’ll Love Them

French Alpines are the full package:
• Reliable milkers 🥛
• Hardy and adaptable 🌦️
• Beautiful and unique 🎨
• Playful, clever, and full of personality 🐐💨
They fit right in whether you’ve got a big dairy operation or a cozy homestead.

✨ Bottom line:

French Alpines aren’t just pretty faces. They’re hardworking, adaptable, and just mischievous enough to keep life interesting. Whether you’re after milk, company, or a pack buddy for your next hike, these goats do it all—with style.

Here is a photo of my French Alpine doe! Her name is Lust. I know the photo is not the best it was getting dark and she looked so cute.

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When it comes to raising goat kids, there are basically three parenting styles:

• Dam raising – Let mama do her thing while you cheer her on from the sidelines.

• Bottle raising – You become “goat parent of the year,” complete with sleepless nights, spilled milk, and kids that think you’re their personal Uber Eats.

• Hybrid raising – Tag-team parenting: a little bit mama, a little bit you. Basically co-parenting… goat edition.

So which way is better? Let’s take a little look.

🐐 Dam Raising (a.k.a. “Go Ask Your Mother”)
Mama goat handles parenting while you play the supportive role—like a coach clapping on the sidelines with snacks.
Pros:

• Low-maintenance for you – No middle-of-the-night feedings. The doe’s got this covered.

• Built-in immunity – Kids get colostrum and antibodies straight from mom. Think of it as goat multivitamins… with superpowers.

• Social skills 101 – Kids learn how to be goats from other goats. Headbutting, hay stealing, standing on things they shouldn’t—you name it.

• All-you-can-eat milk buffet – No bottles, no schedules, just unlimited milk on tap.

Cons:

• Not-so-cuddly kids – These babies bond with Mama, and while they can be friendly, it can take a lot of time. You’ll be the “background character” in their life story.

* Weaning = goat soap opera – loud crying, headbutting, dramatic standoffs. Basically, a goat telenovela.

• Disease roulette – Mama and herd members can pass on germs. Welcome to “Goat Kindergarten: Germ Sharing Edition.” ( now honestly I don’t know really if this is a con it can go bad but heard immunity can be a great thing and of course everyone has their own opinion about this some do vaccinations while other like myself do more of a Holistic way. My advice is to do lots and lots of research and find what you want to do )

• Udder favoritism – Some kids only nurse on one side. Translation: uneven udders and one very cranky mama. If this happens, you will need to milk out the side that the kid is not nursing on.

🍼 Bottle Raising (a.k.a. “Full-Time Goat Nanny”)

You’re officially goat mom (or dad). Congratulations—you now run a 24/7 goat daycare. Snacks included.

Pros:
• Instant besties – Bottle babies will adore you. Forget dogs—these goats will climb in your lap, follow you everywhere, and cry if you shut the bathroom door.

• Udder TLC – The doe’s udder stays balanced and healthy because you’re managing all the feedings.

• Better disease control – You’re the milk manager, so you can dodge certain health risks.

• Early weaning options – Want to sell kids earlier? Bottle babies make that easier.

Cons:

• You’re now the cafeteria worker – Feedings are on a strict schedule. Kiss your free mornings goodbye.

• Expensive babies –  While  now you will be going through more milk, you will have to choose if you are going with milk replacer  or whole milk a.k.a red cap (depending on where you live for the color of the cap).  You’ll swear the kids are drinking more than you budgeted for. (Spoiler: they are.)

• Goat identity crisis – Bottle babies sometimes grow up thinking they’re human. Cute… until one tries to join you on the couch. ( Is that really a con? 🤔 )

• Stage-five clingers – Forget personal space. You now have goat shadows, and yes—they will scream if you leave them for five minutes.

🐐🍼 Hybrid Raising (a.k.a. “Tag-Team Parenting”)

Mama does most of the work, but you step in with bottles when needed. Think of it like joint custody.

