What are the best goats for pets?

Val · 08-24-2008, 07:36 PM

I was thinking about getting a goat for a pet. There are soooo many different types. I really like the Nubian....how do they compare to the fainting, pygmys, or boer goats? Also male or female? I just want something that can follow me around, easy care, not aggressive, loves to play? I dont want to milk anything either...lol. Also is it better to have a pair or do they make better pets single? Any advice would be very appreciated

Thanks!

**divinemisselle** · 08-24-2008, 07:41 PM

We have a small boer herd of 5, all does. I believe they should have company of their own kind to play with, no singles.

We have a one eyed momma (she came that way, empty socket) who is just as sweet as can be, her three triplet does, one of which we raised in the house (on a bottle) after she rejected her for being too wee, and another bottle baby that my daughter raised.

They all get along with the horses, Gandalf especially loves his goatie herd!

My porch cats and house dogs all love them, too.

They are a lot of fun to have around and much fun to play with. My daughter spends endless hours out there with her goats!

dproaps · 08-24-2008, 07:44 PM

I have two Nigerian dwarf goats. They are wethers (fixed) and I just adore them. They are tiny and cute, very lovable and fun. They live with my collie, miniature horse and cat.

I was only going to get one but the lady I got them from said they do better in pairs. She also dehorned them as babies and that was good.

Karen Cole · 08-24-2008, 08:03 PM

I like Boers they are big and laid back like Drafties...a pair or more is always better. Dehorned is good although not all Boer breeders will disbud w/o at least a deposit it devalues them. I'd go with does better resale value if you need to sell them and wethers are more prone to urinary stones than does are.

Karen

NewtoMules · 08-24-2008, 09:16 PM

I had a boer doe that thought she was a dog. She lived in our backyard with the dogs and LOVED them. She slpet with them at night in the dog house and she even made immitation dog barks, LMAO

She could walk on a leash, too. We loved her to death.

I also had two pygmy goats; a wether and a doe. They were NOT very friendly IMHO.

CowhorseGal · 08-24-2008, 09:21 PM

My personal preference is the lamancha. Beside the unique look, when you have folks from the city out for dinner you can introduce them to your goats and when tey ask what happend to their ears you can, mater of factly, tell them that they are having goat ear soup for dinner

I had more fun with that one..
Seriously though I do like the lamanchas, the ones I had were very friendly and would follow you around like a dog.

Karen Cole · 08-24-2008, 09:48 PM

LaMancha ears are also really good deep fried ...don'tcha know thats where elephant ears at the fair really come from?! Our oldest son likes to tell people they are born with ears and we cut them off to eat them like pork rinds or elephant ears....it's funny!!

If I had to choose a dairy goat I'd go with LaManchas or Nigerian Dwarfs.

Karen

kanoo32 · 08-24-2008, 10:37 PM

I had a single Nubian doe that passed away, she was the best. Now I have a pair of nigerian Dwarf twins a wether and a doe and they are very cute, I would highly recommend as pets,,,,,,,,,

**Promise Ranch** · 08-25-2008, 06:19 AM

Best for pets? I'd have to say any breed. But, a bottle-baby wether would be a fantastic pet. Wethers are kid-like forever! The bottle baby-ness makes them want to be with people, regardless of the breed!

Slim Pikkens · 08-25-2008, 09:10 PM

We had a mostly Toggenburg hornless doe that was hand raised after a dog killed her mother. She tho't she was a person. She'd follow my little female Cairn terrier all over. The horses became very protective of our Binky. When I tried to introduce her to a ram she ran crying to the horses and they put the run on him so he was returned. So much for that idea. She was a marvellous pet, having the run of the place.

crittermom · 08-25-2008, 09:19 PM

Our favorite goat was a pygmy named Sally. She was the only goat we had for awhile and she was like a dog. We sold goats for a time and everybody wanted to buy Sally---but she was not for sale. We never had another one like her....and I am thinking it was due to numbers and time we did not spend playing with them. I really think the more interaction you have with one the better pet it is.

ARSPSB · 08-26-2008, 11:05 AM

Weve had Nubians, La Manchas, boers, pygmys and nigerian dwarfs all in the last couple years since Ive started my addiction.

Id say if you want small go Nigerian Dwarf... if you want larger goats and my favorites go with a Nubian. Like someone said the bottle feed wethers make the best pets.

Mav2007 · 08-26-2008, 12:03 PM

We had alpine goats growing up. They are big like a deer and people sometimes tried to shoot at them. Anyway, they were so much fun. I think any breed would be great. Goats are just a really fun animal.

