Background:

Prior to moving to our farm we did extensive research into dairy goats. We were looking for a goat breed with good milking abilities and dairy characteristics, a nice temperament, easy to  handle and we preferred a smaller size breed of goat. We settled on the Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goat and have been very pleased with the breed.
 

Our foundation herd goats originate from some of the leading Nigerian breeders in the Upper Midwest (Avian Acres, Heidi's Mini Acres, Sugar Creek Farm, and recent addition from the east coat Rosasharn Farm).

 
We raise Nigerians for our own use (milk, cheese, yogurt and related dairy products), sales of quality animals (kids & adults) and sales of dairy products. Our goal is to use and promote the Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat as the ideal family milk goat.

Breed Standard & Characteristics:

*The Nigerian goat is a miniature dairy goat which originated in West Africa. Nigerians are officially recognized by the American Goat Society (AGS) and the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerians as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4-H and FFA projects.

*The conformation of the Nigerian is similar to the standards of larger dairy goat breeds - just must smaller in size. The body should be proportional to its small stature and reflect femininity, refinement and dairy character. Does must not exceed 22.5 inches at the withers (shoulders) and bucks must measure no more than 23.5 inches at the withers. The neck should be long and slim, legs straight and set squarely apart with a noticeable width in the rear legs to accommodate the udder.

*The wide range of colors and patterns of the Nigerian adds to their appeal. Any color, pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable. Main color families are black, chocolate and gold with virtually every color combination imaginable. They can be dalmation-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patterns are also popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a "cape" around the shoulders with a coordinating dorsal stripe and leg markings.

*A healthy Nigerian doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size--up to two quarts per day or more. In addition, Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10%) and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds.

*Eye color is typically brown but blue eyed animals are occasionally encountered.

*Nigerians are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

The Nigerian's Appeal:

*The Nigerian goat is an ideal production animal for today's small, homestead or hobby farm. They are friendly, hardy, gregarious herd animals which can be raised in almost any climate.

*The Nigerians are known to be "easy keepers" which require a minimal amount of space for housing, pens or pastures. Their small size makes them ideal for family members of all ages to handle and they can be transported in a medium to large sized dog kennel.

*They are hardy and generally healthy animals if given proper food and care and require significantly less feed or pasture than the larger dairy breeds.

*For those who have an interest in 4-H or showing animals, the Nigerian is an excellent choice as their small size allows for most children and family members to handle them.

Milk & Milk Products:

*A properly cared for doe will easily produce 1-2 quarts of milk per day. Milk production ranges from one to 8.0 pound of milk per day, with an average of 2.5 pounds.

*The milk has higher butterfat content than milk from full-sized dairy goats, usually about 5% but going as high s 10% at the end of their lactation. This makes Nigerian goat milk excellent for cheese, yogurt, ice cream and soap-making.
 

Our Herd:

*We chose Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats for our farm for their small size, good milking abilities and wonderful temperament.

*Our breeding program stresses dairy character and conformation; focusing on milk production, temperament, then size and color.

*Our goal is building a Nigerian herd with strong dairy characteristics (good milking ability, nice udders/teats), appropriate Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goat standards, good grazers (we do rotational pastures - Spring - Fall), nice colors (we really like the black/white Holstein and the red/gold/white-Ayrshire colors).

*We milk 2x's a day and keep individual records of daily milking ability of each doe. We use the initial milk to bottle feed kids as well as for our own use including: yogurt, ice cream, custard, cooking, cheese, etc. After weaning we have customers who enjoy farm direct goat milk.

*Our Nigerian Dwarf goat care and management is reflected in the excellent health of our entire herd. We follow a holistic health management program for our goats. We use natural health products and consult with our local veterinarian as needed. We feed only organic mixed feeds to our milking does and buy local quality hay. Spring, Summer and Fall all of our goats are on rotational pastures.

*All of our kids are bottled raised and have daily human contact. They receive appropriate immunizations, quality feeds/hay and access to outdoor pastures at all times.

*We provide individual attention to all of our goats.

*We have begun showing our goats at ADGA sanctioned shows. Please see our Show Results page for more information.

*We sell registered quality kids and adults and unregistered wethers. Please see our Sales Page and Breeding Schedule page to see what we currently have available and to reserve a Wren Farm Kid or contact us at wrenhillfarm@acegroup.cc

We are members of the following organizations:
American Dairy Goat Association
Minnesota Dairy Goat Association
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association
American Livestock Conservancy
Land Stewardship Project & Farm Beginnings Program