I have always thought that goats are one of the cutest farmyard animals… especially baby kids. They have such expressive faces, and the way they bleat at you with such intent. They are intelligent, playful and bond to their owners as a pet. I think if I were going to do the Good Life thing, I’d definitely have a small herd of goats.
They have that image of being mischievous and naughty - eating everything in sight and getting into all sorts of strife. Unfortunately that’s not far from the truth of it. Cheeky they certainly are. After all they originally came from arid tropical areas, and lived on steep, unusable land…so they’re not very fussy about what they eat (in fact it doesn’t even need to be food) and they can get into (and out of) all sorts of places. They are adventurous and renowned escape artists! Being herd animals, they are also gregarious and social so they need to be kept at least in pairs.
Keeping goats is more labour-intensive and not as profitable as running sheep or cattle. Most people tend to just have a few for a hobby. Although, with the number of people allergic to cow’s milk products, and people being more adventurous with their palates, the demand for goat products is growing. Goats are either kept for milking or meat, sometimes both. Or they might just be a pet - to munch away all those annoying weeds in the garden. Angoras can be shorn for their beautiful fleece to make Cashmere. You could even take them to shows if you were so inclined!
Breeds
There are different breeds for different purposes. The Saanen from Switzerland (originally) is the typical white, medium sized goat with the dish-face and pricked ears. Think Heidi’s goats! They are good milkers and all-rounders. Angoras yield fleece (mohair) and are also good milkers. There are the fawn and brown Toggenburg, French and British Alpine breeds…but for a pet, any old crossbreed nanny goat will do.
Accommodation
They will need some accommodation. A concrete (or something as easy to clean) run with drainage, some bedding and an insulated roof to protect against the elements is all you’ll need. Good fencing is crucial or you’ll spend all your time looking for your run-away goat.
Feeding
They will pretty much eat anything. Commercial pellets and hay, plus allowing them out to browse will do the trick nicely, but don’t let them near any trees you don’t want munched!
On the menu are special Goat Pellets or cereals such as oats, barley bran, chaff, lucerne hay and water. Baby goat kids should be gradually introduced to 'hard feed' and initially should receive a bottle of milk a few times a day.
Care
The main health problems are to do with poor husbandry. Keeping them well fed, warm, dry and the runs clean will prevent most disease. Infections and abscesses from wounds can occur, mastitis, diarrhoea and poisonings from their inquisitive and indiscriminate eating are the main illnesses seen. They need their hoofs trimmed occasionally (to avoid lameness and foot rot), and regular vaccinations and worming should keep them in good goaty shape!
Goat Facts
A female is called a doe, or nanny goat, a male is called a buck, or billy goat and a baby is called a kid. When goats are pregnant you say the goats 'are kidding'.
Goats can be smelly. This is because they have a musk gland behind the polls on the back of their head.
There are breeds of Miniature Goat bred as pets rather than livestock (selected for small size and good temperament). They are intelligent, hardy, gentle and friendly and can live well into their 20s. They cost around $200-400.
Their recommended height range is from 43cm to 58cm. The Australian Miniature Goat is now recognised in all breed types and combinations. All types have horns.
Young goats (kids) must be handled whilst on the mum (a doe) and should ideally be bottle-fed. Otherwise they will grow to be shy and unmanageable. These animals love human companionship and will often form close bonds with their family, including other pets. Enthusiasts say a miniature goat can be toilet trained and taught to lead, much the same as a dog. Food rewards work well and it is recommended to start their education early.
Wethers (desexed males) make the best pets, as they do not come into season like females and they do not stink like the males. If you would prefer females so you can breed, keep two females or one female and a companion wether.
Their small size makes them very easy to manage, very easy to keep and they require much less space in comparison to their larger cousins. They are ideal for people living in alternative lifestyles, subsistence farmers and small families wanting a reasonable quantity of milk.
You should have a minimum of at least one acre available for the goat/s to browse on. Goats not only need to be able to browse for feed, it also keeps them occupied! Goats are intelligent and inquisitive and a goat in a small space will soon become bored and find ways to amuse itself (things which may not necessarily amuse you!). A bored and/or hungry goat can also become noisy, calling out looking for companionship or extra food. Do your research up front and get to know what you are looking for, and what will be required to take care of your goat/s. And always buy from a reputable breeder.
Check out your local regulations to ensure you are allowed to keep goats in your area!
Goats on sets supplied by Cawood Farm: www.cawoodfarm.com
Further information:
www.justkiddin.com.au
www.australianminiaturegoat.com.au
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