How to Raise a Goat in Your Backyard

Small land holders and home owners with larger yards are taking an increasing interest in producing more of their own food at home. Enter the goat. An excellent producer of milk and meat, goats can be raised on a smaller pasture, such as a backyard. They are fairly quiet animals (certainly no louder than neighborhood dogs), produce pelleted manure that's excellent for the garden, and are as friendly as any other pet in the area. Goats need companions to keep them happy, so be sure to make space for at least two goats in your plan.

Things You'll Need

  • Goat-proof fencing
  • Strong fence posts
  • Well-ventilated garden shed
  • Quality grass hay
  • Goat mineral
  • Dairy goat feed
  • Goat de-wormer
  • Goat CD&T vaccine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wait to bring your goat home until your yard is goat proof. Build goat-proof fencing around any gardens or plants that you wish to remain uneaten. Larger goats can generally be contained with less expensive woven wire field fencing; smaller goats may need a much tighter fence with openings no larger than 4 inches square. Allow 1 to 2 feet of spacing (depending on your breed) between the fence and the outer edge of plantings you wish to protect -- goats have long necks and tongues. Provide perimeter fences made of chain link or treated wood at least 4 feet tall.

    • 2

      House your goats in a garden shed, large doghouse or specially designed small livestock house (available at many feed stores). Housing doesn't have to be fancy, but should be draft free and well ventilated. Allow at least 10 square feet per miniature goat and at least 20 square feet for full-size breeds.

    • 3

      Feed your goat good quality grass hay, a free-choice goat mineral and, if you plan to keep a lactating doe, a dairy goat grain ration with at least 16 percent protein content. Provide plenty of fresh water -- goats are big drinkers.

    • 4

      Worm your goat regularly with a de-wormer recommended by your veterinarian for your local conditions; they can also give you a worming timetable. Many parasites become resistant to de-worming products; it will save you time, trouble and money to ask which ones will be most effective. Provide your goat with a CD&T vaccination yearly to prevent the most common diseases in goats: overeating disease and tetanus.

    • 5

      Spend time with your goat every day, whether you intend to milk her or simply use her to keep your grass trimmed. Goats are highly social animals and crave the companionship of the humans around them. Teach your goat a trick or to pull a cart and she can entertain guests or help in the garden.