Pet goat

[barcelonic23]

I really want to get a pet goat but I need to know how difficult it is going to be? Cost is not the issue it is just I don't have too much spare time.
I need to know the minimum dimensions of a pen for a single goat and whether a specific shelter/lighting is required,
plus how often it needs feeding and exercise etc.. and anything else I'd need to know.

Thanks in advance.

[Clanad]

I didn't read IAP's links, so if this is redundant, forgive me. You can't have just one goat... at least not if you expect the pet goat to not cause you lots of problems and if you expect the goat to be content. At least two for minimum. They should both be whethers.. (neutered males), in my opinion. For one thing, they don't smell as do un-neutered males and females really should be bred once a yar. They need quite a bit of room and the fencing for that room is demanding. At least 4 to 5 feet tall and well constructed so they don't push under or thorugh the fence. You say you don't have much spare time... my experience with goats is that they require certain time consuming things everyday... goats are sticklers for fresh water, preferably twice a day! Same with feeding. They like to have something to climb on and they chew almost everything. They must have shelter, although for two or so it doesn't need to be extravagant.
If you live in or near a city/village, be sure to check local ordinances since most folks don't appreciate goats as neighbors. I hope this hasn't been neccessarily negative, but it's important to understand the downside of what you may be getting yourself into. Best of luck!

[jules77]

I dont know much about goats, but my friend used to work in animal rescue and used to have pygmy goats.

She rescued a day old female around 12 months ago, and as it was hand reared in the house, it sleeps in a basket and thinks it is a dog. When she was well enough to go outside, she got her a friend and she has a 1 acre plot with a 'large goat house' (bigger than your average stable), with a concrete base and a hard standing covered run in the event of bad weather. They also have plenty of things to keep them occupied ie: their own 'goat mountain' and as they are situated on a busy livery yard get plenty of attention. And my friends barn conversion is just 10 yards away from their field. Unless you have plenty of room, I wouldnt consider it, as it wouldnt be kind to the goat(s).

[remy lover]

Goats are a herd animal and are not happy on their own.
They do take a lot of looking after....6am and 6pm in and out of their quarters for grazing. Daily cleaning of quarters with fresh hay in a manger with straw as bedding along with "goat mix" for a balanced diet. Their stomachs do not take well to ice cold water and they need a "salt lick" too.
Please do find a Farmers vet as a local vet will charge the earth. Goats do not take well to injections and shock. They also need their cloven hooves taking care of on a regular basis.
I loved my goats "April and May" who went to retire on a farm in Dorset.

Wish you well

Remy