Considering a goat for lawn care or as a pet? Learn about the lifespan, social needs, containment challenges, and medical requirements before making the commitment.
Anyone who has had to mow a large lawn or attempted to control brush on their acreage has probably thought at least once about buying a goat. Goats are cute, intelligent, and their constant grazing can help cut down on yard and garden maintenance chores. While this might sound like the perfect pet, there is much more to take into consideration before you buy one.
Here are some factors to consider before bringing home a goat as a pet:
Lifespan: Anyone considering any kind of pet needs to remember that a pet is a long-term commitment, and adopting a goat can require a much longer commitment than other pets. Goats live on average for ten to fifteen years, but have been known to live for as long as thirty years with proper care. Consider carefully whether you are willing to make this kind of lifetime commitment before you decide to buy a cute baby goat.
Social Needs: While they may not form flocks like their cousins, sheep, goats are animals that thrive within a social hierarchy. They are happiest when they are in the company of other animals, people, or other goats. This can work to your advantage when training them, as a goat can come to see its owner as the flock leader, learning to come when called and follow you around. If you don't have other animals in the home, consider buying two goats so they have company during the day when you are away.
Containment: Goats are famous for being almost impossible to keep fenced in. They are curious, intelligent, and persistent. Any kind of fence you put up can be conquered by a goat, whether they jump it, climb it, or simply chew through it. Goats are also escape artists who can even open nearly any kind of latch. Research your fencing options thoroughly before committing to purchasing a goat. Goats also dislike being exposed to the elements at all times and will need some form of shelter inside their corral.
Medical Needs: While goats can seem easy to maintain, they are prone to various medical issues. Plan to take your goat to a veterinarian annually for vaccinations and checkups. Additionally, when you adopt a goat, budget for regular hoof cleaning and trimming as part of the ownership costs. A farrier will need to visit every six months or so to maintain your goat's feet. Because they will eat nearly anything, owners must always remain vigilant and monitor their goat's health closely. Goats can go from healthy to deathly ill very quickly, so regular observation and contact are essential to keeping your goat well.
Buying a Goat
Considering a goat for lawn care or as a pet? Learn about the lifespan, social needs, containment challenges, and medical requirements before making the commitment.
Anyone who has had to mow a large lawn or attempted to control brush on their acreage has probably thought at least once about buying a goat. Goats are cute, intelligent, and their constant grazing can help cut down on yard and garden maintenance chores. While this might sound like the perfect pet, there is much more to take into consideration before you buy one.
Here are some factors to consider before bringing home a goat as a pet:
Lifespan: Anyone considering any kind of pet needs to remember that a pet is a long-term commitment, and adopting a goat can require a much longer commitment than other pets. Goats live on average for ten to fifteen years, but have been known to live for as long as thirty years with proper care. Consider carefully whether you are willing to make this kind of lifetime commitment before you decide to buy a cute baby goat.
Social Needs: While they may not form flocks like their cousins, sheep, goats are animals that thrive within a social hierarchy. They are happiest when they are in the company of other animals, people, or other goats. This can work to your advantage when training them, as a goat can come to see its owner as the flock leader, learning to come when called and follow you around. If you don't have other animals in the home, consider buying two goats so they have company during the day when you are away.
Containment: Goats are famous for being almost impossible to keep fenced in. They are curious, intelligent, and persistent. Any kind of fence you put up can be conquered by a goat, whether they jump it, climb it, or simply chew through it. Goats are also escape artists who can even open nearly any kind of latch. Research your fencing options thoroughly before committing to purchasing a goat. Goats also dislike being exposed to the elements at all times and will need some form of shelter inside their corral.
Medical Needs: While goats can seem easy to maintain, they are prone to various medical issues. Plan to take your goat to a veterinarian annually for vaccinations and checkups. Additionally, when you adopt a goat, budget for regular hoof cleaning and trimming as part of the ownership costs. A farrier will need to visit every six months or so to maintain your goat's feet. Because they will eat nearly anything, owners must always remain vigilant and monitor their goat's health closely. Goats can go from healthy to deathly ill very quickly, so regular observation and contact are essential to keeping your goat well.
Buying a Goat
By Howtodotips
Considering a goat for lawn care or as a pet? Learn about the lifespan, social needs, containment challenges, and medical requirements before making the commitment.