I just got two new goats and they are really scared. I might get lucky to let them sniff me, but they are really nervous, how do i get them used to people?
2007-09-24 13:12:08 · 11 answers · asked by Brooke 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Ok, Let me tell you. Normal goats DO NOT butt people. They are very curious animals like cats. This sounds cruel and weird, but it works, i read it in a goat magazine. Catch the goat, hold it for at least 5 minutes, give them animal crackers, sweet feed, or ginger snaps. Then put a collar on it and tie it to your leg with a 2-3 ft leash. Sit and read a book, (with them tied to your leg) and every once and a while reach down and pet them, gently and when you pet them give them a treat so they know you wont hurt them. Trust me on this. I have had years of experience raising goats and they are fun to have and fun to watch. What i also reccomend is to get a goat raised on a bottle ( most breeders do this, to ensure freindly goats) put it in with them. It will come running for attention. The other goats will get curious and want to know what the other goat likes so much about people. they will eventually come around. If you want some bottle babies, i will have at least 6 babies in feb. of 08'. Hope this helps, if you have any other questions you can e-mail me at barehnh@aol.com. I know when i first got goats i had a lot of questions.
2007-09-24 17:08:18 · answer #1 · answered by heartsnhooves 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
food is the way to a goat's affection and trust. They are NOT mean by nature and if people claim they are then they probably were made that way by people. I've had goats for about 33 years. They are very smart, affectionate, and funny, but if they are treated in an aggressive manner, especially when young, they will learn to behave that way also. I have had only one goat in my lifetime that was just mean every once in a while for no reason. The other several hundred I've known have been the sweetest pets on earth.
2007-09-24 16:34:05 · answer #2 · answered by ccw 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have had alot of goats and we actually have six now. We often buy goats that aren't socialized with people. If you have other goats that are well sociallized in the same cage as them they will calm down eventually. It just takes time. Goats are herd animals and once thay see that the rest of the herd is tolerant of you, and may even like you , they will start to. They are smart too and they know where their food comes from. Treats will work. Everytime you see them, give them a small treat, like carrots or animal crackers. They will eventually see that you are a "good" person to be around and they will start to like you. Just don't try to reach out fast to pet them. This might scare them. just drop the treats in the cage the first couple of times so they know when they see you , your going to give them food. Then let them come to you. If you get this far you should be able to slowly reach out and pet them. If they still won't let you, sometimes when they are preoccupied with eating, reach down and pet them when they can't see you. They have to get used to you petting them. Hope this helps!
2007-09-25 03:46:14 · answer #3 · answered by Rachael 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have no experience with goats, but I would think they are similar to other animals. Since you just got these goats, they need to settle from the move and get used to new surroundings. Spend lots of time near them, but not making advances to them. Slowly, they will get used to your presence and you can start hand-feeding bits to eat. Do not make loud noises or fast moves. Come to pet them underhanded. Bringing your hand down to pet their head may make them think they will be hit or harmed. Patience and perseverence will prevail.
Best Wishes.
2007-09-24 13:17:35 · answer #4 · answered by four feet six 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Goats are so cute and fun! Try to sit with them as much as possible, and be sure to have treats (especially CORN) on hand at all times. Goats LOVE corn and will do almost anything to get it. Also, they are not mean as they get older. My little girl goats have never tried butting me! Males can get ornery, but that's with nearly all species. Testosterone...
2007-09-24 13:23:32 · answer #5 · answered by dolly 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would say that spending time with them is best. Talk to them, sing to them, that sort of thing. And if they turn aggressive don't be afraid to hit them on the head. Not hard enough to hurt them, but hard enough to scare them because that's what other goats do.
2007-09-24 13:32:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Speaking from experience, goats are strange creatures. About the time you think you've made friends with them, they will charge you, and head butt you, especially when you're not looking. If they are babies, try bonding by bottle feeding. But , even so, when they get older, they will be ornery. We had one to put his horns through the back door of our house. I dented a Teflon skillet on his head, and he just looked at me. They played trampoline and king of the mountain on the hood of my car, ruining it. I don't miss them at all. We started out with 2 and within 2 years had about 15. They often have twins and triplets. Good Luck!
2007-09-24 13:19:40 · answer #7 · answered by onceisenoughilearnedmylesson 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just like most of the answers, I say that you do need to let your goats get used to your presence. My goat, Carrabelle, is the same way. We got her a couple days ago, but I've had goats before. Just do a strategy where you come into your pen every day and bring treats. Break open the goodies ( like carrots or apples), so your goats will smell the treat then toss them a piece. If they shy away, sit for a couple of minutes, then toss another piece. Keep doing this for the next week or so. Also, the next few days you might want to try tossing the treat near you so they will get closer to you. You also might want to talk softly to them while doing this, to give them some praise for getting closer to you.
2014-07-21 06:22:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
put a cage in the house in the living room with straw and keep it there for three days. always pet him as you pass him or just let him get used to commotion, hand feed him etc.
I did this for my pygmy and boy I couldn't get him to stop following me all around what a cutie! another one I didn't do to it, and it was skittish.
RRRR
2007-09-25 10:49:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Food, treats, soft voices, wear soft natural colors.
Don't grin or bare your teeth at them--they'll think you want to eat them!
2007-09-24 13:15:36 · answer #10 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