Pros:

• Best of both worlds – Kids still learn goat manners from mom and  bond with you. They get herd training from mama and extra snacks from you—basically, jackpot kids.

• Backup plan – If mama’s low on milk or juggling triplets, you roll in like the substitute teacher who actually brings candy.

• Less work than full bottle feeding – You’re not chained to a strict schedule; just filling in the gaps.

Cons:

• Still some work – You can’t fully escape. Monitoring nursing, balancing bottles, and explaining why the goat kids eat better than your family is all part of the fun.

• Goat confusion – Kids may look at you and think, “Wait… are you the snack bar or the babysitter?”

• Attachment shuffle – The kids get clingy with mom and you, so now you both get tackled at feeding time like a goat mosh pit.

🏆 The Final Verdict!   So… who wins the goat-parenting trophy?

• What ever way works best for you! For me, I love the hybrid way.   While I don’t love washing bottles, I do enjoy seeing those little milk faces. Having them run towards you is the cutes thing. Receiving the little kid cuddles just warms my heart.
• Being able to help the doe out as every mother knows that little break is what keeps us sane!

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When people hear my goat’s name, they usually pause and ask, “Wait… Misery?” I can’t help but laugh because despite the gloomy name, Misery is one of the brightest, most joyful parts of my homestead.

How Misery Got Her Name

Her name was actually inspired by a line from the Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movie.  At one point, he says:
“Misery, misery, misery – that’s what you’ve chosen. I offered you friendship, and you spat in my face.”

The line stuck with me because it was so bold and unforgettable, and when my little goat came into my life with her loving personality, I knew instantly what her name had to be. Misery just fit.

Of course,  She is a sweetheart She’s not loud, but when she wants attention, she lets you know it. Misery was one of our bottle babies.  She loves to follow me around.

Personality Plus

Misery is not the queen of the barnyard, but she is young. There is still time for that.   She loves climbing on everything—hay bales, rocks,  sometimes even my back if I sit still too long.

She’s also incredibly affectionate in her own goat-like way. Misery doesn’t just come over for pets; she makes her way to me and if she can she will try and sit on my lap but most of the time she will lay down right next to me and start chewing her cud.  Just like most bottle babies, they want to be with you.

Life With Misery

Owning goats is always an adventure, but Misery adds a little extra spice to every day. She keeps me laughing with her antics—like jumping in the hay feeder and laying down when she knows I am about to fill it.
Kids who visit the homestead adore her, and she loves to nibble on shoelaces or pose for pictures like a true diva.

Why She’s My Favorite

Out of all my goats, Misery has carved out a special spot in my heart. She’s independent, hilarious, and beautiful. I love watching her hop around. Every homestead needs that one animal who becomes more than livestock—they become family. For me, that’s Misery.
So, while her name might raise eyebrows (and make Spider-Man fans smile), the truth is: my life would be a lot more miserable without her.

Here are a few photos of Misery.

Breed : Nigerian Dwarf doeling

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Small Ears, Big Personality, if you’ve ever spotted a goat with almost no ears, chances are you’ve met a LaMancha goat. 

Don’t let their tiny ears fool you—what they lack in ear length. They more than make up for in charm, milk, and personality!         

 Where Did These Earless Cuties Come From? LaManchas might look like they belong in a cartoon, but they’re a real American breed.       

 Officially recognized in the 1950s, their roots trace back to goats from Spain. Today, they’re one of the most popular dairy goats in the U.S.

Those famous “earless” ears?   They are often called  Gopher ears or Elf ears, but they are  teeny nubs, less than an inch long.  No matter what they are called, they hear perfectly fine. They just look like they’re  always ready for a close-up.

                            

Milk That’s Oh-So-Creamy LaMancha milk is rich, smooth, and high in butterfat. perfect for cheese, yogurt, or even homemade soap.     

Personalities can be as sweet as their milk. They can be friendly, curious, and downright lovable, LaManchas are known to follow their humans around like puppies, but just remember that they are also just like us they do all have different personalities, I have two that don’t follow me around just keep working with them.                 