Akita it Girl · 08-26-2008, 12:30 PM

I love Nubians, french alpines, and Sanaans. We had them before we moved and they were all very friendly ( and gave off milk ) They loved being petted and payed attenion to.

barrelracer94 · 08-26-2008, 04:04 PM

I have 2 fainting does. They are SUPER SWEET!!! They'll follow me around & just hang out. +, they are very entertaining when they faint!

lol. I'm biassed probably, but that's my favorite!

With any though, pictures are a MUST!

barrelracer12 · 09-04-2008, 10:04 PM

I would have to say LaManchas! It would be best if you got a bottle doe or wether.

roberts617 · 09-05-2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Promise Ranch

Best for pets? I'd have to say any breed. But, a bottle-baby wether would be a fantastic pet. Wethers are kid-like forever! The bottle baby-ness makes them want to be with people, regardless of the breed!

I have to agree here! I am by far no goat expert, but I'll tell you we got 2 wethers from Range and they follow me around right with my dogs. They are awesome little guys, I can't believe that I just now got goats! I should have had them a long time ago! The girls adore them and they are good with them.

Hideaway · 09-05-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Promise Ranch

Best for pets? I'd have to say any breed. But, a bottle-baby wether would be a fantastic pet. Wethers are kid-like forever! The bottle baby-ness makes them want to be with people, regardless of the breed!

I agree. I had a nubian who was a wether and raised from a bottle and we just loved each other.

**Range** · 09-06-2008, 02:52 PM

Bottle babies of any breed make very good pets as they see humans as the food providers.

If you can't find a bottle baby, I like the Boer's for gentleness and "coming around" to liking humans.

For example, I've had upwards of 5 or 6 Pygmies from either auction or "wild" situations...no matter how much I've sat with them, fed them, and tried to love on them, they just didn't "tame down." But the Boers? The majority I have came from auction or "wild" situations and within about 6 months, they want to be with you ALL THE TIME. I just had a breakthrough with a 5 year old Mama that came from auction about 5 months ago. She approached ME in the field to get loved on and I didn't even have any food with me!

Does or wethers, definitely!

midnyte · 09-19-2008, 05:44 PM

I don't have any other goat experience other than with my own. I have 3 French Alpine dairy goat boys (who will be wethers next week!) I bottle-fed mine and have spent much time in their pen scratching them on the back and necks, and just plain talking to them. They call to me whenever they hear my voice, and when I leave the pen ("Mom! Come back!") They seem to be very smart and affectionate. Oftentimes, when I sit on the ground in their pen, Oreo will get into my lap and take a nap. Of course, they all are 4 months old now, so when they reach full size (around 32" or more at the withers) this may be a bit problematic. I don't tolerate any foolishness (like butting ME with their horns) and after making it clear I won't stand their naughty behaviors, they stop. I make it a point to socialize with them when I'm not feeding them, so they don't just associate me with food. They LOVE scratches!

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08-24-2008, 07:36 PM
Val Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Las Vegas Posts: 277	What are the best goats for pets? I was thinking about getting a goat for a pet. There are soooo many different types. I really like the Nubian....how do they compare to the fainting, pygmys, or boer goats? Also male or female? I just want something that can follow me around, easy care, not aggressive, loves to play? I dont want to milk anything either...lol. Also is it better to have a pair or do they make better pets single? Any advice would be very appreciated Thanks!

08-24-2008, 07:41 PM
divinemisselle Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,493	We have a small boer herd of 5, all does. I believe they should have company of their own kind to play with, no singles. We have a one eyed momma (she came that way, empty socket) who is just as sweet as can be, her three triplet does, one of which we raised in the house (on a bottle) after she rejected her for being too wee, and another bottle baby that my daughter raised. They all get along with the horses, Gandalf especially loves his goatie herd! My porch cats and house dogs all love them, too. They are a lot of fun to have around and much fun to play with. My daughter spends endless hours out there with her goats! __________________ Let's all be Naughty this year, And save Santa the trip.

08-24-2008, 07:44 PM
dproaps Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dickson, Tennessee Posts: 1,528	I have two Nigerian dwarf goats. They are wethers (fixed) and I just adore them. They are tiny and cute, very lovable and fun. They live with my collie, miniature horse and cat. I was only going to get one but the lady I got them from said they do better in pairs. She also dehorned them as babies and that was good. __________________ Those who suffer with the suffering are dancing to the rhythm of God.

