Pygmy goat
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[Photo] Author: Justin Scott Stiles source: This image has been uploaded by the author as an original work. Description: A pygmy goat as a family pet. Location taken: Lawrence, KS USA

A pygmy goat (Capra hicus) is a small species of goat; females weigh about 23 to 34 kg (35 to 50 lbs) and males about 27 to 39 kg (40 to 60 lbs). They were first imported into the United States from Africa in the 1950s; they have since become popular pets and exhibition animals. Although they produce a large amount of milk for their size, and can be eaten, pygmy goats are not typically used for milk or meat, unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust and breed more continually throughout the year than either dairy or meat goats. They have stomachs with four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasum. As browsers, goats are similar to deer and enjoy variety in their diet, including woody plants.

Pets
Many breeds of goat are good with children, but the pygmy goat is considered the most suitable; in particular, it is small enough to be safe with young children. Pygmy goats are compatible with other pets like cats and dogs. They are found in petting zoos worldwide.

Housing
Pet pygmy goats can live in a large dog house or small shed. Their housing requires a ventilation system and a small hopper window or a stable split door with a mesh wiring over the top. It is convenient to have a concrete floor covered with a rubber mat and sawdust or straw for bedding; the floor should be tilted towards the door to make cleaning simple. In the winter, cleaning is less often needed because goats keep the straw warm as their bed. A bench with dividing slats as suspension will suit the goat as a little bed; if it is very cold, a cheap blanket can be added to add warmth.

Diet
A pygmy goat's diet consists of forage, including hay (rough hay is good), and concentrates ??? i.e., oats, bran, and beet. Books describe ideal dietry regimens for goats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_goat

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