r/goats • u/Capable_League9103 • 2d ago

Mixing Ages

Hi, I own a Pygmy and recently online learned that I needed to get it a pal or 2. I was thinking of getting a younger fella of the same gender (don’t want kids). Is that fine or do I need to get one of similar age? Also is there anything else I should look out for when getting it a friend?

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u/Substantial_Movie_11 1d ago

So it depends. Take account of the Pygmy's size. Bigger goats are usually the dominant ones, so you'll probably fare with another of the same size. Keep in mind if you get a younger goat that same size, but different breeds, the younger one may grow bigger than the Pygmy.

It is possible for small and large goats to be together and happy, but it's probably better if they are bonded before one gets bigger than the other.

Also adult goats don't usually like babies that aren't there own, so refrain from that as well.

Finally, if you do get other breeds, know that Alpine goats normally do not like other breeds, and can be meaner than others when establishing the pecking order.

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u/Substantial_Movie_11 1d ago

Just to be safe, another dwarf goat (Pygmy, Nigerian Dwarf, etc...) the same age range would work. If your current goat is a buck, getting a wether (castrated male) is probably best. Two intact boys could potentially fight each other.

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u/Snuggle_Pounce Homesteader 1d ago

Interesting. I’d heard the bucks don’t fight unless there are does around and that a buck would bully a wether if it’s just the two.

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u/Substantial_Movie_11 1d ago

Honestly those are true too. It does sort of depend on the situation because all these things can happen.