Raising a goat can be a rewarding experience, whether you want fresh milk, natural brush control, or a friendly backyard companion. This guide covers the essentials of goat care, from choosing your goat to daily feeding, housing, and health maintenance. Before you start, check local zoning laws and HOA rules to ensure goats are allowed, and plan for a secure fence and a shelter that protects from wind and rain.
What You’ll Need
- Secure fencing (at least 4–5 feet tall, woven wire or electric)
- Shelter (three-sided shed or barn, dry and draft-free)
- Hay (grass hay like timothy or orchard grass)
- Goat feed (pelleted grain, optional for non-lactating goats)
- Fresh water (clean bucket or automatic waterer)
- Mineral supplement (loose goat minerals with copper)
- Hoof trimmers
- Vaccinations and dewormer (consult a vet)
- First aid kit (antiseptic, bandages, thermometer)
- Collars and lead ropes
- Hay feeder and grain trough
Step-by-Step
- Choose the right breed. Dairy breeds like Nubian or Alpine produce milk; meat breeds like Boer grow fast; fiber breeds like Angora produce mohair. For pets, any breed works, but smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarf are easier to handle.
- Start with at least two goats. Goats are herd animals and get lonely and stressed alone. Two does (females) or wethers (castrated males) are ideal for beginners.
- Set up secure fencing. Goats are escape artists. Use woven wire or electric netting at least 4–5 feet high. Check for gaps and weak spots regularly.
- Build or buy a shelter. A three-sided shed facing away from prevailing winds works well. Provide 15–20 square feet per goat. Keep it dry and draft-free, but well-ventilated.
- Provide fresh water daily. Goats drink 1–2 gallons (3.8–7.6 liters) per day. In winter, use a heated bucket to prevent freezing.
- Feed a balanced diet. Goats need roughage: grass hay (timothy, orchard, or Bermuda) free-choice. For dairy goats in milk, add 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.9 kg) of grain per day, split into two feedings. Always provide loose goat minerals with copper.
- Supplement with browse. Goats are browsers, not grazers. Offer brush, leaves, and branches (like blackberry, willow, or apple) to mimic natural diet.
- Handle your goats daily. Spend time petting, brushing, and leading them. This builds trust and makes health checks easier.
- Trim hooves every 4–8 weeks. Use hoof trimmers to remove excess growth and clean out debris. Be careful not to cut into the pink quick.
- Vaccinate and deworm. Consult a vet for a schedule. Common vaccines include CDT (enterotoxemia and tetanus). Fecal tests help determine deworming needs.
- Watch for signs of illness. Check daily for lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, coughing, or abnormal behavior. A healthy goat is alert and active.
- Provide enrichment. Goats are curious and intelligent. Give them platforms, stumps, or toys to climb on to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Common Mistakes
- Keeping only one goat. This leads to loneliness and behavioral issues. Always have at least two.
- Using inadequate fencing. Chicken wire won’t hold goats. They will push through or jump over.
- Feeding grain as the main diet. Too much grain can cause bloat, urinary stones, or obesity. Hay should be the staple.
- Ignoring hoof care. Overgrown hooves cause lameness and infection.
- Skipping vaccinations. Preventable diseases like tetanus can be fatal.
- Not providing minerals. Copper deficiency leads to poor coat and health issues.
Tips
- Start with wethers (castrated males) for pets – they are calmer and don’t have the strong smell of intact males.
- Quarantine new goats for 2–4 weeks before introducing them to your herd.
- Use a hay feeder with a grid to reduce waste and keep hay clean.
- Train goats to lead with a collar and rope early; it’s much harder later.
- Provide a salt block or loose minerals free-choice.
- Check for parasites regularly, especially in warm, humid climates.
Troubleshooting
- Goat keeps escaping: Inspect fence for holes or low spots. Add electric wire at nose height (about 2–3 feet) for stubborn jumpers.
- Goat is not eating: Check for dental issues, illness, or stress. Offer fresh, palatable hay and water. If it persists, call a vet.
- Diarrhea: Could be parasites, overeating grain, or sudden diet change. Reduce grain, provide clean water, and consult a vet for fecal testing.
- Hoof rot: Keep bedding dry and clean. Trim affected hooves and apply a hoof treatment solution. Severe cases need vet care.
- Bloat: This is an emergency. Call a vet immediately. Prevent by avoiding sudden diet changes and not feeding too much grain.
- Goat is aggressive: This is often due to boredom or lack of handling. Increase enrichment and daily interaction. For intact males, consider castration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do goats need?
Each goat needs at least 200–500 square feet (18–46 square meters) of outdoor space for exercise and browsing. More is always better.
What do goats eat besides hay?
Goats enjoy fresh vegetables (carrots, apples, leafy greens) as treats, but these should be limited. They also browse on shrubs, weeds, and tree leaves.
Do goats need a companion?
Yes, goats are herd animals and can become depressed and stressed without a companion. A goat alone may call out constantly or lose weight.
How often do goats need hoof trimming?
Typically every 4–8 weeks, depending on growth rate and terrain. Check monthly and trim when the hoof looks overgrown or curled.
Can goats be house-trained?
Some goats can learn to use a litter box, but it’s not natural. They are better kept outdoors with a dry shelter.
How long do goats live?
Goats typically live 10–15 years, with some reaching 20. Be prepared for a long-term commitment.
Related
- Lobster Roll Santa Cruz: West Coast Style Recipe
- Chicken Inasal Recipe: Grilled Filipino BBQ
- Chicken Inasal Recipe (Dom’s Style)
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).