Supplement their diet with hay, grains, and greens. They have seriously strong personalities and form lifelong bonds like a dog.”, Kat’s Caprine Corner: Freezing Goats and Winter Coats, Guide to Keeping Goats Naturally Healthy Flip Book, Your Guide to Raising Healthy Kids Flip Book. It’s not hard to learn and goes a long way to keeping your goat in good health. Goats also can be very loud so before you adopt or purchase one, make sure your neighbors will be tolerant. In some cases, a sheep, horse, or donkey may be a companion for the goat, the truth is they prefer one or two other goats for true happiness. They have seriously strong personalities and form lifelong bonds like a dog.”. Goats are good eaters. Chew On This: Goats As Pets. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Common Diseases Of Goats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Nigerian Dwarf Goat. Use an above-ground feeder. For starters, they make good pets. We have had short term goat house guests when injury or illness required special care. Not to mention, cheese made from goat’s milk is pretty darn … ... Goats can be great pets for kids! A lone goat will be trying to escape to find his herd. Goats also need plenty of clean water, freshened daily. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You must also consider who can look after the goats when you are away. While Nubian goats … By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile, 8 Photos That Prove Farm Animals Are the Cutest, Desert Blonde Tarantulas: Species Profile. Obtain your goats from conscientious breeders who practice good preventative healthcare. There are a wide variety of breeds available but the dwarf or pygmy varieties are probably the most commonly kept as pets. There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats but the dwarf or pygmy goat varieties are the ones that are most commonly kept as pets. Fencing will be needed or the goats will be roaming your neighbor’s flower garden in no time flat. It was only recently that goats are considered to be … Raising goats are popular in most countries, even in the US. If you are going to keep goats near gardens, be sure to avoid planting roses and other toxic plants, such as azaleas, rhododendron, mountain laurel, and ferns. A yearly checkup and routine vaccinations are usually all that is needed. They are one of the oldest domesticated species around th… Don’t forget the daily fresh water. Goats are indiscriminate eaters who like a varied diet of plants, fruits, veggies, and more. No doubt, Pygmy goats are good pets in most of the cases. Useful for producing goat milk for cheese making and other purposes, this friendly and adorable goat breed is found on farms throughout the country. If you raise a milking breed such as the Nigerian Dwarf or Nubian, you will have delicious goat milk for drinking or making cheese if you have the doe bred. Generally healthy and hardy, goats won’t require lots of veterinarian visits when cared for properly. Keeping even a miniature goat breed like a Nigerian dwarf or Pygmy goat as an indoor pet is simply not a good idea. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwudFFJ004SCuPgBVYK7ZA New Videos every week Store … In fact, goats and dogs can be good companions for each other. This was a bit of wisdom … Fencing (and escaping!) Every day they discover something new and fun. There are numerous goat breeds available throughout the world which are suitable for raising as pets. They can take a lot of work, knowledge, and patience to raise properly, keep healthy and productive. They need to like being petted by strangers. Rose says, “Goats are perhaps the best AND worst homestead pet there is! They will munch on plants and flowers in your yard, though, so make sure your pet goats … These same qualities that make them so much fun to watch and interact with outside can be detrimental to your home. They even want to help, although running off with my work gloves isn’t my idea of helping. According to Rose Dutra Duncan, homesteader and owner of the website Wholesome Roots, goats make wonderful outdoor pets. 2) Goats can be loud. It offers nutrition, breaks down easily, and creates good tilth. Like mentioned above, bucklings can be quite aggressive during the breeding season, making them … If a fence can’t hold water, it can’t hold goats! Pygmy goats make great pets for people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Check your town’s regulations to ensure goats can be kept within your city’s limits and whether there are any restrictions regarding goat size or weight. Proper food must be provided because goats really don’t eat “anything and everything.” The best food for goats is good quality timothy or grass hay. Just keep a close eye on all of them, same as you would any other pet… Do goats make good pets? Well, there are many advantages to owning these wether goats. If you are in close proximity to your neighbors, check that they will be tolerant of pet goats as these animals can be quite loud. The party can get out of control quickly and result in lots of damage. This is often provided as a loose powder or as a compressed brick salt lick. The prove to be enthusiastic companions, enjoying engaging in activities with you, your children, and other goats. It is always