What To Consider Before Owning Goats on Your Property

Goats are quickly becoming a favorite addition to private properties. However, before you bring one of these spirited animals home, it’s wise to understand the commitment involved in raising them. Proper planning ensures you provide a healthy and happy environment for your new herd. Here’s a brief guide that will walk you through what to consider before owning goats on your property.

Why Do You Want a Goat?

First, consider why you want to raise goats, as this will shape your entire experience. Perhaps you want them for meat, or you see them as a natural way to clear overgrown land. If you want a fresh supply of milk, understanding common goat milking problems and their solutions will help you feel prepared. Knowing your primary goal will help you select the right breed and prepare for its specific needs regarding diet to daily care.

Do You Have Enough Space?

Goats require adequate space to roam, graze, and stay active. Evaluate your land to ensure it meets their needs. For a pair of standard-sized goats, a minimum of a half-acre of pasture is a good starting point, while miniature breeds may thrive with less.

Secure fencing is absolutely essential, as goats are clever escape artists. A strong woven wire fence at least four feet high is necessary to keep them safe from predators and prevent them from wandering off your land.

Can You Keep Your Goats Healthy?

Maintaining the health of your animals requires an understanding of their needs and how to find help if they get sick or injured. Owning goats on your property is safer when you know a local veterinarian who has experience with livestock, specifically goats.

Regular checkups, vaccinations, and deworming are part of a standard health regimen. You should also learn to recognize signs of common illnesses to act quickly if a problem arises, ensuring your herd remains in good condition.

What Are the Local Rules?

Before you purchase any animals, you must check local regulations. Zoning laws and ordinances dictate whether you may keep livestock and will specify the number of animals allowed based on your property’s size. A quick call to the city or county planning office provides clarity on what is permitted. Adhere to these rules from the start to prevent legal issues down the road.

Do You Need To Have More Than One?

Goats are highly social creatures that thrive on companionship. A single goat will become lonely, stressed, and may even get sick without a friend. You should always plan to keep at least two goats together. This social need is a fundamental aspect of their well-being and is a nonnegotiable part of responsible goat ownership.