
Big News at Stonetown Acres: Two Pregnant Dwarf Nigerian Goats Are Joining the Family!
- Kevin Bombace
- Dec 18, 2024
- 3 min read
We’re over the moon to announce that two pregnant Dwarf Nigerian does are set to join Stonetown Acres in just a few weeks! This exciting addition brings us closer to our vision of sustainability, education, and community engagement through small-scale farming.
In this post, we’ll share what makes these little goats so special, dive into the kidding process, and highlight why their milk is among the best you’ll find on any farmstead.
What to Expect When Dwarf Nigerian Goats Are Expecting
Dwarf Nigerian goats are known for their ease of kidding (the goat term for giving birth) and their ability to produce multiple offspring. Unlike larger breeds, Nigerian Dwarfs commonly have between 2 and 4 kids per birth, with some does even having quintuplets! The kids are tiny at birth, typically weighing around 2-4 pounds, and they are unbelievably cute with their miniature hooves and lively personalities.
The kidding process generally lasts about 2-3 hours, with signs such as nesting behavior, restlessness, and vocalization signaling that labor is beginning. Our goal at Stonetown Acres is to ensure the best possible environment for our does during this critical time, with a cozy, clean kidding stall and plenty of fresh bedding.
Post-kidding, the kids will nurse from their mothers and stay close by for warmth and bonding. Their rapid growth over the first few weeks is truly remarkable—by the time they’re just a month old, they’ll already be jumping, climbing, and exploring their surroundings like seasoned adventurers.
The Amazing Milk of Dwarf Nigerian Goats
One of the biggest reasons we chose Dwarf Nigerian goats is their milk. Despite their small size, these goats are prolific milk producers, yielding between 1 to 2 quarts per day. But what really sets their milk apart is its high butterfat content, which can range from 6% to 10%—a significant difference compared to the 3-4% butterfat found in cow’s milk.
This creamy richness makes their milk ideal for creating products like:
• Artisan cheeses (think chèvre or mozzarella)
• Homemade yogurt
• Luxurious goat milk soap and lotions
For those who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive digestive systems, Dwarf Nigerian goat milk can be a game-changer. It’s naturally easier to digest and has smaller fat globules than cow’s milk, making it gentler on the stomach.
Tiny But Mighty: The Size of Dwarf Nigerians and Their Kids
Dwarf Nigerian goats may be small, but they pack a lot of heart and utility into their petite frames. Adult does typically stand 17-19 inches tall at the withers (shoulders) and weigh between 60-75 pounds, making them one of the most compact dairy breeds.
The kids are adorably miniature at birth, and their smaller size makes them easier to handle, even for young or beginner farmers. Their gentle nature and manageable stature are perfect for our visitors at Stonetown Acres, where families can get up close and personal with these delightful animals.
Preparing for Our New Arrivals
As we await the arrival of our pregnant does, we’re putting the final touches on their barn space to ensure a comfortable transition to their new home. They’ll have access to secure shelter, plenty of fresh hay, and the company of our other friendly animals. We’ll also be stocking up on essentials like:
• Clean birthing supplies
• Colostrum replacer (just in case)
• Nutrient-rich feed for our hardworking mamas
We’re counting down the days until kidding season, when we’ll welcome these tiny, wobbly bundles of joy into the world.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of an incredible journey with our Dwarf Nigerian goats. In future blog posts, we’ll share:
• Updates on the does’ pregnancies
• Stories of the kids as they grow and thrive
• Tips on goat care, milk processing, and more
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or new to the world of goats, we hope you’ll follow along with us as we celebrate this new chapter at Stonetown Acres.
Have Questions or Suggestions?
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you’d like to learn about our goats, their milk, or the kidding process in the comments below.
Stay tuned for updates—it’s going to be an exciting season!
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