Behavior of Older Pygmy Goats

There is not specific behavior exhibited by all older goats. However, like people, being older makes goats more susceptible to ailments that may cause a change in their behavior. Knowing the behavior of a normal healthy goat at any age can make it easier to identify unhealthy or undesirable behavior in older goats as well. Pygmy goats are like all goats and have healthy characteristics that are preferable at all ages.

  1. General Health

    • The general health of a pygmy goat is the same regardless of its age. Healthy pygmy goats mature sexually between four and 12 months, but generally have healthier births when they are bred at two years or later. Under optimal conditions these hearty goats can live to between 10 and 15 years of age. Healthy vital signs for mature adult goats include a rectal temperature between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a resting pulse rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute and a respiration rate of 15 to 30 per minute. Older females should have a regular estrus cycle of 12 to 36 hours every 18 to 21 days. Females produce healthy kids (baby goats) after a gestation period of 145 to 153 days from the day of breeding. Gestation times less that 144 days result in reducing the chances of a successful birth.

    Sociablity

    • Pygmy goats are social by nature, which means that even older goats should maintain a position within a herd. During breeding season, maturing males are eager to challenge older males for breeding rights. In the wild, the winner remains with the females, and the losing males go off to form bachelor herds. In captivity, pygmy goats do well in herds, and even two bucks are preferable to one pygmy being raised alone.

    Eating Patterns

    • Pygmy goats are curious creatures that constantly search for nutritious nibbles of grass and weeds; older pygmy goats should be mobile without showing severe signs of arthritis and maintain an interest in the herd. While short sweet grass may look tempting, healthy pygmy goats graze on grasses and weeds that are 6 to 8 inches above the ground, as well as bark and leaves. Older pygmy goats may have a preference for foods that are easily digestible, but they should eat regularly and respond positively to feeding schedules.

    Considerations

    • Pygmy goats play and interact with herd members or playfully entertain themselves when not sleeping or grazing. While older pygmy goats may be less zealous than kids, they should not be lethargic or withdrawn despite their age. If your are purchasing an older goat as a companion farm animal, there are some undesirable qualities to avoid. For example, a crooked face, genetic hornlessness and blind teats are disqualifying faults in the breed and may indicate other less favorable genetic traits such as sterility. Goats that do not exhibit healthy goat characteristics are likely to be ill or poorly bred.