How to Raise Friendly Goats
Goats are known for their curious and social nature, and with proper care and attention, they can become friendly and affectionate companions. Whether you're a seasoned goat owner or just starting out, raising friendly goats is a rewarding experience that enhances the bond between you and your animals. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and techniques to help you learn how to raise friendly goats that will eagerly approach you and enjoy interacting with humans.
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I am not a veterinarian, this is only an example of what we do with our animals. Please consult your vet before making any health decisions with your animals.
Before we get into behavior tips, it's important to know why you want goats and how their genetics, sex, breed, and other factors will pre-determine the personality of your goat. These generalizations are not always 100 percent accurate, there are always examples of goats breaking the personality "rules", but after raising goats for 15-plus years, I've definitely noticed some patterns that can help you raise friendly goats.
Don't breed/ buy goats that are from sassy stock
I've seen it happen in our own herd. I've bred sassy goats because they displayed beautiful colors or had great fiber, or gave a lot of milk and that sassy gene goes right down the line. Sometimes it's worth putting up with their shenanigans and sometimes the behavior can be corrected, but it's always there. Once a primadonna always a primadonna.
If you're buying a goat ask to meet the parents if at all possible. Ask what personalities the dam and buck had. Ask if the Dam is easy to milk.
Bottle raised vs. Dam raised
Bottle-raised goats believe you are Mom. They believe you are part of their herd, and if trained right, that you are the herd leader. They will follow you anywhere, look to you for directions, and stay close to you whenever possible. They will often show distress when you leave. Calling after you when you leave the barn. Bottle-raised goats are well worth the effort it takes to care for them in their younger lives. (see Guide to Bottle Feeding Goat Kids)
Dam-raised babies can also be friendly and well-behaved goats. However, they are often not as needy as bottle raised. I often compare the two personalities to dogs and cats. Bottle-raised goats are like dogs. They need you, they want (sometimes demand) attention from you. They will beg for pets, lay by you and follow you anywhere. Dam-raised goats can be very gentle and well-behaved, however, they will "tolerate" attention from you and tend to be more stand-offish.
Breed
Some of the craziest goats I've raised have been Nubians. We've raised Alpine and Angora and they were some of the sweetest, most gentle, mild-mannered goats I've ever known. Nubians on the other hand are some of the craziest and wouldn't you know it...those are the ones we decided to raise. Nubians are incredibly friendly...sometimes too friendly. They're a very persistent breed and when they want something there's little you can do to stop them. They also seem to be completely unaware of their size. They bounce around like they're tiny little sprites, but in reality, they weigh 140-160 pounds.
Sex
The sex of the goats you keep plays a large role in their personality. Hormones greatly affect the behavior of goats.
Bucks
Our buck is one of the sweetest goats 8 months of the year. The other 4 he's a complete idiot. When he's not in rut he is cuddly, gentle, loving, and loves scratches and pets. However, when he's in rut he turns into a hormone-crazed lunatic and becomes aggressive with anyone or anything that comes in his way of being with his does. Aggression can be displayed as, ramming, pushing, leaning, and even biting. (See Should I Keep a Goat Buck?)
We also saw another round of aggressive behavior from him after our does gave birth. This is my first time seeing this from a buck. I'm not sure if it was instinctive protective behavior, or if the flush of new hormones from the girls put him into another rut. But he was very difficult to work with after our girls kidded.
No matter how much training you do with a buck, he will always resort back to instinct when rut happens. Rut behavior can be lessened with a well-trained goat, but if you're looking for a friendly pet I'd get a doe or a wether.
Does
Our girls are very sweet. They are dam raised so they are a little more stand-offish than some of the does we've had in the past. They also needed a bit more training on the milk stand than some of our other does. But they are very sweet and gentle. Does can be moody. One day they'll be fine on the stand, the next they're kicking you and wanting to get down. I've also found that our does have "favorite" people. Penelope is much more easygoing, whereas our doe Winefred much prefers my husband. She and I go around and around on the milk stand.
Wethers
If you're looking for a pet goat that will be sweet and affectionate and loving, then get a wether. A wether is a neutered male and they are some of the friendliest goats you'll ever encounter. Because they're castrated, they do not get the flush of hormones that does and bucks deal with. A wether's personality will stay consistent and friendly if trained right.
