Thinking of getting a goat? It’s a great idea! They’re like dogs, but with horns and a bad attitude. As a first-time goat owner, you’ll experience all sorts of challenges, but don’t worry, goats are pretty forgiving as long as you have snacks.
First up, fencing. If you don’t want your goat to go on a wild adventure without you, make sure your fence is sturdier than a sumo wrestler in a windstorm. Goats are known for their Houdini-like skills, and if your fence isn’t strong enough, they’ll be off on an adventure like they’re Indiana Jones searching for the holy grail.
This Electric Netting Works great on our farm!
Feeding your goat is like playing Goldilocks, but with hay instead of porridge. Give them too little, and they’ll be hangrier than a bear in hibernation. Give them too much, and they’ll be more bloated than a Kardashian after Thanksgiving dinner. Find that sweet spot, and you’ll have a goat that’s as happy as a kid in a candy store.
Minerals we feed our herd.
But, like all living creatures, goats can get sick. Don’t be surprised if your goat starts acting like a teenager with a cold. They’ll be moody, snotty, and won’t want to do anything except binge-watch Netflix. Take them to the vet, give them some medicine, and they’ll be back to being their goofy selves in no time.
Socialization is important for goats, too. They’re social creatures and need friends to hang out with. But, be warned, introducing a new goat to the group can be like introducing a new cast member to the Real Housewives. Drama is guaranteed, but with a little patience and some goat therapy, they’ll learn to coexist (mostly).
Lastly, behavioral problems. Goats are like toddlers with horns. They’ll chew on anything they can get their teeth on, like your favorite pair of shoes or your garden hose. They’ll also refuse to do anything you tell them to, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to get them to come inside for dinner. But, don’t worry, with a little bit of training and a lot of treats, you can turn your goat from a terror to a treasure.
Owning a goat can be an adventure. They’re funny, cute, and they’ll keep you on your toes. As long as you have snacks, a sturdy fence, and a good sense of humor, you and your goat will have a long and happy life together.