How to Keep a Pet Goat

Know that goats are outside animals and training them to be inside pets is not practical. Unlike other unusual pets, such as pigs, they aren't likely to be house-broken or to cuddle with you. Appreciate that goats won't come running when you call their names either, but they might look at you if they like you.

Realize that goats are active and need attention. Remember the clichés you've heard about someone being stubborn like a goat and realize that goats don't respond well to harsh discipline. They do respond well to positive reinforcement like food.

Give the animal a lot of roaming space. Goats need at least an acre of land (a really big yard), and it should be fenced in for their protection (e.g., a chain link fence).

Provide shelter if you want to keep a goat as a pet. Understand that even though goats are outdoor animals, they still need a sturdy and safe shelter during bad weather. Make sure it's not made out of something they will likely eat or knock down.

Supply food and fresh water. Goats need ample hay and grass. They like grain too, but they tend to gorge themselves if it's too easily available. Keep grain where goats can't get into it. Change water daily.

Make goats happy with special treats, such as fruit, molasses, vegetable scraps and some hedge clippings. Save treats for special occasions since goats can easily gain weight by eating these often.

Walk your goat. They love to explore, and make good hiking buddies. They're steady on their feet during hiking, so you may even load a few supplies on them. Exercise goats often.