Built for Any Homestead These goats are hardy and adapt well to different climates. Whether you’re on a small hobby farm or a bigger homestead, they fit right in.  

                           

Caring for Your LaManchas.  

* Shelter: Dry, draft-free housing keeps them happy.  

 • Food: Good hay, clean water, and grain! I use grain as an occasional treat or on the milking stand while milking or doing hooves.

  • Routine Care: Regular hoof trims, parasite checks, and if you do vaccinations for your herd.       

 * Don’t forget the Ears! Those adorable little ears need just a bit of extra  TLC.

In summer: Watch for sunburn is what I’ve been told but have never had this issue. If you choose to use a sunblock on them, do your research to find a safe one for goats. When using the sunblock, I would put a little on a q- tip and dab it on.      

Cleaning the ears : Take a cotton ball or a q – tip, dip it in warm water, you dont want it dripping wet, just moist. Then, gently wipe the outside of the ear, and you will not be going into the ear canal. Keep an eye out for scratches or cuts since the ears don’t have much.

Play time! Make sure to have toys for them to jump and play on and remember a goat needs a friend. One goat will be a depressed goat.

The Bottom Line LaMancha goats may have the smallest ears in the barnyard, but they’ve got some of the biggest personalities you’ll ever meet. Between their sweet nature, creamy milk, and unique looks, it’s no wonder they’ve become a homesteader favorite. So if you’re looking for a goat that will give you both milk and laughter, the LaMancha just might be your perfect match.

Here is a photo of our beautiful Ophelia. She was born in May.  So she still has a lot of growing to do.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of adding goats to your homestead, chances are you’ve come across the beautiful and beloved Nubian goat.

With their long, floppy ears, roman noses, and friendly personalities, Nubians are not just practical homestead animals—they’re downright charming companions.

A Little History Nubian goats originally came from Africa and the Middle East. They were later crossbred in England with British dairy goats, which is why they’re often called Anglo-Nubians. This mix created a hardy breed known for adapting well to hot climates while still being productive in cooler regions.

What Makes Nubians Special?  • Milk Production: Nubians are dairy goats, and their milk is prized for its high butterfat content (usually 4–5%). That means their milk is creamier than many other breeds, perfect for making cheese, yogurt, and even homemade soaps.

• Personality: I love my Nubians. Yes, they can be affectionate and friendly, but just like people, they all have different personalities. 

I know many like to only dam raise, I like to hybrid meaning that once a day I offer a bottle to them so that way they become even more friendlier and learn to trust me sooner.

• Appearance: Their long, pendulous ears and roman noses make them stand out. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid shades to spotted coats.

• Size: Nubians are considered a large breed of goat. Mature does weigh around 135–175 pounds, while bucks can tip the scales at 175–250 pounds.

• Milk Quality – If you love rich milk for cheese-making, Nubians are ideal.

Friendly Temperament – They tend to bond closely with their humans, making chores more enjoyable.

• Heat Tolerance Their heritage makes them well-suited for warmer climates.

• Versatility – Some homesteaders even raise them for meat, though most keep them for dairy.

Things to Keep in Mind Nubians can be a bit loud, which is something to consider if you have close neighbors.

• Because they’re larger goats, they may need sturdier fencing.

• They’re social animals, so they’ll be happiest when kept with other goats. ( Remember, one goat is a sad goat )

Final Thoughts Nubian goats are a wonderful addition to many homesteads. They offer rich, creamy milk, sweet personalities, and endless entertainment with their playful nature.

Whether you’re looking to expand your dairy production or just want a friendly goat to brighten your days, Nubians are a breed worth considering.

Here is a photo of our sweet girl Ozzy.

✨Nigerian Dwarf goats are one of the most popular goat breeds for homesteads and small farms – and it’s easy to see why!                                         

They are adorable, fun-sized, and full of personality. Plus, their milk is creamy, sweet, and higher in butterfat than most other dairy goats. But before you bring these little charmers home, let’s talk about how to care for them properly.          

