Goats are intelligent, curious, and incredibly rewarding animals to keep. Whether you want milk, meat, or simply wonderful companions, this guide covers everything you need to start.
Choosing the Right Breed
- Dairy Breeds: Saanen (highest milk yield), Nubian (rich creamy milk), Alpine (hardy, adaptable)
- Meat Breeds: Boer (most popular meat breed), Kalahari Red (drought resistant)
- Dual Purpose: Jamunapari, Barbari (popular in India — milk and meat)
- Pet/Companion: Nigerian Dwarf (small, friendly, great for beginners)
Housing Requirements
Goats need a dry, well-ventilated shelter that protects from rain, wind, and extreme heat. Each adult goat needs a minimum of 10–15 square feet of indoor space and 25–30 square feet of outdoor exercise area.
- Use raised floors or deep bedding (straw or sawdust) — goats hate damp conditions
- Ensure good ventilation without cold drafts
- Provide separate feeding and water areas
- Secure fencing is critical — goats are escape artists. Use 4-foot woven wire fencing minimum.
What Goats Eat
Goats are browsers (not grazers like sheep) — they prefer leaves, shrubs, and varied vegetation over grass.
- Roughage (60–70%): Quality hay — grass hay or legume hay like alfalfa
- Concentrate Feed (20–30%): Grain mix or commercial goat pellets — especially for pregnant/lactating does
- Fresh browse: Leaves, shrubs, weeds — excellent natural supplement
- Minerals: Loose goat mineral mix available free-choice at all times
- Fresh water: Changed daily — goats refuse dirty water
Azalea, rhododendron, laurel, and other ornamental plants are toxic. Also avoid: bracken fern, nightshade, rhubarb leaves, and mouldy feed.
Basic Healthcare
CD&T vaccine annually is the minimum — protects against Clostridium perfringens and tetanus. Consult your vet for regional requirements.
Internal parasites (barber pole worm especially) are the #1 killer of goats. Use FAMACHA scoring to assess individual goats before deworming.
Trim hooves every 6–8 weeks. Overgrown hooves cause lameness and joint problems.
Goats' teeth grow continuously. Annual dental checks identify problems before they affect nutrition.
First-time owners should have a vet's number ready. Most does kid easily, but complications can arise.
Milk Production (Dairy Goats)
A dairy doe will produce milk for 10 months after kidding. You must milk twice daily (morning and evening) at consistent times. A good Saanen can produce 3–4 litres per day.
Never keep a single goat — they are herd animals and a lone goat will be miserable and vocal. Always keep at least two together.
Get More Guides Like This — Free
Join 50,000+ pet parents getting weekly expert tips.