Information on Nubian Goats as Pets

Goats are ideal pets for families who have an enclosed outdoor area -- that way the goats can roam freely. Nubian goats have a mild temperament and mesh well with other pets such as dogs and cats. Nubian goats are readily identified by their long floppy ears and can provide your family with a supply of milk.

  1. The Facts

    • Nubian goats have a large build and are ideal as pack animals. They originated from northern Africa, but are available throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Africa from breeders. Nubian goats have short dark hair, usually gray, black or brown. Such goats are typically bred for their lean meat and high butter fat milk, which is used for drinking and for making cheese.

    Food and Environment

    • Nubian goats tolerate many climates but prefer warm, dry areas such as the southern or southwestern United States. Nubian goats in the northern United States require shelter to protect them against the cold winters. Such goats are a fast grazing species that will eat most grain plants including corn, grass, oats and alfalfa. Owners without a grazing area can feed them common animal feed from local mills or feed stores. Separate female and male Nubian goats into gender-based herds to prevent conflicts over breeding; moreover, separate offspring at an early age into their respective gender group.

    Enclosure

    • An enclosure is necessary to keep a Nubian goat as a pet as they tend to wander away looking for better grazing areas. The enclosure should not have any large openings, because the goats can easily escape through livestock pipe fencing or strand wire fencing with gaps that are larger than 10 inches. Do not place any item near the fence as goats will climb on almost anything and try to jump over the fence. Chain link fencing is ideal especially when topped with an electric guide wire to deter the goats from escaping. An enclosure also protects your pets from predators such as coyotes, dogs, foxes and wolves.

    Medical Care

    • When you acquire your Nubian goat, have a veterinarian give it a once-over to ensure it's in good general health. Its skin, hooves, eyes and ears should be in good condition, or there could be an underlying illness that could require further medical treatment.