Goats are Social Creatures

Many books will tell you that goats are not social animals. I was very surprised the first time I read that, and I saw it over and over in many different goat specific books. But let us not get confused between needy and social. Goats are very social, they play, they protect each other, and they are happier when they have a playmate, no matter the goats age. The majority of the time a goat isn’t needy, or clinging to a companion, like sheep do. A goat needs someone or something to play with, be it another goat, a cow, a sheep, your kids or yourself. Don’t just stick a goat out in your yard by herself and only deal with her at milking and feeding times. Go out and play with her if she is alone, and no, chickens don’t count.

When you buy your first goat, make sure to find out how the owners move her. The preference would be a goat that has been trained to lead. Usually this is a dog collar and a lead rope. You don’t want to have to carry her or grab her by the horns. If you don’t have a large herd, or other livestock, shaking a grain can will work as well. Just don’t get trampled.

Escape artists. Goats test fences. You can stop that by using a Y shaped tree limb. Place their head between the V of the Y shape and tie it. Not to choke or be super uncomfortable. This make it almost impossible for them to squeeze through holes or jump over fences. It will take a good 6 weeks before they are broke of this. Remove the yoke, and it should be over with, if not, replace it for a day or two as a reminder. If the doesn’t work, picket the goat like you would a dog on a chain. All this will help you to prevent he goat from escaping. You don’t want to have to reimburse your neighbor for their trees.