We are frequently asked if baby goats make good pets. The short answer is yes! However, there are a few things that you should take into account before you decide to bring a goat home.
Size matters
You should first know that baby goats become BIG goats eventually. I know that might sound silly to have to say, but the size of the full-grown goat should be taken into account. This will affect the amount of feed they require and the amount of strength you’ll need to groom and handle them.
They love other goats
Goats are herd animals. They really prefer to be a part of a goat family. I know of people who claim that their goats hang out with their pet cats or dogs, even chickens, but the truth is a goat really prefers to be around other goats. It makes a real difference in their happiness levels and we have goats that are real besties. They do everything together and really watch out for one another. So, I’d recommend getting at least two same-sex goats or wethered ( non-breeding) goats.
Winter Baby Surprise!
Trimming and grooming
Goats have hooves that need to be trimmed regularly and some, like the ones we keep, need to be shorn twice a year. Grooming is easiest when the goats are used to being handled. You should take a few minutes and pet your goats while feeding so they make a connection between you and their food. They will let you pet them easily and that makes grooming easier. Although they still make require a couple of handlers to get the job done. This is especially true if your goats have horns! Neglected hooves and overgrown fiber can be dangerous for a goat, so be sure you are willing to commit the time to learn to do these things or hire someone who can.
Regular Houdinis
Goats are notorious escape artists. They are very smart and can learn how to unhook a gate quite easily. They also watch the fence line for any weak links and will continue to test every boundary. So be sure you are able to secure your goats with a nice sturdy fence.
Kick the Tin Can
Lastly, nutrition is very important. Don’t believe the old adage that a goat will eat a tin can. It’s just not true. We have learned that they love to eat rose bushes, so that’s another reason to mind the fencing. We feed a variety of grains, hay, and minerals. We have to change diets when goats are pregnant and lactating.
Our miniature fiber goats
We raise miniature fiber goats that we have bred on our farm in Minnesota. We wanted the size of a Nigerian Dwarf and the fiber of an Angora. We have successfully created a herd that is gentle and easy to handle and also provides us with wonderful mohair fiber.
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Eleanor