Thinking of starting a goat farm?  Though incredible creatures they can be a real challenge for any aspiring goat herder who jumps in without any prior experience or preparation.  Here’s a couple of the realities of working with goats that you aught to be aware of before getting your first few horned pals into your paddock.

Goats are the Livestock Version of Houdini

Like the great escape artist of the early 1900’s, Goats are surprisingly good at escaping the confines of whatever pen you might try to put them in. Clever and inquisitive they’re also extremely nimble and learn fast and have a natural desire to roam about.

Because of this it’s super important to make sure that you have somewhere secure to keep them when you aren’t able to keep an eye on them.  Certain things should be considered when building your goat pen such as sturdy fence posts built into concrete to support the fence.

Appropriate fencing materials are key too – woven metal is regarded as a good option as it is resistant to even the most tenacious goats attempt to break it.  Barbed wire on the other hand is a bad idea for the same reason as, stubborn as they are, some goats may injure themselves in their attempts to get free.

Goats are Surprisingly Picky Eaters

Goats have a reputation for eating basically anything. The truth is though that goats tend to taste things with their mouths before deciding if they want to actually eat it.  Food that has been left out or trodden on is off-putting for goats who will often not want to eat it.

It’s actually fine and healthy for them to roam outside of their pen when they get the opportunity.  They’ll happily eat the greenery beyond which can help cut down on costs of feed and control the unwanted growth of plants.

However this brings it’s own problem. As mentioned, goats determine whether to eat something by tasting it. This is a problem when the thing they are tasting is poisonous.  That means you need to keep an eye on them should they be let out to forage. Before starting a herd it’s especially wise to study up on and remove poisonous plants in the place you’ll be keeping them.

Goats are Social Animals

Though often portrayed as hardy and independent creatures the truth is goats need the company of other goats to be happy.  Without this they become depressed and ill.  They do not flock like sheep do but they get reassurance from the presence of other members of their direct herd.  That’s why it is important to keep at least two goats.

As a positive benefit, this propensity towards socialization makes it comparatively easier to keep them.  Goats can be surprisingly companionable creatures towards humans and will often seek out pats and nuzzle humans that they have come to like. Or that at least feed them.

And why not?  It works for cats.

Thinking of starting a goat farm?  ADL’s course in Goat Farming is the ideal primer for learning to keep, care and raise your own herd of these fantastic animals.  Find out more here!