Training
Goats can be persistent and demanding if not properly trained. They do well with routines including feeding order, milking order, and doing things the same way each time. You must establish yourself as herd leader, or they will literally walk all over you. You must be persistent but gentle and you must be consistent especially when training something specific. For example, when trimming hooves, don't let them kick or pull their hoof out of your grip. If they learn they can get away...they will try every time. The same goes with grooming, milking, and every other aspect of training.
Halter training
How to halter train will be a post all on its own, but know that goats who are halter trained or can walk on leashes are better goats. Because goats are herd animals, the leash and halter physically communicate that you are the herd leader. Goats usually take to the halter quite quickly. But it needs to be a regular practice.
Start with early socialization
The key to raising friendly goats begins with early socialization. It's important to expose young goats to positive human interactions from the start. Spend time with them daily, gently handling and stroking them, and talking to them in a calm and reassuring voice. This early exposure to humans will help them develop trust and familiarity, setting the foundation for a friendly demeanor as they grow.
Consistent gentle handling
Consistency is key when it comes to handling your goats. Approach them calmly and with a gentle touch, using slow and deliberate movements. Avoid sudden or jerky actions that might startle them. Regularly handle their hooves, ears, and body, so they become accustomed to human touch. This not only promotes friendliness but also makes routine health checks, grooming, hoof trims, and milking easier as they grow older.
Positive reinforcement
Rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement is an effective way to encourage friendliness in goats. Offer treats, such as small pieces of fruits or vegetables, our goat's favorite is animal crackers from the dollar store. when they approach you or respond to gentle commands. This positive association will help them associate human interaction with pleasant experiences and encourage them to seek out your company.
Enrich their environment
Creating a stimulating and enriching environment for your goats can contribute to their overall friendliness. Provide them with ample space to roam, access to fresh pasture, and a variety of toys and structures to climb and explore. This keeps them physically active and mentally stimulated and allows for positive interaction with their surroundings, fostering a friendly and curious nature.
Regular interaction and attention
Consistent interaction and attention are crucial for building a strong bond with your goats. Spend time with them every day, talking to them, and engaging in activities such as grooming or simply sitting with them in their enclosure. Goats are social animals and thrive on companionship, so make sure to give them the attention they need to develop a trusting and friendly relationship with you. Spend time with your goats every day. Give them treats, nice scratches, and pets. Touch them all over their body. Lift their hooves, put your hands on their sides and udders etc.
Avoid harsh treatment
It's important to note that harsh treatment or aggression towards goats can have the opposite effect and make them fearful or aggressive in response. Avoid smackinh, hitting, or any form of physical punishment, as it can damage the trust and bond you've worked hard to establish. Patience, understanding, and gentle handling are key to maintaining a friendly and positive atmosphere.
Correct bad behaviors when they're young
Behaviors I don't allow in our herd:
No head butting (play or otherwise)
No jumping up on people
No pushing past the gate
No demanding food or treats (physically)
No escaping the stanchion
It might be cute and no big deal when they're little, but our Nubians weigh roughly 150 pounds. If they learn this bad behavior into adulthood, they can easily injure a person. Push naughty goats down by holding them under their front legs and placing them back on the ground. Also, say a firm. "NO!" They'll know you mean business if they put their ears back.
Do not push their heads. In goat language, this means "let's fight" or "let's play fight". They see this as a challenge and you are telling the goat you expect them to push back.
Hitting a goat can also be seen as a challenge and make the behavior worse. It's better to use a loud clap, a firm "NO!", or to direct the behavior away from you by turning their head or body in the opposite direction.
Be persistent when you want them to stay put!
Individual personalities
Keep in mind that each goat has its own unique personality and temperament. Some goats may naturally be more reserved or independent, while others may be more outgoing and social. Respect their individuality and adjust your approach accordingly. With time and patience, even the shyest goats can become more friendly and comfortable with human interaction.
Remember, raising friendly goats requires time, effort, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. By implementing these tips and techniques, you can create a nurturing and positive environment that fosters friendly behavior in your goats. Enjoy the journey of building a strong bond with your goats, and revel in the joy of their affectionate and sociable nature.
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