We’ve been raising Pygora goats on our homestead for well over a decade. Pygora’s are a fantastic breed that are versatile and an excellent addition to a homesteading. Since getting our first Pygora’s we’ve milked them, collected and used their fiber, rotated them through areas to clear weeds and enjoyed spending time with them in the pasture. We’ve also had several Pygora kids born on our property.
Below I’ll share details on what it’s like raising Pygora goats, what you need to know to get started raising goats and the resources you need to get started. You can also find more information on goats in our guide: A Beginners Guide to Raising Goats.
Contents
What is a Pygora Goat
The Pygora goat breed is becoming more and more popular. Pygora goats are generally friendly, medium-sized goats that are a cross between a Pygmy and Angora goat. This means they have some of the best qualities of both breeds. Pygora goats have fiber that can be harvested like an Angora goat and are good milkers like pygmy goats (up to a quart a day). Our Pygoras range in size but they are generally considered medium sized goats.
Because Pygora goats are a a cross between a registered NPGA (National Pygmy Goat Association) Pygmy goat and a registered AAGBA (American Angora Goat Breeders Association) White Angora goat, they come is a range of colors from white and black to caramel.
Pygora goats are also known as easy goats, specifically in terms of their care, hardiness, birthing, and handling. Due to their small size they are easy to manage compared to larger goats. That said – our goats still like to get up to mischief, especially when they are young – jumping fences and being playful!
Learn more about the Pygora Breed.
Why I Chose Pygora Goats for our Homestead
Many years ago when we were researching and choosing a goat breed for our homestead, we had several considerations. I wanted a small/medium multipurpose goat that was easy to manage. I also wanted a goat that would provide more than one service on our homestead. I ultimately chose Pygora goats for their ability to produce milk, fiber, their personality and their ability to clear brush.
We’ve been 100% happy with the decision to get Pygora goats.
Our Pygora Goat Story
We first got our Pygora goats when we were living in upstate New York on just 2 acres of land. Our front acre was garden and house and the back acres was for the goats and chickens. We purchased a shed from Home Depot and converted it into coop and a goat shed by dividing it into two parts. We first got a registered female (Belle) and a wether (neutered male) – Sam. Our original plan was to get a buck, breed our goats and resell the kids.
After moving to New Hampshire we purchased a second female (Cleopatra) and a buck (Lancelot).
Our New Hampshire homestead is on 5 acres with 2 of these acres dedicated to pasture space – much more than these goats need! There is enough room to keep our goats separated in two pastures when needed and a large shed to keep them at night. Within a year we also added a llama to live and protect the goats.
When our does were around 2 we bred them and had 3 babies born (1 singleton and twins – Siffana, Sven, and Olaf). For the next year we milked the moms once a day. Instead of selling them, my young kids fell in love with them and I quickly realized that I wasn’t interested in starting a breeding program. We ended up getting Lancelot neutered once we were sure we didn’t plan to breed again. For many years we had 7 goats.
In the past year we lost two of our goats, one to a virus and one to simple old age. Pygora goats typically live to be 12-15 years old and our original wether was about 14 when he passed. Each year we’ve sheared our goats and collected the fiber. We’ve done some spinning projects and used matted fiber in the garden as a mulch. Pygora goats have been one of the best additions to our homestead over the years.
Basics for Raising Pygora Goats
Like most goats, Pygora goats have relatively basic needs. Below is an overview of what Pygora goats need:
Food
Pygoras thrive on a simple diet, primarily consisting of grass hay or fresh grass. Additionally, we provide them with free-choice mineral salt. It’s helpful to check with your local county extension offices can offer valuable insights into any specific dietary requirements based on regional deficiencies. We do give our goats grain in the winter as they’ve gotten older and as an incentive. We can easily step out of our barn with grain in a bucket, give it a shake and the goats come running.
Space
Like all goats, Pygora’s benefit from enough space to get exercise and spread out. At a minimum, Pygoras need 50 square feet of space (at least 15 square feet in a covered area. You will reduce worm issues and cleanliness issues if you provide additional space.
- Shelter: Pygora goats require shelter from the elements, especially during inclement weather. A sturdy, well-ventilated shelter protects them from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Adequate bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, helps keep them comfortable and dry.
- Fencing: Secure fencing is crucial to keep Pygora goats contained and safe. They are curious animals and may attempt to escape if they find weaknesses in the fence. Fencing should be at least 4 to 5 feet high and free of gaps or openings they could squeeze through.
