Becoming a goat owner is exciting—but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether you're keeping goats for milk, meat, fiber, or as companions, here’s what every new keeper should know.
Make sure your goats have a secure, dry shelter—a three-sided shed with clean bedding is ideal. Proper fencing is crucial: goats are curious and crafty climbers, so strong woven wire or cattle panels with electric inclusion help prevent escapes and predator threats like coyotes or foxes.
Goats are browsers, favoring leafy shrubs and diverse forage over basic pasture. Provide good-quality hay, fresh water, and a free-choice mineral supplement. Dairy goats may also need grain. Be aware of plants that are toxic to goats and remove these from grazing areas.
Goats are social animals—keeping at least two helps prevent loneliness. Plan for 4–6 goats per acre to manage grazing properly and avoid overstocking pasture.
New owner essentials include regular hoof trimming, deworming programs, and vaccinations. Internal parasites are common, so rotate pastures and monitor your herd’s health. Establish a relationship with a vet who has experience with small ruminants before bringing home animals.
Buy your goats from reputable breeders, and quarantine any new arrivals for at least a few weeks to ensure they’re healthy before introducing them to your herd.