Goats as companions?

[sfward]

Hi
Has anyone got/had a goat as a companion for their horse? Thinking about getting one for my new boy as don't want or need another horse. Thoughts and experiences would be really helpful! In particular do they need feeding, feed shelters etc, and would they chew up wooden post and rail fencing?
Oh - and where can I find one?! Other than usual internet classified search...

thanks!

 

[Charmaine18]

I'm sure I read somewhere that keeping goats with horses can reduce the risk of worms - I have no idea how, but it's definitely good (if it's true!). Perhaps you could put up ads in places like feed suppliers and stuff?

I had a dream about goats last night.

My neighbour had goats and they escaped. Not that interesting, but weird to read a goat thread afterwards lol.

 

[welshied]

You can usually get the male ones for free as they are no use i know someone that got 2 because otherwise they were going to be killed

 

[lauraandjack]

You will need v good fencing as they are complete escape artists.

Also check very carefully for poisonous plants, especially in the hedges as they are browsers not grazers. Pieris, rhododendrons and azaleas are particularly toxic (giving projectile vomiting and death).

 

[Abbeygale]

Yes you can usually get the male ones for free - but that is because they are pretty stroppy and very strong animals.

We had goats for years, and the last of our goats lived with our old pony - all of our goats used to follow our old girl around the field for ever more.

In all honesty though I wouldn't rush to get another goat as a companion - they are pretty stinky, and despite stereotyping, they are incredibly fussy about what they eat. Our goats were always happy to eat hay - but once hay has dropped on the floor all it is good for to them is peeing on! (think lots of waste!!)

They love to escape, will break into stables and sheds when you don't want them to - and like to poo and wee on your boots

 

[Enfys]

Hi,

Goats are not waterproof for a start, they need a shelter preferably one where they can escape from the horse. Horses can play rough and a bite or kick can kill them.

I have had several horses that loved their goats, so it can work, on the other hand I have horses now that will damage goats if they can. Goats can also damage horses, I had a pygmy goat, all of 18" that lamed a couple of horses by butting them. This one adores his pony and actually climbs on his back now.

Fencing-Stock wire at the very least, your gate will have to be goat proofed too. Post and rails, they won't stay behind them long enough to chew them! Mine don't chew the wood but they do chew the trees, a goat that decides he likes a particular tree will strip the bark off it in no time. I give mine branches.

Food. All the usual stuff is poisonous, brassicas (cabbage etc) can give them bloat and can kill. You can get goat mix, but mine just have a handful of whatever the horses are having, hay and he spends part of the day tethered on the lawn. This one in particular would rather eat grass and clover than nasty brambles anyday.

If you get a young buck get it castrated, honestly boy goats stink to high heaven, they also make everyhing else smell too. Horns, some have them de-budded but this has to be done quite early, all my goats have had horns and there have never been any accidents, not saying that there won't be, just not yet. Oh, and you can't just saw horns off either and not cauterise them, they bleed, a lot, think hosepipe on jet! They can also be noisy, very noisy. Mine makes a noise as if he is being strangled, and he doesn't have an mute switch until he gets what he wants.

Feet need to be trimmed too, but any goat book will have diagrams and you can do it yourself.

Goats are great, but make sure they know who is boss - ie, not them. They can be a royal pain if they start getting butty and bargy, they must also be trained to tie up and walk on a lead. That's another advantage to horns, they make very useful handles.

All in all great companions, if your horse likes them!

 

[vieshot]

TBH i dont think anything compares to another equine companion, if i were you id seriously consider getting another pony.......

 

[Enfys]

[ QUOTE ]
TBH i dont think anything compares to another equine companion, if i were you id seriously consider getting another pony.......

[/ QUOTE ]

Two, you need a companion for the companion then.

 

[dollface]

Personally Id say no, we had a goat and se was a nightmare. Escaped very regularly-in fact that regulary the police knew us by name! She also nutted the horse and cost us a vets visit.