Pygmy Goat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Feeding Costs, and More!

Pygmy goats are more than just cute farm animals known for being friendly and social. Originally called Cameroon dwarf goats, Pygmy are incredible work animals, great around kids, and all around an amazing animal to have around. 

Are you considering getting a Pygmy goat or two for your homestead? Just like with any pet, it’s essential to know about all of the costs involved. From vet bills to food to toys, let’s take a look at what a Pygmy goat will cost you. 

Pygmy Goat Prices 

Similarly, when you’re looking for a dog or cat, there are various purchasing options for a Pygmy goat. You might be able to find one for free, at an adoption center, or from a breeder. Here is what you can expect to cost in each situation. 

Free

It is exceptionally rare to find Pygmy goats for free. If you know local farmers or friends who are moving, you may be able to get one for little to no cost. In the event that someone you don’t know is giving them away for free, have a vet check the animal out before bringing them home. 

Adoption

Because there are so many Pygmy goats around, they can vary in price quite a bit. In the next section, we’ll discuss what factors play a role in pricing these animals. Generally speaking, adopting a Pygmy goat will cost you anywhere from $40 to $80.

When you adopt one of these goats, they should come with previous health records, as well as a general assessment of their personality. 

Breeding

Breeders will always be the most expensive option for any type of animal. Because Pygmy goats are the most popular goat breed in the country, breeders can charge more. If you’re buying from a trusted breeder you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for one goat. 

Details That Affect Pygmy Goat Prices

Registration

One of the primary factors that can play a role in the price of a Pygmy goat is whether or not the buck or doeling is registered. A sexually mature male goat that is registered can cost around $175. 

If a buck isn’t registered, they typically cost between $75 and $150. Female goats that are under one year old, also known as doelings, are between $250 and $400 if registered. Unregistered doelings have an average price of $125. 

Neutered Males 

Fewer farmers want neutered animals, as many are buying these creatures for more than just their cute faces! Infertile Pygmy goats will run you between $50 and $100.

Age 

Like most animals, Pygmy goats become less costly initially than younger ones. These creatures tend to live between 10 and 12 years old. They start to become less active around the age of six. 

Because fewer people want an older animal, they’ll cost you a fraction of the price. Older Pygmy goats are usually less than $100.

Cost of Supplies for Pygmy Goats

Now that you know the initial cost of how much the physical animal is, what about all the other costs associated with owning a goat? Let’s break it down! 

Food

The vast majority of a goat’s diet is hay and grains. They will eat the grass around your yard, but they require the nutrients that hay provides. Alfalfa supplements are helpful as well. For a Pygmy goat to have a balanced diet, expect to spend about $50 a month on hay. 

You can often get it in bulk from a local farmer or farm supply store. Big-name stores that carry hay for pets such as guinea pigs vastly overcharge for their products. 

Toys

Goats are adorable creatures that are easily entertained. Thankfully, you can use affordable household items to bring some joy into their lives. Pygmy goats love climbing and jumping on things. 

Consider using an old dining room table or coffee table from a thrift store and placing it in their pasture. Just like cats and dogs, these animals need to stay mentally stimulated and playing helps keep them physically healthy as well. 

Environmental Supplies

Goats are relatively low-maintenance pets, with the main chore being keeping their environment clean. If you don’t already own a shelter, that should be your top priority. It needs to offer shade in the summer, and a warm place to stay in the winter. 

If you live in a state that doesn’t get extremely hot or cold, consider a three-sided shelter. This allows your goats to come and go as they please. The shed should be no smaller than 8’ x 6’ per goat since these animals are quite petite. 

Inside the shelter, you’ll want fresh bedding which will cost about $25 per month. Heating lamps are an inexpensive way to keep these farm animals toasty. That will typically run you around $5 per month 

Medical Visits

You’ll likely shell out between $100 and $150 a month for basic healthcare needs. This includes things such as grooming and routine vet visits. We suggest setting a small amount aside each month to save for any unforeseen medical issues. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jasmin Künzli/iStock via Getty Images