🏡 Housing & Shelter Even though Nigerian Dwarfs are small, they still need a safe and comfortable place to live.                                                                    • Shelter: Provide a dry, draft-free space with good ventilation. A three-sided goat shed works well in mild climates, but in colder areas, a fully enclosed barn or goat house is best. 

• Space: Plan for at least 20 sq. ft. of indoor space per goat, plus plenty of outdoor room to roam.           

• Bedding: Straw or pine shavings make cozy bedding. Just remember to keep it clean and dry.          

 🚧 Fencing If you’ve heard goats are escape artists… it’s true. Nigerian Dwarfs may be small, but they’re clever!             

• Use strong fencing (woven wire or cattle panels work, but make sure they can’t get through the cattle panels. I have put up extra fencing wire on mine because I have one doe that can fit through)

Make sure it’s at least 4 feet tall, they say. If you can make that work, then awesome, but I have started going with 6 ft. • Check often for weak spots they will find it!         

 🥕 Feeding Nigerian Dwarfs thrive on a good diet.                   • Hay: A constant supply of good-quality hay should be the main part of their diet. ( I used to feed a mix of grass hay. Now I only do alfalfa hay )

• Grain: Only give in moderation. We only give it to the does that are in milk. Otherwise, they get it every 4 weeks when hooves are being done.                       

                                                         • Minerals: Keep a goat mineral block or loose minerals available at all times. (most prefer loose minerals)               

• Water: Fresh, clean water!  No matter what you use for keeping their water in. It is going to get dirty. Give those buckets or troughs a good scrubbing every now and then.

🩺 Health & Grooming Taking care of their health is key to happy, long-living goats.                                                           • Hoof trimming: Every 4–6 weeks, keep their hooves from overgrowing.                                          

• Vaccinations / deworming       Do your research if you decide this way for your livestock.  Remember if using a vet check and make sure they know about goats.

For my herd, I use holistic care. Please do your research on both ways to find out which way is best for you. 

I recommend the book    Holistic Goat Care: A Comprehensive Guide…
By Gianaclis Caldwell

 • Grooming: Their short coats don’t need much, but a quick brush helps keep them clean.  we do a brushing when they are getting milked or hooves done.

  Enrichment & Personality are playful, curious, and social.                                               • Goats are herd animals. No matter what breed you have, you need more than one! (one goat is a lonely goat!)

• Provide climbing structures like stumps, rocks, or wooden platforms. They will give you lots of laughs as you watch them play.     

• Spend time with them-they can be very affectionate, but just like humans, they have their own personalities too.     Yes! They can even learn tricks, but remember that takes time and patience and snacks!(treats)  

 Why They’re Worth It Caring for Nigerian Dwarfs takes some effort, but the reward is huge. They’ll give you milk, laughter, and endless entertainment with their silliness. 

Plus, their gentle, family-friendly nature makes them a favorite for both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a goat that’s easy to manage, full of love, and perfect for small homesteads, the Nigerian Dwarf might just be the goat of your dreams.                                 

Here is a photo of Frank. The top photo is him at year and 5 months old. The bottom photo is him at 4 weeks old.       

                                                                                                                                 

We have a few new doelings on our homestead. 

We got Eleanor first. She is a nubian. 

Eleanor is 10 weeks old. A little shy, she was not a bottle baby. She is getting better about not running away when we enter the pen. She is a beautiful doeling.  I am looking forward to breeding her with Frank.

Our next new little doeling is Lucy!

Lucy is a mini nubian, 9 weeks old. She reminds me of a deer. She is very sweet and loves to be held. She is a bottle baby.

Our next little doeling is  Persephone!

  Persephone is 3 weeks old, she is a  mini LaMancha! She is very sweet. She is a bottle baby. I was worried because the other person who had her was having trouble getting her to take a bottle, but she has  been taking it very well for myself.

I am thinking about breeding her with Frank as well.

Adding the nubians and the lamancha will help with my milking production. 

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