Goats are herd animals that are often thought of as food or farm animals, but can they also be house pets? The answer is yes, but there are some things you should know before you bring a goat into your home.

Can a Goat Be a House Pet?

Temperament

Goats are generally friendly and social animals, but they can also be stubborn and mischievous. They are not as easy to train as dogs, but they can learn to follow simple commands. Goats are very vocal animals and they will often make noise, so you should be prepared for some noise if you bring a goat into your home.

Housing

Goats need a clean, dry place to live. They can be housed in a barn, a shed, or even a garage. The housing should be large enough for the goat to move around comfortably and it should have a place for the goat to sleep, eat, and go to the bathroom. Goats also need access to fresh water and hay at all times.

Diet

Goats are herbivores and they eat a variety of plants, including grass, hay, and leaves. They also need to eat grain and minerals to stay healthy. You can feed your goat a commercial goat feed or you can make your own goat feed. If you make your own goat feed, be sure to follow a recipe that is formulated for goats.

Exercise

Goats need regular exercise to stay healthy. They should be allowed to graze outside for at least two hours each day. If you cannot allow your goat to graze outside, you will need to provide them with a way to exercise indoors. This can be done by setting up an obstacle course or by playing fetch with the goat.

Health

Goats are relatively healthy animals, but they can be susceptible to certain diseases. Some of the most common diseases that affect goats include foot rot, pneumonia, and mastitis. You should take your goat to the veterinarian for regular checkups to help prevent these diseases.

Conclusion

Goats can make great house pets, but they are not for everyone. Before you bring a goat into your home, you should carefully consider your lifestyle and your ability to provide the goat with the care it needs. If you are prepared to make a commitment to a goat, you can enjoy a long and happy relationship with your new pet.