Water
Pygora goats need a constant supply of fresh, clean water
Bedding, Brush and Fiber
If you plan to use your Pygora fiber, you will need to keep it clean and free of debris as much as possible. This has been a challenge for use and we often have parts of the fiber that can’t be used. Keep your bedding clean and cut down burrs or other plants in your pasture that might get into the fiber. Most Pygora goats are sheared twice a year. This has always been a problem for us in NH as the cold winters make a thick coat beneficial. We typically try to shear in the early spring before the coats get matted and after the freezing weather is done.
Many people also brush their goats fiber. You can read more below about Pygora goat fiber.
Healthcare
Pygora goats require routine healthcare, including vaccinations, deworming, and hoof trimming. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian experienced in goat care to develop a preventative healthcare plan tailored to your goats’ needs. Regular health checks help identify and address any issues early on.
Socialization
Pygora goats are social animals and thrive in environments where they can interact with other goats or animals. Providing companionship and opportunities for socialization reduces stress and promotes their overall well-being.
Understanding Pygora Goat Fiber
Pygora goat fiber is known for its texture, softness, and versatility. Here’s an overview of Pygora goat fiber:
- Characteristics: Pygora goat fiber is prized for its unique combination of qualities, blending the characteristics of both Cashmere and Angora fibers. It typically exhibits a fine, soft feel akin to Cashmere, combined with a silky sheen reminiscent of Angora. The fiber comes in various types, including Type A, Type B, and Type C, each with distinct attributes.
It’s important to note that in general Pygora goat fiber has hair fibers mixed in. This means that you will need to DEHAIR your fiber. I did not know this initially. You can do this by hand (very time consuming) or send it to a mill.
- Types of Pygora Fiber: the type of fiber depends on the individual goat.
-
- Type A: Type A fiber resembles Cashmere and is the finest and softest of the Pygora fibers. It has a short staple length and a downy texture, making it ideal for luxurious, next-to-skin garments.
- Type B: Type B fiber is a blend of Cashmere and Mohair characteristics. It has a slightly longer staple length than Type A and may exhibit more luster and resilience. Type B fiber is often used for a wide range of textiles, including knitwear, woven fabrics, and blends.
- Type C: Type C fiber is akin to Mohair and tends to have a longer staple length and more pronounced luster. It is coarser than Type A and Type B fiber but still possesses softness and warmth. Type C fiber is commonly used in weaving, felting, and outerwear.
Uses: Pygora goat fiber is versatile and can be used in various textile applications. It is commonly spun into yarn for knitting, crocheting, and weaving projects, producing garments, accessories, and home textiles. Due to its softness and warmth, Pygora fiber is often used in luxury items such as scarves, shawls, sweaters, and blankets. Additionally, Pygora fiber blends well with other fibers, such as wool, silk, or alpaca, enhancing the texture and performance of the final product.
- Processing: Processing Pygora goat fiber typically involves shearing or combing the goats to harvest the fiber. The fiber is then cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and vegetable matter before being carded or combed to align the fibers – most fiber will need to be dehaired. After preparation, the fiber can be spun into yarn using various techniques, including hand spinning or machine spinning. Depending on the intended use, the yarn may undergo additional treatments such as dyeing, blending, or plying to achieve desired characteristics.
Overall, Pygora goat fiber offers a luxurious and sustainable alternative to traditional fibers, prized for its exceptional softness, warmth, and versatility in textile applications.
Milking Pygora Goats
In our experience, Pygora goat make a good choice for a milk goat.
- Milking Potential: Pygora goats are not typically bred specifically for milk production like some dairy goat breeds. However, they are capable of producing a moderate amount of milk, usually ranging from half a pint to a quart per day, depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and management practices.
- Milking Frequency: Pygora goats can be milked once or twice a day, depending on your schedule and the individual goat’s lactation cycle. Milking twice a day is more common for maximizing milk production and maintaining udder health.
- Lactation Cycle: Pygora goats, like other dairy breeds, have a lactation cycle that typically lasts around 10 months. They will produce the most milk during the first few months of lactation, gradually tapering off as they near the end of their lactation period. We milked our does for just under a year and saw this taper off.
- Milking Process: Milking Pygora goats follows a similar process to milking other dairy goat breeds. Before milking, it’s important to ensure proper sanitation by cleaning the udder and teats with a gentle, udder-safe cleanser and warm water. Use clean, sanitized milking equipment to collect the milk.
By following proper milking practices and providing attentive care, you can successfully milk Pygora goats and enjoy the benefits of their nutritious milk.
Where to Get Pygora Goats
If you are considering getting Pygora goats for your farm, the next questions is probably how much do Pygora goats cost and where can you find them. In general, Pygora goats are between $250-$600 dollars. You can expect to pay: Doelings – $450, Bucklings – $500, Wethers – $250.
You can find many breeders of Pygora goats around the country. Check that they are registered if you plan to breed or show your goats. You can also search for Pygora goats in this Breeders Directory.
