Raising Goats in Your Backyard: A Complete How-To Guide

Raising goats in your backyard can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh milk, delicious cheese, fiber, and even natural lawn mowing services. However, before diving in, there are important factors to consider to ensure both you and your goats stay healthy and happy. Here’s a complete how-to guide to raising goats in your backyard:

1. Understand the Basics of Goat Ownership

Before getting goats, it’s essential to research and understand their needs, including shelter, food, health care, and socialization. Goats are intelligent, curious, and social animals, and they thrive when they have companionship, proper care, and a safe environment.

2. Check Local Zoning Laws and Regulations

The first step is to check with your local zoning office or agricultural department to ensure that raising goats is permitted in your area. Some neighborhoods have restrictions on livestock, including goats, due to noise or space limitations.

• Permits: Make sure you have any necessary permits if required.
• Goat size: Small goats like Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy goats are typically allowed in more suburban or urban settings, but larger breeds may not be.

3. Choose the Right Breed

There are various breeds of goats, each suited for different purposes. Here are some common types:

• Dairy Goats: If you’re interested in milk, consider breeds like:
  • Nigerian Dwarf: Small in size, friendly, and good for milk production.
  • Alpine: Larger goats, hardy, and high milk producers.
  • Saanen: Known for producing a large quantity of milk, very docile.
• Meat Goats: If you’re interested in raising goats for meat, look into:
  • Boer: A popular meat breed known for rapid growth.
  • Kiko: Hardy and known for efficient meat production.
• Fiber Goats: If you’re interested in fiber production, consider:
  • Angora: Known for producing Mohair wool.
  • Cashmere: These goats produce cashmere fibers, which are in high demand.
• Companion Goats: Some goats are raised for companionship or as pets, like Pygmy goats or Nigerian Dwarfs.

4. Build a Secure Goat Enclosure

Goats are escape artists! They are known for jumping, climbing, and squeezing through surprisingly small gaps, so it’s essential to create a safe, enclosed space for them to roam.

• Fencing: Use sturdy fencing such as woven wire or a strong wooden fence. Make sure the fence is at least 4-5 feet tall to prevent jumping. Ensure there are no gaps that goats can slip through (check for 4-5 inch gaps or smaller).
• Shelter: Goats need shelter from the elements, such as a three-sided shed or barn. It should be dry, clean, and well-ventilated to protect them from rain, snow, and excessive heat.
• Size: A general rule of thumb is to provide 10-15 square feet of space per goat inside their shelter, and at least 250-300 square feet of outdoor space for each goat.

5. Provide Proper Nutrition

Goats are herbivores and need a balanced diet. Their diet consists of:

• Hay: Provide hay (such as alfalfa, clover, or timothy) to keep their digestive system healthy. Young goats may need alfalfa, while adults can usually eat grass hay.
• Grains: Depending on their activity level (dairy goats, for example, require more), you may need to supplement their diet with goat-specific grain.
• Fresh water: Always provide clean, fresh water to keep them hydrated.
• Goat Minerals: Ensure they have access to a mineral block specifically designed for goats to meet their calcium, phosphorus, and other mineral needs.
• Browse: Goats love to browse on bushes, trees, and weeds. Providing them with safe, natural browsing options can keep them mentally stimulated.

6. Health and Veterinary Care

Goats, like all livestock, require regular health care.

• Vaccinations: Goats should be vaccinated against common diseases, such as tetanus, clostridial diseases, and pneumonia. Work with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule.
• Deworming: Goats are prone to internal parasites like worms. Regular deworming is essential, and your vet can advise you on the right deworming medications.
• Hoof Care: Goats’ hooves grow continuously and should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent discomfort or infection.
• General Checkups: Regularly check for signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, appetite, or coat condition. Goats are social animals, so if one goat seems isolated or off, it may be a sign of a health issue.

7. Socialization and Mental Stimulation

Goats are social animals and should not be kept alone. It’s recommended to have at least two goats, as they will keep each other company. A lonely goat can become stressed or depressed.

• Companionship: If you can’t keep more than one goat, consider getting other farm animals, such as sheep, to keep your goat company.
• Play and Enrichment: Goats are very curious and intelligent. Provide them with opportunities for mental and physical stimulation, such as climbing structures (like ramps, platforms, and logs), toys, and objects they can explore.

8. Handling and Training

Goats can be trained and are generally friendly animals when handled regularly.

• Basic Training: Train them to walk on a leash, come when called, or follow simple commands like “sit” or “stay.” Positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise work best.
• Handling: Get them used to being touched and handled early. Regularly check their hooves, ears, and body to monitor for any health issues.

9. Breeding (Optional)

If you want to breed your goats, you’ll need to be aware of their reproductive cycles.

• Mating: Does (female goats) go into heat for about 24-48 hours every 18-21 days during breeding season. If you don’t want to breed your goats, you may need to separate males (bucks) from females.
• Kidding: If you plan to breed, be prepared for kidding season (usually spring or fall), when your doe will give birth. Have a clean, quiet place for her to deliver and watch for complications.
• Care for Kids: Newborn kids need colostrum for the first few hours after birth. You may need to assist with birthing or bottle-feed if the mother isn’t able to nurse.

10. Milking and Cheese Making (If Applicable)

If you’re raising dairy goats, milking is an important daily task.

• Milking Routine: Start milking your goat once she has kids or after she’s in lactation. Milking should be done twice a day, generally in the morning and evening.
• Cheese Making: If you’re interested in making cheese, there are many resources and recipes available. Goat cheese (chevre) is a popular option, but you can make everything from yogurt to soft cheeses or hard cheeses, depending on your expertise.

Conclusion

Raising goats in your backyard can be a delightful and fulfilling endeavor. With proper planning and care, goats can become an integral part of your homestead, providing you with fresh milk, cheese, fiber, or simply as loving companions. Make sure to focus on their health, safety, and happiness, and you’ll be rewarded with well-adjusted and productive goats!