Goats have been domesticated by humans for centuries and there are a number of reasons for keeping these ruminants that go far beyond simple economics. Anyone who has ever owned goats can attest that they have a calming effect and will put a smile on your face. Also, the goats are just plain fun!
Head butting is inherent in their nature and they will play with another goat and nibble at each other. Goats are social animals and do best in herds and it is essential that they are kept with at least one other goat, so they are never left alone. However, humans should not be allowed to hit and bite and it is sensible not to turn your back on a goat. Remember, that cute little kid will grow into an adult. They can then injure humans, especially if they still have horns. If you need to walk in a field of goats, take a piece of flexible tubing with you and wave it around like you have a tail and this will mean they are more likely to leave you alone.
Watch the goats play and interact with each other and you will see that they enjoy life. They even play with each other and with you! If you provide them with tires and paddles in your outdoor area, they will play games like “King of the Castle” with each other. They also like to play hide and seek with you, so it’s good to be around the kids. Just looking at goats is a lot of fun and will make you laugh.
Goats need a lot of mental stimulation and will greatly enjoy playing with toys such as tires on long strong chains of fine links, large logs to stand on and climb on, and large sturdy balls, usually for horses. Also, by putting rubber horse mats on the ground, they will roll on it to groom themselves. Goats are very curious and can get into all kinds of mischief.
Goats are highly intelligent creatures, great escape artists, and very agile. If there’s a way out, they’ll find it, especially if they have nothing to do all day except plan an escape. This includes chewing on the fence and removing bark from trees. Goats are herbivorous and eat by browsing.
Goats can make great pets, especially for small farmers. You can play with them and they will show you affection in their own way. In this way, both your life and the life of the goat will be better for the company of others.
Goats have always been made fun of and my favorite goat joke is:
“Why couldn’t the goat-run company do anything?”
…”Everyone just kept passing the ball!”
Interesting facts about goats:
Goat Island got its name because one of the early pioneers kept goats on the island, which is part of the Niagara Reserve State Park.
It is now possible for goats to produce silk protein within their milk, and once refined, it produces a material like the silk spun by spiders, however turning it into a silk suitable for cloth remains a challenge.