I am looking at purchasing a couple of goats?

Question

What is the best breed for pet goats? what is required to look after them?, i have a five acre property fully dog fenced, are males or females better to own?

Answer 1

There's a few things you really need to look for in pet goats, besides the breed. These will be the same no matter what you buy, and they're the most important.
1. No horns. Horns are dangerous: goats can hurt each-other, they can hurt you, and they destroy your fencing. Young goats need to be "disbudded," where the cells the horn grows from are destroyed. The seller should be able to do it, or a vet.
2. No un-fixed bucks. Male goats have an intolerable reek in the breeding season: they produce musk, and they pee on themselves to attract females. They also act repulsive, trying to mount people, and flicking their tongues and spitting with excited lust. Don't buy a fixed buck who does any of this, either. Sometimes they get neutered too late, and pick up bad habits.
3. When possible, get bottle-fed goats. If you want a pet goat, get one that acts like a pet. Maybe some dam-raised goats can be friendly, but unless you're in the mood to settle for less, get one that was bottle-fed. They're much more confident around humans.

Castrated males and females are both fine to own, but the castrated males grow biggest. They can be the size of a small pony in some breeds, so they'll need better training so you'll be able to handle them. They can also be trained to pull a cart, if you have an hour or so to spare each day out with the goats, and the money or ingenuity to buy or jerry-rig a cart and harness.
If you get the right goat, they're great. Best outdoor pets on the planet. If you get a dam-raised intact male with horns, you'll eventually just shoot the thing, and the smell it made in life will linger for months. Once you avoid the basic problems, you'll have a great goat-ownership experience.

Answer 2

Any breed of goat would probably be fine for a pet. I use to raise Nubians and Toggenburgs for milk and show. There are quite a few different breeds out there. There are dairy breeds, meat breeds, and breeds used for their hair. Then there are grade goats..which are mixes. If you just want a pet, and don't plan on showing, a grade would be fine.

Does (females) would probably be best. Bucks can get a little smelly and ornry especially during breeding season. But, if you get a whether (neutered buck) you won't have that problem.

Your going to need a secure fence. Goats love to climb, jump and are great escape artists. Your going to need some kind of shelter..barn preferrably. Hay, straw and grain..obviously.

Go to the American Dairy Goat Association website and read up on them.

Answer 3

Like all animals, the more pure the breed, the more problems you are likely to have. I recommend that you just go with a common goat nanny and maybe a better billy.
I had Boers and they required a bit of upkeep--
I also think it depends on the age that you get them and how you treat them as to how they behave.

Answer 4

im not quite sure about breeds of goats. im not even sure what kinda of goat i have.
you will have to have very very good fences electric fence would be good.they are great climbers. females are better to own males smell quite bad. you will need to buy hay or lucern hay to feed them. depending on how much grass you have also.
they loves eating tree's and getting into the garden. so keep them away from any garden or trees that you dont want eaten.

Answer 5

i began out out with 2 goats then we had a baby!!!! thats what's severe high quality. Im thinking we will have extra in yet another 5 months. lol It dosent take to plenty to have goats. yet i'm able to inform you To have stable fencing. And dont have yet a million male. Thats all you prefer. save something women persons. believe me! and you will desire to have preserve for them . and actual u would desire to save the female and male separated via fencing simply by fact in case you dont youll be having infants each 5 months and that they frequently have 2 at a time except its there first time having a baby then this is a million. Feed- my 3 goats eat a pair of fifty lb bag a week and for some reason dont prefer to eat hay. yet they love leaves and stuff azailas. lol its a delusion that azailas will kill ur goats. our goats eat all ours and that they are as healthful as would be. men scent quite stable. and are boys they act like boys and could make you mad. simply by fact they're so lovable and humorous u forgive them. lol women persons are candy and calm extremely some the time. my lady had a goofy spert the different day lol. and each goat is different. I actual have pygmy goats. and the only goats I actual have ever had. yet i like them . their great to have around. . so i wish this helps you .

Answer 6

Goats are alot like dogs and very good with children. Females are better because they are calmer.They generally need as much care as a dog and are geat pets.

Answer 7

i like pygmy goats. I prefer females because you have to worry about males getting urethral blockages (just like male cats), although females have their problems to. Do you have a vet in the area that knows how to treat goats, I would make sure of this before getting them.

Answer 8

You might want to look into fainting goats. They have very good personalities. Plus its fun to watch 'em fall over.

Answer 9

Check Petfinder. They have many rescued goats and rescue groups that can help you make an informed choice.

Answer 10

pygmy goats are great pets. word of advice - hide the garbage, and make sure your outside washing line is out of their upright reach.... undies are a favourite source of nutirition in their minds lol