best to visit the breeder so you can observe the conditions their goats are kept in; ask to see test results for CAE and other diseases. These wonderful and versatile animals come in various shapes and sizes and can be very nice pets … Alfalfa hay may be appropriate for milking does. … Therapy goats are trained to visit nursing homes and schools. One of the factors that usually pointed to the end of the stay was the number of goat droppings I had to clean up once the goat was on the mend. Inside the enclosure, a mother goat (doe) will need a smaller stall if she is raising baby goats (kids). Jess … If you are a small farmer, goats can help you achieve a goal of producing value-added products like cheese, and yogurt—or just sell fresh goat milk. Be sure to choose fencing that is sturdy and has smaller openings. These goats also originated from West Africa, and their height ranges from … On the other hand, goats are loving, affectionate, loyal animals, and many people deeply enjoy keeping them as pets. Goats love to jump, too. House training a goat can take a lot of time and be extremely challenging. Goats are herd animals, so they should never be kept as solitary animals. A pair (or more) of goats will make a good addition to the right family. Keeping goats as pets is fast becoming the thing to do throughout the … Mini Alpines should ideally look … Weighing in at 50-60 pounds when fully grown, they have airplane-like ears, adorable faces, and plump little bellies. A large amount of space (a yard or pasture) will be necessary, depending on the breed and number of goats. If you live in a city, bylaws may prevent you from keeping goats as they will likely be classified as an agricultural species. 01 of 10. Yes, Nigerian Dwarf Goats make good pets. Goats eat a large volume of food every day. Gardeners swear by tossing their goat manure into the compost pile. Is this a feasible option for an animal commonly raised as livestock? A perennial favorite in petting zoos, their curious and friendly nature makes them fun companions. If that’s the case, this article comes in handy since there are several things you should take into account besides the need to build the best fence for goats in your yard. Housebreaking refers to training a pet to eliminate in a certain area or when taken outside. Mohair goat breeds such as the Angora and Pygora are great pet goats for the person who loves fiber arts. They will make short work of any growth they can get to, so be prepared to fence off the areas you want to keep as a yard or garden. Sanitation alone has me saying no to keeping goats in the house. They prefer to eat food that has not been soiled or fallen on the floor. Reply. Even if the goats have to live in the backyard with a separate shed for shelter, the companion benefits are still great. The Perfect Name for a Pet Goat. (Privacy Policy) *, © 2020, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Goats are perhaps the best AND worst homestead pet there is! Pet goats tend to like attention, petting from their owners, and even eating out of your hand. Their small size and good nature make them attractive dairy goats, where they require less space and feed than larger goats, and are suitable for smaller farms in urban and suburban settings. Though they tend to browse on grass, weeds, and shrubs, the standard backyard will not have enough foliage for a goat's entire diet. ... It’s certainly worth doing your research ahead of time to make sure you and your goats are good … Check the zoning regulations in your area to ensure that pet goats can be kept within the town or city limits. 4) Milk. Goats have certain care requirements not much different from the family dog. Required fields are marked *. Before getting a goat, make sure they are allowed where you live. They defecate and pee anywhere and anytime. This makes them … If you have young children then I believe this breed of goat is a really good fit for you. Need a Hiking buddy? In… Goats are not very well suited to be house pets. In addition to companionship, milk, and fiber, you might be interested in showing your goats in breed shows. Despite their reputation, goats are picky eaters. # 2 – Nigerian Dwarf Goats. The reason for this is the fact that they are friendly, easy to handle, social, and love to play. Or you may want to volunteer with a community outreach group that teaches the benefits of small scale homesteading in urban areas. I think most people familiar with goats and goat behavior would quickly say no to having a goat in the house. Most of you know it by know that the main reason that goat has been the breed for centuries is for livestock and farming contributions of the animal. With the right determination and attitude going into it, they can be the best companions you ever dreamed of. Raising pygmy goats as pets is very popular in some countries. Unlike other pets, miniature goats don’t bite, kick, or scratch. Goats do not like being wet. Fencing and containing goats as pets are areas that might make you skeptical when asked are goats good pets. Nigerian dwarf goats make good pets, and you can easily train them to walk on a leash. Adult Size: 16 to 23 inches tall at shoulder; Boer breed buck can grow as large as 300 pounds; smaller goats are 45 to 60 pounds; pygmy goats are 