How Much Does a Pygmy Goat Cost?

Pygmy goats are quickly becoming a popular pet and livestock choice for urban farmers and homesteaders. But before bringing one of these adorable miniature goats home, it's important to understand the costs involved. This guide will break down pygmy goat prices and the expenses of caring for them.

Pygmy goats are miniature dairy goats originally bred in Africa and Europe. Their small stature, gentle personalities, and usefulness on small farms have made them appealing to suburban and city dwellers looking to produce their own milk, meat, or simply have an unusual pet. While they require less space and feed than full-sized goats, pygmy goats are still livestock with real care needs.

When looking into pygmy goat costs, the most important factors are the goat's age, breed, location, and your intended purpose, whether as pets, milkers, or weed-eaters. On average, purchasing a pygmy goat will range from $50 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour), with ongoing expenses of about $700 (≈1.2 weeks of salary time at $15/hour) per year for food, housing, and health maintenance. Read on for a full overview of what's involved in bringing home these compact caprine companions.

How Much Does a Pygmy Goat Cost?

The average cost of a Pygmy goat is anywhere between $50 and $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) depending on its type, where you buy it from, your geographical location, goat breeder, and so on. Several components affect the cost of buying a pygmy goat, including:

Age and Breed Characteristics

• Baby goats (kids) cost $50-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job)
• Young goats (under 1 year) range from $100-$250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour)
• Adults (aged 1-5 years) average $150-$200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour)
• Proven breeders (over 2 years) run $200-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)
• Registered purebreds are $250+ (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour)
• Wethers (neutered males) are usually lowest cost

Health and Breeding Status

• Tested and vaccinated pygmy goats add $50-$100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)
• Intact breeding does cost more than wethers
• Proven dams with good mothering ability can run $300+ (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)

Location and Availability

• Prices are higher in urban areas with demand for backyard goats
• Goats in rural areas tend to be lower cost
• Shipping adds $50-$200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) for transport costs
• Breeders with long waitlists can charge premium prices

As you can see, pygmy goat price ranges widely, but plan on budgeting $100 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for most pet-quality young goats.

According to NPGA-Pygmy, a nice pet wether costs about $40 (≈2.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-100, but if you are interested in showing pygmies, a nice registered buck or doe with proper pedigree can cost about $800-$1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour - more than most exam periods).

The website also recommends attending some shows and familiarizing yourself with the Pygmy Goat Breed Standard before spending a lot of money.

Backyard Goats says you should Expect to pay up to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) for a registered, purebred miniature goat such as myotonic, Nigerian Dwarf, or Pygmy goat. Prices for Nigerian Dwarf goats vs Pygmy goats can be as high as full-sized dairy goats.

Little Avalon Farm provides information on the costs of raising goats, including Pygmy goats. The cost of a Pygmy goat is not specified, but the website mentions that the total hay cost for 2020 was $630 (≈1.1 weeks of continuous work at a $15/hour wage), or $28 (≈1.9 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per goat.

Initial Costs of Owning a Pygmy Goat

The purchase price of the goat itself is just the beginning. You'll also need to buy:

• Collar, leash, and ID tag: $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)
• Two goat lead ropes or chains: $20 (≈1.3 hours of your life traded for $15/hour)
• Feed pans: $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)
• Mineral block and salt lick: $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)
• Brushes and grooming supplies: $20 (≈1.3 hours of your life traded for $15/hour)
• Transportation crate or dog crate: $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)

Total startup costs: Around $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour)

Be sure your property is also ready with proper fencing and a goat shelter before bringing your pygmy goat home.

Ongoing Pygmy Goat Care and Maintenance Costs

Caring for a pet or farm pygmy goat involves a variety of recurring expenses:

Feeding and Nutrition

• Hay: $15 to $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per bale, 5 to 7 bales per month
• Grain, pellets, and supplements: $20 to $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) bag, 1 to 2 bags per month
• Treats and extras: $10 to $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)
• Goat feed costs: $50 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) monthly

Veterinary and Health Care

• Annual exams and vaccinations: $75 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour)
• Hoof trimming twice yearly: $30 to $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)
• Medications and supplies: $30 to $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)
• Emergencies or illness: $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) and up

Yearly veterinary budget: $150 to $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour)

Shelter and Fencing Needs

• Sturdy fencing materials and installation: $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) and up
• Basic wood or metal shelter: $300 to $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour)
• Bedding: $10 to $20 monthly
• Natural weed control (rented goats): $200 to $500 per job

Annual shelter and fencing expenses: $500+

Add this all up and the typical yearly pygmy goat care costs range from $600 to $1000, not counting unexpected vet bills. Monthly costs work out to $50 to $100.

