Re: Goats as pets?


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Posted by GoatWorld on July 27, 2000 at 04:07:05:

In Reply to: Goats as pets? posted by ~gw on July 26, 2000 at 13:41:00:

It depends upon how you define "pet". There are many people who will attest that goats can be pets of the nature that you care for and can do several things with. If you're looking for the type of pet that is going to fetch a stick or sit quietly in your lap - goats are not that type of pet. But as for companionship and going on long nature walks (BrushGoat 101), you'll have no better companion (except for perhaps a spouse or loved one).

We've taken our goats on walks through the country and to be honest, these are some of the most enjoyable and memorable times I have ever experienced. Not only do we enjoy the outing, but the goats do as well.

Many people raise goats as pets for showing them at fairs and shows. This is another good example of a goat as a pet and the breeds for these are plentiful.

Most of the goats I've dealt with have been very friendly. They will rub themselves on you, vie for your attention, and generally try to be where you are most of the time (especially when they think there might be food in it!) But then again, a dog or cat is the same way.

As far as house pets, I don't think so. At least with our experiences a goat is like a chicken and cannot be housetrained. When mother nature calls, the goats will answer that call wherever it may be. Definitely an outside pet.

As per breeds (and I'm writing from somewhat limited exposure to every breed); I've heard that the Pygmy goat is a very gentle goat that gets friendlier with age. At least ours did. We have a Boer Percentage that likes attention and to be around us. We also have a Toggenburg that is as sweet as can be. We also have a whether goat that has an extremely nice disposition. Of our other goats, the rest are basically not as friendly though we can touch them.

I really think that when considering goats or any breed as a pet, you have to realize that you'll have to spend time with them. The more time you spend brushing them, rubbing them and just watching them, they are going to be friendlier and easy to be around. And as with any pet, not only are you watching them, they are watching you too!

Hope this helps.




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