Tips to rearing your kids

Buddies, shelter, fencing, feed and healthcare = happy goats!

Goats are traditionally thought of as a farm animal but, with more than 300 distinct breeds, they can make great pets for families, too, particularly the dwarf and pygmy varieties.

These adorable and curious splithoof creatures play well with other animals and love being around people.

Goats are social creatures that prefer to be in a herd with other goats (horses, cows and sheep will do, too). But they need sufficient space in which to run around and play.

The animals are also sensitive and susceptible to stress and will act out if they have unresolved fears from a troublesome upbringing or feel frightened, bored or frustrated.

Goats need clean water and good-quality food they enjoy, and are best to be fed separated from other animals, so they aren’t forced to compete. Keep them calm and stressfree in an enriched environment with plenty to do to entertain and satisfy their natural instincts. Think balls and haystacks to play with and sturdy crates or non-slip tables to climb!

Keep your goat safe in a secure enclosure. He’s likely to make a run for it if given the chance and can easily jump over a low fence, not to mention munching on it too – no kidding!

Goats love to graze on pasture or hay and will chew through whatever is in their path, so be sure they don’t have access to toxic plants.

If you fancy keeping them as pets, you’ll need a fairly large block of fenced land and will be best served to consult your local council with regards to any regulations.