Urban Agriculture
Goats’ social nature and adaptability made them easier to domesticate in early civilizations. Over time, people selectively bred goats to meet specific needs and established their domestication. Over thousands of years, this process significantly altered their function and physical traits. While goats were initially valued for their milk, meat, and fiber, they have recently become popular in households not just as livestock but also as delightful and intelligent pets. Pet goats offer a unique combination of companionship and utility, making them an excellent choice for individuals and families with available space and the dedication to care for them.
Behavior Characteristics
Goats exhibit different types of behaviors that make up their unique personalities.
- Social behavior. Goats are herd animals that thrive in groups. They form strong bonds to reduce stress and promote well-being.
- Curiosity and exploration. Goats are naturally curious and explore their environment to forage, solve problems, and engage socially.
- Playfulness and energy. Playful and active, goats enjoy jumping, climbing, and headbutting, which helps with physical and social development.
- Communication. Goats use vocalizations and body language to express their needs, emotions, and social interactions.
- Feeding and foraging behavior. Goats are selective browsers, preferring shrubs and leaves over grass. They use their keen senses to locate food.
- Territorial and dominance behavior. Goats establish social hierarchies through headbutting and body language. Dominant goats often control resources.
- Reproductive behavior. Does show restlessness and tail-wagging during estrus, while bucks snort, urinate to mark their territory, and head butt to attract mates.
- Maternal behavior. Does bond with their kids through licking and nuzzling. They recognize their young by smell and sound and protect them from threats.
- Resting and comfort-seeking behavior. Goats sleep in sheltered groups, seek shade in hot weather, and huddle for warmth in the cold.
- Learning and memory. Goats learn by observation, solve problems, and have excellent memory for pathways and feeding spots.
- Seasonal behavior. During the rut, bucks become aggressive and will pursue does. Goats also adapt grazing patterns based on forage availability.
- Behavioral issues in confinement. Goats may develop boredom-related habits like chewing or pacing and show stress through vocalization or reduced feeding when confined.
Shelter and Predator Control
Provide shelter from sun and rain if goats are kept outdoors. Goats dislike getting wet and will instinctively seek shelter during storms. A typical shade shelter is three-sided, offering protection from the elements while maintaining ventilation. Keep the shelter clean and dry and regularly remove soiled bedding or debris to prevent hoof rot.
Predators can pose significant threats to pet goats, even in suburban or urban areas. Stray dogs are often the most common threat, but coyotes and raccoons can also cause harm. Effective predator prevention starts with secure fencing to keep predators out and goats safe. Guard animals, such as livestock guardian dogs, donkeys, or llamas, can ensure protection and stop or eliminate threats. Since goats are prey animals, predators will monitor your pet goats for vulnerabilities. Being proactive will ensure that your pet goats live long and healthy lives.
Care Management
The following practices can help maximize the health of pet goats.
- Housing and shelter. Provide clean, dry, ventilated shelter with secure fencing to protect goats from harsh weather and predators.
- Nutrition and feeding. Feed a balanced diet of hay, forage, and supplements, with constant access to fresh water and occasional healthy treats.
- Healthcare. Ensure regular vaccinations, parasite control, hoof trimming, and veterinary check-ups to maintain overall health.
- Grooming and hygiene. Brush goats regularly, maintain cleanliness, and inspect horns and coats for damage or issues.
- Hoof trimming. Regular hoof trimming is essential for maintaining the health and mobility of pet goats. Overgrown hooves can lead to discomfort, infections, and mobility issues.
- Enrichment and socialization. Keep goats in pairs or groups, provide toys and climbing structures, and spend time bonding with them daily.
- Breeding and reproductive management. Avoid unwanted breeding through spaying or neutering and manage bucks separately when necessary.
- Predator control. Use secure fencing, guard animals, and night enclosures to protect goats from potential predators.
- Observation and monitoring. Regularly monitor goats for signs of illness or stress and perform routine health and body condition checks.
Pet Breed Options
Several different goat breeds are ideal for pets. For smaller land areas, dwarf breeds are recommended, including Nigerian Dwarf, or Myotonic goats. Consider Boers, Kikos, La Mancha, or Saanen goats if you seek larger breeds and have ample space.
The list below includes additional pet goat breeds and their characteristics.
- Pygmy. Pygmy goats are friendly, adaptable animals that are great with children and can produce a small amount of milk.
- Nigerian Dwarf. Nigerian Dwarf goats are intelligent, fun, and escape-prone animals that are also excellent for rich dairy production.
- LaMancha. LaMancha goats are gentle, non-aggressive dairy goats known for their short ears and high butterfat milk.
- Kinder. Kinder goats are energetic, playful, medium-sized goats that are great for both milk production and entertainment.
- Nubian Dwarf. Nubian Dwarf goats are friendly and family-oriented with long, droopy ears and a compact size.
- Mini Saanen. Mini Saanen goats are quiet, friendly, and elegant goats with cream-colored coats, ideal for small farms.
- Pygora. Pygora goats are small, easy-to-care-for fiber goats that produce fleece for fabric and thrive in suburban areas.
- Mini Alpine. Mini Alpine goats are hyperactive, dairy-focused goats with upright ears and playful antics.
- Boer. Boer goats are hardy, fertile, and often large, making them suitable for breeding but requiring substantial food.
- Nigora. Nigora goats are fluffy, sweet-natured animals that thrive in pairs and produce versatile fiber for crafting.
- Mini Oberhasli. Mini Oberhasli goats are hardy milk producers with striking red and black coats. They are ideal for family farms.
- Mini Myotonic. Mini Myotonic goats, or fainting goats, are gentle, easy-to-care-for pets with unique reactions to startling sounds.
- Alpine. Known for their high milk production, these adaptable goats are intelligent and make great additions to any homestead.
Conclusion
Goats make excellent pets, but like any other animal, it’s crucial to understand their breed characteristics, nutritional needs, care, and how to provide a suitable environment. Each goat has specific needs and unique behavior that is understood through hands-on experience. Before acquiring goats, check local regulations to determine if there are restrictions or zoning requirements in your area. Also, consult with a veterinarian to learn about prevalent diseases in your area.
Visit the Animals page for additional information about small ruminant production management.