Emola Farm has Pygmy goats for sale at our farm in Mabank, Texas. Pygmies are the small, stocky, good-natured goats that most families are picturing when they call us about a pet goat. Call 903-880-0124 for what we have available and we can send you a photo.
What Is a Pygmy Goat?
Pygmy goats are a true miniature breed, originally from West Africa. They are noticeably small — the breed standard puts mature animals at roughly 16 to 23 inches at the withers — and they are built thick and stocky rather than fine boned, which is what distinguishes them from the other small breeds.
They come in a range of colors, from caramel through gray agouti to solid black, and they are known for being calm, curious, and easy to be around.
Pygmy vs. Nigerian Dwarf: Not the Same Goat
These two get confused constantly, and buyers regularly call one when they mean the other.
- Pygmy goats are stocky and cobby, bred for a meat-type build. They are kept mostly as pets and companions.
- Nigerian Dwarfs are finer boned and dairy shaped, bred as small milk goats.
If you want a small goat that is friendly and easy to keep, a Pygmy is the usual answer. If you specifically want milk from a small goat, you are looking for a Nigerian Dwarf or a full-sized dairy breed like a Nubian. Tell us which you mean when you call.
Who Buys Pygmy Goats
- Families with small acreage. A pair of Pygmies needs far less room than full-sized livestock, and they are manageable for children.
- Horse owners. Goats are commonly kept as companion animals for horses. A nervous horse with a goat in the stall is frequently a calmer horse.
- Petting zoos, schools, and events. Pygmies are docile and used to being handled.
- People who want livestock without a livestock operation. Pygmies are the usual answer for anyone in that position.
Buy Two. Not One.
This is the single most important thing on this page, so it gets its own heading.
Goats are herd animals. A goat kept by itself is a stressed goat — it will cry constantly, it will be harder to keep in a fence, and it will not thrive. A single Pygmy bought as a pet for the children is the classic version of this problem — the animal never settles.
Buy at least two goats. They keep each other company, they are quieter, and they are easier to manage. This is not an upsell; it is how the animal works.
Keeping Pygmy Goats
Fencing
Small goats find small gaps. Woven wire or goat panels with tight spacing, run to the ground, with nothing they can squeeze under. Pygmies also climb — anything next to the fence becomes a launching point, so keep pallets, feeders, and stumps away from the fence line.
We build fencing, custom gates, and pens and do welding, and we can set a goat pen up before your animals arrive.
Shelter
A simple three-sided shelter with dry bedding is enough. Goats tolerate cold much better than they tolerate being wet.
Feed
Good hay, browse, fresh water, and loose minerals formulated for goats. Do not use a mineral made for sheep — sheep minerals are formulated without copper, and goats need copper.
Be careful with grain. Pygmies are small and easy to overfeed, and an overweight Pygmy goat is a common and avoidable problem.
Hooves and Parasites
Hooves need trimming on a regular schedule. Internal parasites are the leading health issue for goats in East Texas — have a management plan and a vet relationship before you need one.
Where We Are
Emola Farm, 759 VZ CR 2704, Mabank, Texas 75147 — near Cedar Creek Lake in Van Zandt County, an easy drive from Athens, Canton, Kaufman, Terrell, Gun Barrel City, Corsicana, Forney, Rockwall, Tyler, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have Pygmy goats right now?
Availability changes weekly. Call 903-880-0124 and we will tell you what is on the farm.
How much do Pygmy goats cost?
It depends on age, sex, and whether the animal is registered. We quote current prices by phone.
Do you have baby goats?
Kids come through seasonally. Call and ask — if we do not have any today we can tell you what to expect.
Are Pygmy goats good with children?
Generally yes. They are small, docile, and used to being handled. As with any animal, supervise young children, and be aware that horned goats can hurt someone without meaning to.
Can I keep a Pygmy goat in my backyard?
Physically, yes — they need less space than full-sized livestock. Legally, check your city ordinance and any HOA rules first, because rules on livestock inside city limits vary a great deal across North Texas.
Do Pygmy goats produce milk?
A Pygmy doe in milk produces a small amount, but they are not a dairy breed. If milk is your goal, look at Nubians or another dairy breed.