15 inches at the shoulder and 35 to 45 pounds, Life Expectancy: 15 to 18 years in captivity, with some living much longer. It takes a special kind of determination to attempt to house train goats to go outside to do their business. And then there’s the whole topic of housebreaking a goat. They love to climb and their hooves can easily damage furniture and carpets. Suitability of goats as pets Goats can be destructive to fences, housing and gardens and can call loudly, which neighbours may find a nuisance. Keeping your property trimmed of weeds is a wonderful benefit for those who ask are goats good pets. Goats are boisterous and often a little loud. If the enclosure or barn has windows, they should be higher than the head of the tallest goat when standing on its hind feet. The pet goats won’t be trimming your lawn, though. Other towns and municipalities may allow certain sized goats and small herds. She has no trouble keeping goats warm in cold weather with simple barn-style shelter. A small, friendly and docile goat that loves people makes this my top pick for goat pet. As you know, goats are very smart, playful and they can make good companions. They can take a lot of work, knowledge, and patience to raise properly, keep healthy and productive. Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species the world over, and they are still raised for their milk, meat, fur, and skins. Bringing home only one goat rarely works out well. The rise of the miniature goat breed has allowed more Australians to discover the joys of keeping a couple of cute … Jess Knowles, farmer and owner of The 104 Homestead website raises Nigerian Dwarf goats in rural Maine. Many goats are great ambassadors! Goat care requirements include suitable housing for protection from the elements. Keeping goats as pets and for milk production is absolutely a good idea. Goats are herd animals by nature and typically prefer the company of other goats… Goats Have Unique Accents . There may also be restrictions regarding goat size or weight. Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Fencing and containing goats as pets are areas that might make you skeptical when asked are goats good pets. Ruminants eat often and urinate and poop more often than the typical house pet. Don't forget to sub to my new channel! If you are interested in other barnyard animals, check out: Otherwise, check out other farm animals that can be your pet. Mini Alpines. Jess Knowles, farmer and owner of The 104 Homestead website raises Nigerian Dwarf goats in rural Maine. Although goats were the very first domesticated breed of animal. Are goats good pets if you don’t live on a farm or homestead? There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats. There are 2 types of ideal pet breed of goats, the Pygmy, and Fainting goat. Otherwise, the window should be covered with bars to prevent the goats from putting their head through the window and potentially trying to climb through. Uncastrated male goats have a very strong odour and can … Although you will get different views from different … Before deciding on males or females, you need to decide your purpose for wanting to own Nigerian dwarf goats. The square footage of the space needs to be multiplied by the number of goats you have since they need room to move around each other. Also, be aware many cities regulate how close animals can be housed to dwellings or neighboring properties. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch them.”. Due to their small size, ease of care for beginner owners, and friendly and playful temperament, these goats make great pets. Larger standard goat breeds, such as Nubians, need twice that much space per goat, so plan accordingly. Vaccinations and routine preventative treatment for worms and other parasites are necessary for all goats, and you should consult local veterinarians regarding what is required in your area. Be prepared to haul heavy hay bales. Take a look at the nature of goats. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Those factors don’t change with any reason for raising goats. Goats are susceptible to a number of infectious and chronic diseases. Bruce on April 22, 2020 at 12:35 pm. One of the most popular goat breeds today, the Nubian goat is a favored dairy goat. Our goats will happily browse around us on the farm while we do chores and repairs. Goats provide endless entertainment and seek out our attention. But in case of raising goats as pets, you have to keep at least two goats. A perennial favorite in petting zoos, their curious and friendly nature make them fun companions. They also don’t take much skill to handle. Nigerian dwarf goats as pets. They can also be trained, just like any other pet… I make sure they go to good goat educated homes. Smaller breeds of goats such as the pygmies need at least 135 square feet per goat. I also learned that if you want to keep goats … Goats make good pets because of a number of qualities, although they are traditionally thought of as a farm animal. While some folks have successfully potty trained baby goats, they will … Love them and enjoy their antics and pet goats will repay you with the gifts of laughter, good memories and affection for many years. Goats prefer to eat weeds, brush, and tasty leaves from low-hanging