Considerations before getting a Pet Goat

If you are interested in keeping a goat as a pet there are some very important considerations.

Zoning and Laws

Depending where you live, goats may not be allowed. Even if you live in a rural area, if you are in a subdivision livestock may not be allowed, even as pets. If you rent your acreage, your landlord may have the final say on keeping a goat. The amount of land you have may also influence if you can keep a goat, zoning laws on this are different everywhere. A quick call to your county office, or local agriculture department should give you the right information for your area.

Climate and Housing

Goats are not tolerant of the cold and especially do not like drafts or getting wet. If you live in an area with potentially cold, wet, or windy, winters, you must make sure you can provide your goats with proper shelter. In many cases this should be a barn, heated or not, depending on the number of animals in relationship to the barn and the weather in general.

Fencing

Goats are clever and industrious, they like to climb. Many breeds of goats are excellent climbers and will escape over most conventional fences. They will also try to squeeze through smaller holes or spaces in barbed wire. There are specialty fences available for keeping goats, just make sure your gate is also escape proof.

Feeding and Water

Goats are browsers, they will eat bushes, and whatever they can reach, even things that are not normally food. If you have trees in their pen they will try to reach up and eat the leaves. They will also eat grasses and some weeds. In a good pasture goats may not need extra feeding in the summer, unless pregnant, nursing, or young. In the winter months, and when pregnant and nursing, goats will need to be fed hay and grains. Some feed stores offer pelleted feeds for goats, it is best to discuss your needs with the people in your local feed store as they will know what is best.

Your goats will also need access to fresh water daily, they can drink from a trough or bucket, but care must be taken in the winter not to allow the water to freeze. Goats should also have a salt lick and mineral block, again the people at the livestock feed store will know which is best for mineral requirements in your area, as some areas are more lacking of some minerals in the hay.

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Breed and Gender

There are many breeds of goats, from the small Pygmy goat to the larger Boer goat. Find out what breeds are common in your area and select one according to your likes and abilities. Female goats are called does, males are billies, castrated males are called wethers, and make terrific pets. Billies can be aggressive, especially around breeding season, which is in the fall. Never keep more billies than does, as fights will occur.

How Many

Goats are herd animals, they do best in groups. If you are planning on getting a pet goat, plan on getting at least two or three, or having another animal to keep it company. Goats get along with horses, sheep, alpacas, and most other farm animals.

Other Points

• A goat who was a bottle baby as a kid will be extra friendly.
• Goats with horns can be more dangerous, particularly males, or may risk breaking a horn off.
• Be sure to inquire about what vaccinations and deworming your goats need.
• Always get a contract of sale stating that your new goat is in good health.
• Never get any pet unless you have the financial ability to care for it, and keep it in good health, for its lifetime.
• Do more research on goat care before rushing off to buy them as pets.