While goats and sheep are wonderful companions, they can be expensive and require lots of care. Here are some things to consider before you bring a goat or sheep home.
Caring for your sheep or goat
Goats live up to 18 years, while sheep can live up 12 years. Goats are intelligent, curious, and playful. Goats are smart, playful, and curious. They can also be great lawn mowers because they love to chew grass and weeds. To live a happy, healthy life goats must be more than just weed eaters. Goats require a lot more than just weed-eaters. They love to learn tricks and go on walks.
They can be great friends and pets if they are well cared for. This is what your goat will need.
Feed. Feed. The goats also love carrots, celery, bananas and apples. You should research the plants in your yard and pasture to ensure that they are not toxic to your goats or sheep.
Goats require regular access to mineral supplements. There should be plenty of options at your local feed shop. Keep in mind, however, that goat minerals purchased from a feed store can be toxic to sheep and other barnyard animals. Please keep your goat’s minerals separate from other barnyard animals if they will be living with them.
Shelter. Protective, tall, and predator-proof fencing is essential for goats. Be sure to check your fencing from time to time. Goats and sheep love to explore and can find ways to escape from your fence. The more land they can roam, the better.
To keep your goat’s playful side happy, it is a good idea for you to provide playground equipment. Make sure the playground equipment is not near fencing to prevent your goat from climbing up and jumping out. Shelter is also important for goats, especially in the winter or when it is wet.
Medical care. Regular dewormers and tetanus vaccinations are important for goats. These can be purchased at your local feed store or from your veterinarian. You will also need to trim the goat’s hooves approximately four times a year. This can be done by you (with patience), or your vet.
Enrichment. Enrichment is essential for goats to thrive. The good news is that there are many easy and inexpensive ways to do this. This is the good news: There are many easy and inexpensive ways to do it. It is a great way to keep your goats happy: Give them places to climb. Here are some ideas for inexpensive, simple climbing objects.
Large tractor tires
- Picnic tables that are linked to wooden platforms
- Half barrels made of wood with narrow walkways for playing in
- To jump in or eat hay, you can use old boats, trucks, wagons, or trailers.
- Dog houses or igloos for dogs to climb on
- Tree stumps to jump from, especially those at different heights like stepping stones
- Jungle gyms, teeter-totters, ramps, playground equipment
- Climb on rock walls and have fun
- Adopting a goat or sheep
We want you and your goat/sheep to have a great experience. To that end, we suggest you do some research, speak to your vet, and ask others who have had success with goats and sheep. Before you decide if these animals are right for you, you should do as much research as possible.
First, complete our adoption survey for goats and sheep if you decide to adopt one from Best Friends. We will then contact you to help you find the perfect match once we have received your survey. The Best Friends staff will conduct a home inspection to ensure that your yard is safe and secure for the sheep or goat.
You are also encouraged to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in order to meet the goats or sheep you are considering adopting. This will allow you to meet the animal and get to know them better. Although a visit is not always necessary, it can be beneficial.