branches. Parrots, lizards, dogs, cats, chickens and goats, etc. For these reasons, gots require an advanced level of care. Once you have determined that you can provide the care requirements for pet goats, be sure to check the local ordinances about owning goats in your town or county. Because goats … Goat shelters or barns should ideally be draft-free. She has no trouble keeping goats warm in cold weather with simple barn-style shelter. The living space needs areas that provide part sun and part shade as well as protection from winds. Many prefer to start with Nigerian dwarf goat … My name is Danyelle and I saw that you had put pygmy goats under fun pet, but pygmy goats actually produce high quality milk. While you may love cuddling that one kid that stole your heart, goats do not do well alone. Full-sized Alpine goats originated in the French Alps. Despite their reputation for being slightly rebellious, goats are sometimes kept as pets because of their ability to form close bonds with their owners. To say the least. Find an exotics or farm animal veterinarian who will be available to serve your goats. Goats are herd animals, so they need at least one partner of the same kind, and they need a large yard or bigger in which to roam. ... from heart disease to arthritis—and promotes good gut health. She states, “Goats are better than TV. Goats can make great pets for energetic owners, and you can even have fun naming them. You might be wondering if goats make good pets. For people with more limited space, pygmy goats might be an excellent … They also require high protein grain and supplemental minerals, especially copper. While I do not like to single out breeds because individual goats from any breed can be wonderful pets, certain breeds tend to be more popular with families looking for pet goats. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Chickens, sheep, goats, and cows are some of the farm animals that are popular at places like petting zoos, and some of these animals are actually becoming more and more popular as … This is another smaller breed that makes a great addition to a small farm and is a favorite among many homesteaders. They can get jealous and moderately aggressive if one goat is favored over others. In addition, larger openings in the fence lead to goat heads being stuck as they reach through the fence for the greener grass on the other side. It’s probably best if you can provide a small shelter with a roof for your pet goats. Goat experts Katherine Drovdahl and Cheryl K. Smith offer valuable tips to avoid disaster and raise healthy, happy animals! No matter what goats you get as pets for your family, be sure to give them the care they require. Answering the question, yes, Pygmy Goats are good pets. Be prepared to trim goat hooves regularly or find someone that can do this task for you. These goats must be controllable, reliable in temperament, and have good manners. Goats are best suited to rural farms or homes with acreage. Whether Pygmy Goats are a Good Pets. They need attention like any other pet. Your email address will not be published. Although they are traditionally thought of as a farm animal, goats also make good pets. Miniature goats are gentle, friendly and funny animals that make great pets for families. Prior to committing to getting pet goats, think about whether you can meet its needs. In the heat of summer or the frigid winter, the water might need changing more often. There is a good market for it with folks … Also, some municipalities regulate how close animals can be kept to dwellings or neighboring properties. Goats such as the pygmy (smallest meat breed), Nigerian Dwarf (smallest dairy breed), and the pygora (smallest fiber breed) are going to be your best bets. Jess recommends goats as pets. I consent to Backyard Goats collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. What do you think? Some areas are very strict with a no-livestock policy. Enclosure fencing of at least four to five feet high is also a necessity for all goats as they are very agile and good jumpers. This sleeping area will provide cover and protection from predators and extreme weather. You must be prepared for a long-term commitment when keeping goats. Under the right conditions, the question “are goats good pets?” can be answered with “yes.”. Goats are notoriously good at climbing. Your email address will not be published. Spinning, knitting, or crocheting with fiber from your pet goat is a wonderful benefit. Consult with an exotics or farm animal veterinarian on the best foods for your goat; do not assume that foods labeled for other barn-yard animals are safe for goats. Many people have become goat owners because they fell in love with a tiny goat kid and decided to give goat ownership a try. Backyard goats can, indeed, become a source of milk for you and your family. They are also frequently kept as pets… Pygmy goats are very popular as pets mainly for their small size and very friendly nature. The smaller breeds such as Pygmy, Nigerian Dwarf, Pygora, and Kinder may be the best goats for pets if local zoning requires goats under a certain size. With the right determination and attitude going into it, they can be the best companions you ever dreamed of.
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