Goat as a Pet
Considerations before Purchasing a Goat
Goats, being a herding animal, are in reality, more of a farm livestock than a pet – yet many people like a goat as a pet.
- Housing and Living Needs
Goat as a Pet
Goats need outside space:
- A secure fenced yard against predator entry
- For grazing and exercise – roaming and climbing
- Recommended 250 square feet/22 square meters per adult goat
- Recommended 135 square feet/12.5 square meters per small breed goats – Pygmies, Nigerian Dwarf
- Potted trees/poles or covered with a protective mesh – against birds0of0prey – eagles, vultures
Fencing Requirements – Goats are notorious Escape Artists:
- Fencing must be 4-5 feet/1.75 meters high – strong – goats will butt it to escape
- Woven wire or livestock panels are preferred
- Chicken wire is not recommended- not strong enough – easily broke
Shelter requirements:
- Large enough for number of goats
- Wind and water proof
- Have water and food available
- Be predator proof – coyotes mountain lions/cougars, bears, wolves, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, domestic/feral dogs
Goat areas must be examined/cleaned weekly against disease and infection.
- Goats are Herd Animals
Goat as a Pet
A single Goat can/usually become:
- Stressed and destructive
- Aggressive towards human owner
- Noisy and neighbour disturbing
- Constantly trying to/actually escaping
As a goat pet owner, you need to have two goats for happiness.
- Goats Feeding and Diet
Goat as a Pet
- Goats are browsers, not grass-eating grazers, preferring to eat:
- Twigs
- Vines
- Leaves
- Brushes
- Shrubs
- Broad-leaf weeds
Goats eat weeds that cattle and horses do not.
- Concentrates and Grains:
Energy Sources
- Oats- highly palatable
- Corn – cracked or rolled
- Barley
- Wheat Bran
Protein Sources:
- Soybean meal
- Cottonseed meal
- Sunflower cake
- Ground cake
- Brewer’s grains
Commercial Feeds:
- Sold as Pellets or Crumbles – formulate with necessary vitamins, minerals, proper protein
Always consult your Goat Veterinarian for diet suggestions/changes.
- Feeding Recommendations
Goat as a Pet
- Know your Pet Goat’s Concentrate Needs:
- Concentrates for lactating goats – consult Veterinarian for type/quantity
- Concentrates for growing kid goats – consult Veterinarian for type/quantity
- Concentrates for pregnant goats – consult Veterinarian for type/quantity
Dry Does and Wethers goats usually do not require concentrates.
- Do not overfeed – excess grains cause digestive issues (Acidosis)
- Minerals needs:
- Veterinarian suggested loose, goat-specific, free-choice supplements
- Ensures necessary proper copper, selenium, calcium
Feeding is a daily chore/obligation.
- Goats must Avoid Eating/Being Fed:
- Mouldy food
- Milkweed
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Oleander
- Mountain Laurel
- Nightshades – green parts of potatoes and tomatoes
You the pet owner must be familiar with all plants and weeds in your Pet Goats area.
- Specialized Veterinarian Care
Goat as a Pet
You will require a farm/exotic pet Veterinarian for your Goats care.
- Hoof trimming
- Parasite Control
- Annual checkup
- Required vaccinations
Make certain you have a specialized veterinarian for emergencies.
- Noise Smell
Cleanliness Routine
Goat as a Pet
Goats bleat very loudly and often:
- Especially if bored/lonely – that’s why two goats are necessary
- Goat poo stinks
- Goats have a distinct odour/smell
- Goat shelter and yard require regular daily/weekly cleaning
Always keep neighbours happy as a goat owner.
- Financial Costs
Goat as a Pet
Goats have living expenses beyond the original purchase price:
- Secure fencing and housing/shelter
- Daily feed costs
- Water costs
- Electricity if heat is required for comfort/necessity
- Veterinarian costs – annual checkup/emergencies
- Maintenance of your established Pet Goat going concern
A contingency fund is recommended.
- Travel/Lifestyle/Goat Lifespan
Goat as a Pet
Pet Goat Ownership Lifestyle – Goats can live 10-15 years
- Long-term daily commitment
- Spontaneous travel trips are impossible
- Goat sitters must be experienced and reliable
- Will your child/children loose interest
- Will you the adult loose interest
- What about job opportunities, housing moves if required
Pet Goats require stability and a fun project not a personal/family discomfort.
- Temperament and Behaviour
Goat as a Pet
Personality-wise Pet Goats generally are:
- Curious
- Intelligent
- Often very stubborn
- Will chew on too many things – furniture, gardening efforts, clothing
Pet Goats Do head-butt – especially the males – playful younger Goats – keep children and unsuspecting guests clear of any hurt.
- Local Municipal Laws
Goat as a Pet
It is your responsibility to know local bylaws:
- Are there Goat owning restrictions or prohibitions in your area
- Note: Goats are not permitted by apartment rules
- Goats will not be permitted to graze in public areas – landscaping problems
Bottom line – Goats are best raised/kept in a farming/rural area.
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Two Goats as Pets
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