So You Think You Want a Goat ?
That’s exciting! Goats are smart, funny, and very social, but they do have some special needs. Here are some practical suggestions for someone bringing home a goat for the first time:
1. Companionship
Goats are herd animals — they do not do well alone. If possible, bring home at least two goats so they have company. A single goat will get lonely, stressed, and possibly destructive.
2. Shelter
Provide a dry, draft-free shelter with good ventilation.
Goats hate getting wet, so make sure they have protection from rain and snow.
Bedding like straw or wood shavings helps keep them comfortable and warm.
3. Fencing
Goats are escape artists. They will climb, push, lean, or even jump to test boundaries.
Strong fencing (woven wire, cattle panels, or electric fencing) is a must. Avoid flimsy fencing or anything with gaps they can get stuck in.
4. Food & Nutrition
Goats aren’t lawn mowers — they prefer browsing (leaves, shrubs, weeds) to grazing grass.
Provide quality hay (especially if pasture is limited).
Fresh, clean water every day.
Minerals: free-choice loose goat minerals (not just a salt block).
Free Choice Loose Mineral we use here at Scoop ‘n’ Poop Farm https://amzn.to/4n0WT8T
5. Health Care
Learn the basics: hoof trimming, parasite control, and vaccinations.
Find a local vet who is familiar with goats before you need one.
Watch for common issues like bloat, parasites, or signs of illness (goats tend to hide sickness until it’s serious).
6. Safety & Enrichment
Remove poisonous plants (azalea, rhododendron, yew, cherry leaves, etc.).
Give them things to climb on — spools, logs, platforms — goats love to jump and play.
They can chew on things they shouldn’t (plastic, rope, even your clothes), so keep dangerous items out of reach.
7. Handling & Bonding
Goats respond well to calm, gentle handling.
Treats (like small amounts of apple, carrot, or goat-safe snacks) help build trust.
These treats are our favorites https://amzn.to/4lMXVnQ
They’ll quickly learn routines and may follow you like a dog once they bond.
This is great place to start with the knowledge that goats have a steep learning curve. We highly recommend a wonderful person who will be a mentor and provide you with guidance, this is priceless. Putting the basics in place before your goat comes home is of the utmost importance and will provide them and you with as smooth of a transition as possible. Remember when you bring them home it will take them time to settle in and adjust, you are a new person and they are in a new place. Goats are quiet animals, except for the screaming to get their way, move slow and have patience.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am so excited and proud to be an Amazon Affiliate, which means if you click on one of my links and make a purchase, I might earn a tiny commission- like a “thanks for stopping by” kind of deal. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra, but it helps keep Scoop ‘n ‘ Poop Farm running smoothly. I appreciate you helping this Farm Girl out ! You mean the world to us ! All the Love, Annette @ Scoop ‘n’ Poop Farm