Benefits of Owning Pygmy Goats

Why are more urbanites and suburbanites willing to shoulder the commitment of pygmy goat ownership?

Companionship and Entertainment

Pygmy goats are cute, quirky pets full of personality. They can provide enjoyment and laughter for the whole family.

Utility in Homesteading

Miniature goats produce 1 to 2 quarts of goat milk daily for drinking or making cheese, yogurt, and soap. Some owners breed them as miniature meat goats. Regular grazing helps control brush and weeds.

Challenges and Considerations

Before getting a pygmy goat, make sure you can handle:

You might also like our articles about the cost of a goat in general, a pony, or a donkey.

• Local ordinances - many cities prohibit livestock
• Time for daily care - 1 to 2 hours every day
• Patience for training and mischief - goats are active and inquisitive

Also plan for proper fencing, housing, and supervision. Pygmy goats should never be tethered or left to wander loose.

Where to Buy Pygmy Goats

Finding a healthy pygmy goat takes some research. Look for options like:

• Local breeders - visit their farm to meet parents and see conditions
• Livestock auctions - great for price but have risks
• Online sale sites - ask lots of questions first
• Rescues - often take in abandoned or mistreated goats

Ask to see veterinary records for any goat before buying. Also be ready to act quickly when you find the right one - good pygmy goats get snapped up fast!

Summary of Pygmy Goat Ownership Costs

• Purchase price: $100 to $250
• Startup supplies and shelter: Around $500
• Monthly care expenses: $50 to $100
• Yearly costs: $600 to $1000
• Pygmy goat lifespan: 6 to 12 years

Owning pygmy goats requires commitment and hands-on care. But for many urban farmer wannabes, the enjoyment and practical benefits are well worth the investment. With realistic expectations of the costs and responsibilities, pygmy goats can make an enjoyable addition to a city or suburban homestead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pygmy goat be a house pet?

Pygmy goats are sociable and can bond closely with their owners. But these active livestock have some important care needs that make them unsuitable as full-time house pets. Specifically, pygmy goats require:

• Lots of room to roam and graze - at least 1/4 acre
• A sheltered outdoor area for sleeping
• A goat-proof house and yard, they climb and jump
• Time every day for exercise and socializing
• A suited diet of hay, goat feed, vegetables, fruit

While friendly pygmy goats enjoy and benefit from human interaction, they are not adapted for full indoor living. With attentive owners willing to provide proper housing, space, training, and scheduling, pygmy goats can thrive in suburbia as engaging backyard companions.

Do you need 2 Pygmy goats?

Pygmy goats are herd animals that naturally live in groups. Housing a single goat alone risks some problems, including:

• High stress and noisy vocalizations
• More destructive behavior from boredom
• Higher risk of illness
• Less socialized and friendly personality

Goats kept solo will require extra time and interaction from their owners to stay happy and behave well. But the surest way to keep pygmy goats content is to raise at least two together. Some benefits of getting a pair of pygmy goats are:

• Goats will entertain each other
• Less damage from chewing, bark stripping, digging
• Better socialization and training
• Healthier and less stressed when paired

Especially for new owners, starting with two young wethers or does is ideal. A more confident singleton may also accept a friend later on. But just one pygmy goat demands much more from the owner. Whenever possible, buy pygmy goats in bonded pairs for easiest care and companionship all around.

Are Pygmy goats high maintenance?

Compared to full-sized dairy goats, pygmy goats are more manageable for small properties and novice owners. But they do require consistent hands-on care to stay healthy and behave well. Daily pygmy goat duties include:

• Feeding hay and grains 1-2x per day
• Refilling fresh water
• Scooping manure
• Brushing and hoof trimming
• Monitoring health issues
• Socializing and training

Owners must also maintain secure fencing, provide shelter from weather, and clean bedding regularly.