Goats are popular domesticated animals kept by humans for a range of reasons such as milk, meat, fiber, and companionship. These creatures have been in existence for thousands of years and have become popular all across the world.
If you are planning to keep goats, understanding their behavior and needs is crucial for their overall wellbeing. In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of goat behavior and what you need to know before keeping them.
Social Behavior
Goats are social animals and live in herds. They seek companionship and form bonds with each other. It is recommended to keep a minimum of 2 goats together. If a goat does not have any company, loneliness can cause stress and depression in them.
Foraging Behavior
Goats are browsers, and they love to eat various kinds of vegetation. As natural foragers, they prefer to spend a significant amount of time grazing in search of food, and it is recommended to provide them with adequate pastures with various grazing options.
Goats’ dietary needs vary with age, sex, and pregnancy conditions. It is essential to provide them with a balanced diet containing roughage, concentrates, and minerals. Feeding them good and appropriate food is crucial for their health and the quality of milk and meat products.
Playful Nature
Goats are naturally playful, and they enjoy frolicking around. They are also extremely curious animals and can get themselves into trouble when given free reign. Goats love to climb and jump and enjoy the company of humans.
Provide your goats with a variety of toys to satisfy their playful side. Consider creating an obstacle course or installing a goat tower for them to climb and play around.
Attention Seeking
Goats are known to be attention seekers. They can become vocal, especially when seeking attention or food. They may even stand on their hind legs or butt their heads against objects to get your attention.
Goats love to be petted and cuddled and appreciate regular and positive human interactions. It is essential to spend enough time with your goats daily to ensure that they receive the attention they crave.
Health and Wellness
Keeping your goats healthy is a significant aspect of goat care. Keeping their living environment clean and dry, practicing good hygiene, and providing adequate nutrients, water, and medical attention is crucial. Be sure to have a veterinarian come out and perform routine health checks and vaccinations when necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding your goats’ basic behavior and needs is extremely important in ensuring their overall happiness, health, and longevity. As social, foraging, playful, attention-seeking animals, providing them with a conducive environment that caters to their specific needs is vital. Always remember to provide your goats with plenty of space to roam, ample food and clean water, regular human contact, and adequate medical attention to ensure a long and healthy life.
