This Cute Pet

Interested in a pet goat?

Here are some things that you should know.

Goats are herd animals which means that you would need to get more than one. They need plenty of space, with a fence around it. If you are in a city, bylaws may prevent you from keeping goats as they will likely be classed as an agricultural species.

Female goats are called does. Male goats are called bucks. A male goat that has been neutered is known as a wether.

Shelter
Goats must always have ready access to shelter them for safety especially in bad weather. They cannot tolerate wet conditions because they have no lanolin in their hair .


Goat Statistics

* Body Temperature: 102.5° F-104° F
* Pulse/heart rate: 60 to 80 beats per minute
* Respiration rate: 15 to 30 breaths per minute
* Puberty: 4 to 12 months
* Gestation (length of pregnancy): 150 days
* Breeding season: Pygmy goats may be bred any time of the year. Dairy goats usually go into heat between August and January in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Weight: An adult pygmy goat weighs between 50 and 75 pounds. An adult dairy goat doe weighs between 125 and 200 pounds. An adult dairy goat buck weighs between 200 and 300 pounds.

Basic care
Goats need water. Be sure to provide them with plenty of clean and unfrozen water.
They need to be fed 1-2 times per day.

They will eat alfalfa hay. An adult dairy goat doe eats about 5 pounds. This is usually supplemented with a grain mixture.

Goats can be prone to foot problems, and routine examination and maintenance of hooves is essential. Feet must be regularly inspected, and when necessary, trimmed.

Consult a veterinarian for further goat care.