About Eden Hollow

How it all began...

In my quest to become just a little more self sufficient, I wanted to be able to produce dairy products right here at home.As I began my research, I quickly realized that a family milk cow was simply out of the question.We didn’t have the space or housing requirements to care for a cow and processing gallons of milk per day was just waaaay too much milk for our family of four.

"Edee" on the stanchion

But then I discovered the Nigerian Dwarf goat. A healthy doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk (around 2 quarts) per day. Therefore, one or two goats would provide the perfect amount of milk for my family. (No need to buy an extra refrigerator for storing gallons and gallons of milk!)

Their milk has the highest butterfat of any dairy goat breed in the United States which makes their milk perfect for making cheese (both hard and soft varieties), butter, yogurt, kefir, ice cream, and the most amazing, soothing soaps and lotions you can find! In addition, because these goats cycle year-round (rather than seasonally like the big goats), you can have a fresh supply of milk all year with two or three goats, staggering their breeding four to six months apart.

"Edee" with bucking "Eden Hollow Rob"

Nigerians are also small and friendly goats, with calm, even temperaments, so they fit nicely into families with small children (like mine). Even breeding bucks can be handled with ease. These wonderful goats also do not need the space or large feed requirements that the larger dairy goats or cows need, making the care for them practical for the small farm or back yard owner.

"Eden Hollow Rachael" - first doeling born on the farm

When I took all this information into account, I knew right away that Nigerians were the perfect milk goat for my family. Even thought this "project" of mine began as a purely practical way for me to provide fresh, healthful dairy for my family, their sweet, loving natures and quirky personalities immediately won me over.