Are Goats Good Pets?

Are goats good pets? The answer to this question isn’t a simple yes or no. Depending on the temperament of the pet you want, the size of your home, and the amount of time you have on your hands, a goat may be the perfect pet for you. Goats are not typically companion animals like dogs and cats, but this does not mean you can’t keep them as pets. This article will explore the behavior and needs of these animals to help you decide whether having them as pets is a good choice.

Are Pygmy Goats Good Pets?

Goats are browsers and eat a variety of grass and vegetation, so keeping them indoors requires careful management of their diet and environment to ensure their health. Goats kept outdoors require access to a field as well as a shelter, such as a shed or a barn. Goats are inquisitive and love exploring, so they must have enough space to run around and play.

Most importantly, goats are herd animals, so having only one goat as a pet is not the best idea. They need to socialize, so you need at least two goats. You must give them equal attention if you choose to have two or more as pets. Goats are extremely intelligent and will become jealous if their owners give the other animals more attention. When goats get jealous or frustrated, they may become aggressive, but the aggression extremes differ depending on the type of goat you have.

If you have an outdoor space big enough to cater to one of these animals, you must ensure that your fence or walls are high enough. As we mentioned, goats are extremely smart and are expert climbers.

Consequently, your fence or wall should be at least four feet tall to ensure your pet goat doesn’t escape. You also need to ensure that there are no trees or structures close to the fence or wall that the goat could climb on to jump outside their outdoor space.

Do They Need Shelter?

Again, many people assume that pet goats can easily withstand the natural elements because they are typically farm animals. This thinking is incorrect, as all goats need protection from the natural elements, as do others. If your outdoor space receives a lot of sun, you must provide your pet goats with a shady area where they can relax and cool down on warm days.

A sheltered spot is also necessary for goats, especially during the colder months when it rains and snows. Examples of good shelters for goats would be a barn or stable. These areas must be waterproofed to ensure pet goats stay healthy.

Best Breeds of Pet Goat

There are currently over 300 different types of goats across the globe. Not all of these breeds are suitable to be pet goats, though. Here are some of the best species of goats to have as pets:

Pygmy Goat

Pygmy goats are among the most popular pet goat breeds because they are friendly and smart. Pygmy goats grow to be 16 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 85 pounds. In addition, you will learn that these goats’ coats come in seven different colors.

LaManchas

LaManchas are among the most popular pet goat breeds developed in North America. They are goats with very small ears, which is their most notable feature. LaManchas grow to be roughly 28 inches tall and have a very calm temperament.

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Nigerian dwarf goats are petting zoo favorites and are one of the most intelligent goat breeds. Nigerian dwarf goats grow to be 23 inches tall and weigh roughly 75 pounds.

The Lifespan of Goats

If you are looking into getting a pet goat, you need to know that it is a long-term commitment, as goats live for an average life of 7 to 14 years. Their lifespan depends on their breed, diet, and living conditions. Also, female goats tend to live slightly longer than male goats.

What Do Goats Eat?

Goats are herbivores and eat various foods, from soft berries to hard tree bark. Goats have a stomach with four chambers. Goats must have a mineral-rich diet. They need selenium, copper, and iron to be healthy. Some of a goat’s favorite foods are:

• Acorns
• Apples
• Bamboo
• Blackberry bushes
• Bramble
• Cedar needles
• Dandelion
• Elm
• Ferns
• Honeysuckle
• Poplar trees
• Poison ivy
• Roses
• Grasses