GOATS ARE JUST LIKE SHEEP

 Not True. Goats require roughage and added minerals to stay in good condition. They browse around the lands, and pick through the variety of goodies on offer in their paddocks.

TETHERING

  I don't believe this is an option in today's culture with portable pens widely available, and very cost effective. Tethering a goat is harmful in many ways. What about predators? Do they have shelter? The bottom line for me is...Is the goat Happy?

ALL GOATS HAVE HORNS

Most do, unless they are genetically bred with a ‘pol’ gene. Most Goat breeders will disbud their goat kids to make them safer to humans and their goat friends. 

Disbudding is the term used when the “buds” or tiny “horns” are removed. Generally in the first 1-2 weeks. Dehorning is a term used typically for when horns are removed from older goats, but essentially, when you disbud your goat, you are preventing their horns from growing. Disbudding is less traumatic and much safer. 

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I CAN HAVE ONE GOAT

No. Goats are herd animals and require a minimum of 2 goats to live a happy life.

GOATS WILL EAT EVERYTHING

Not True. This I hear a lot. “Oh what about my clothes on the line?” 

Some goats are so picky at what they eat, they can actually waste more food then they eat. 

They are curious and will sometimes taste various things, but they won't eat your pyjamas that you left hanging on the line.

GOATS STINK

Yes! Some do. These are the Bucks (the big Daddies of the goat world). 

Bucks are smelly. That is because the smellier they are, the more attractive they are to the doe. Bucks are quite different in terms of characteristics. Bucks will urinate on themselves, frequently spraying urine onto their legs and face to make them more attractive to the doe. Although this does not happen constantly. Only in breeding season, when the Buck is in “RUT” . A Buck is not a suitable pet. 

Does and wethers (desexed males) in general, do not smell. 

ONLY MALES HAVE BEARDS

Nope, both sexes can grow beards. Some of our girls have beards that can put the boys to shame.

GOATS JUMP FENCES

They can. But they are more inclined to lean on them. It is true you will need a good fence to hold your herd in.

As goats do lean on fences, and if they are munching and can put their head through a hole, they will walk through it. Then have a freak out, because they cant get back to their herd.