Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Safety and goats
Goats are friendly and generally nonaggressive; however, they can knock you down. Also, if
they are horned, you can accidentally injure yourself simply by turning too quickly and run-
ning into a goat. If you are small in stature, or if you have children who plan to help with the
goats, you must keep safety in mind when selecting animals for your herd. Goat breeds vary
greatly in size; some goats weigh 150 pounds. The temperament of an individual goat is also a
consideration; a particularly rambunctious or malicious older goat may be too much for a
child to handle.
The more familiar you are with an animal, the safer you are. Many barnyard injuries occur be-
cause someone does not know how the livestock will move or how they will react. The more
you understand your goats, the more confidence you will have in handling them, and the more
pleasant your experience will be.
Goats are normally friendly and enjoy the company of humans, but a goat that is injured,
frightened, or nervous might not be as friendly. A buck that is eager to mate will be more as-
sertive than usual. Males should be handled and trained while they are small; if they are not,
they grow into big teenage goats that want to play with you and may deliver a powerful head-
butt. A goat will rear up high on its hind legs before butting anything, so you have a few mo-
ments' warning. A goat that does not want to be milked might use its horns or its bare head to
toss a pail across the room, toss a passing cat, or kick out at you while in the milking enclos-
ure. These occurrences are uncommon, but keep them in mind, and be aware of what could
happen.
DO NOT TREAT A KID LIKE A PUPPY
When kids are small and cute, it is tempting for children to play with them like puppies, push-
ing against their heads. This can inadvertently teach them to butt people when they become
adults. Play with kids by running with them and chasing them, petting and scratching them,
teaching them to walk on a leash, and obey commands or hand signals.
Housing Goats
The goat shelter should protect the goat from wind, predators, and wet weather. Your geo-
graphical location will drive your housing scheme for goats. In dry, arid regions, little will be
needed other than a wind and shade protection. Colder, harsher climates will require a sturdier
structure to protect the goats from winter wind chill and wet snow. If you plan to have dairy