08-24-2008, 08:03 PM
Karen Cole Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,442	I like Boers they are big and laid back like Drafties...a pair or more is always better. Dehorned is good although not all Boer breeders will disbud w/o at least a deposit it devalues them. I'd go with does better resale value if you need to sell them and wethers are more prone to urinary stones than does are. Karen

08-24-2008, 09:16 PM
NewtoMules Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 436	I had a boer doe that thought she was a dog. She lived in our backyard with the dogs and LOVED them. She slpet with them at night in the dog house and she even made immitation dog barks, LMAO She could walk on a leash, too. We loved her to death. I also had two pygmy goats; a wether and a doe. They were NOT very friendly IMHO. __________________ "Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses." - Elizabeth Taylor http://outofshaperider.blogspot.com

08-24-2008, 09:21 PM
CowhorseGal Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 345	My personal preference is the lamancha. Beside the unique look, when you have folks from the city out for dinner you can introduce them to your goats and when tey ask what happend to their ears you can, mater of factly, tell them that they are having goat ear soup for dinner I had more fun with that one.. Seriously though I do like the lamanchas, the ones I had were very friendly and would follow you around like a dog. __________________ The more I know men the more I like my dog

08-24-2008, 09:48 PM
Karen Cole Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,442	LaMancha ears are also really good deep fried ...don'tcha know thats where elephant ears at the fair really come from?! Our oldest son likes to tell people they are born with ears and we cut them off to eat them like pork rinds or elephant ears....it's funny!! If I had to choose a dairy goat I'd go with LaManchas or Nigerian Dwarfs. Karen

08-24-2008, 10:37 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,466	I had a single Nubian doe that passed away, she was the best. Now I have a pair of nigerian Dwarf twins a wether and a doe and they are very cute, I would highly recommend as pets,,,,,,,,, __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-25-2008, 06:19 AM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,482	Best for pets? I'd have to say any breed. But, a bottle-baby wether would be a fantastic pet. Wethers are kid-like forever! The bottle baby-ness makes them want to be with people, regardless of the breed! __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available!

08-25-2008, 09:10 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,950	We had a mostly Toggenburg hornless doe that was hand raised after a dog killed her mother. She tho't she was a person. She'd follow my little female Cairn terrier all over. The horses became very protective of our Binky. When I tried to introduce her to a ram she ran crying to the horses and they put the run on him so he was returned. So much for that idea. She was a marvellous pet, having the run of the place.

08-25-2008, 09:19 PM
crittermom Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,528	Our favorite goat was a pygmy named Sally. She was the only goat we had for awhile and she was like a dog. We sold goats for a time and everybody wanted to buy Sally---but she was not for sale. We never had another one like her....and I am thinking it was due to numbers and time we did not spend playing with them. I really think the more interaction you have with one the better pet it is. __________________ Peace!! I wish the people of the world could get along as well as the animals in my backyard.

08-26-2008, 11:05 AM
ARSPSB Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: maricopa, arizona Posts: 516	>> Weve had Nubians, La Manchas, boers, pygmys and nigerian dwarfs all in the last couple years since Ive started my addiction. Id say if you want small go Nigerian Dwarf... if you want larger goats and my favorites go with a Nubian. Like someone said the bottle feed wethers make the best pets.

08-26-2008, 12:03 PM
Mav2007 Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,502	We had alpine goats growing up. They are big like a deer and people sometimes tried to shoot at them. Anyway, they were so much fun. I think any breed would be great. Goats are just a really fun animal.

08-26-2008, 12:30 PM
Akita it Girl Weanling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Md Posts: 345	I love Nubians, french alpines, and Sanaans. We had them before we moved and they were all very friendly ( and gave off milk ) They loved being petted and payed attenion to. __________________ Everyone has their hobbies...mine just happens to include whips, spurs and leather.

08-26-2008, 04:04 PM
barrelracer94 Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The middle of nowhere Posts: 526	I have 2 fainting does. They are SUPER SWEET!!! They'll follow me around & just hang out. +, they are very entertaining when they faint! lol. I'm biassed probably, but that's my favorite! With any though, pictures are a MUST!

09-04-2008, 10:04 PM
barrelracer12 Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 95	I would have to say LaManchas! It would be best if you got a bottle doe or wether. __________________ 3 Barrels, 2 Hearts, 1 Dream. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.. its about learnin how to dance in the rain!

09-06-2008, 02:52 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,751	Bottle babies of any breed make very good pets as they see humans as the food providers. If you can't find a bottle baby, I like the Boer's for gentleness and "coming around" to liking humans. For example, I've had upwards of 5 or 6 Pygmies from either auction or "wild" situations...no matter how much I've sat with them, fed them, and tried to love on them, they just didn't "tame down." But the Boers? The majority I have came from auction or "wild" situations and within about 6 months, they want to be with you ALL THE TIME. I just had a breakthrough with a 5 year old Mama that came from auction about 5 months ago. She approached ME in the field to get loved on and I didn't even have any food with me! Does or wethers, definitely! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

09-19-2008, 05:44 PM
midnyte Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 153	I don't have any other goat experience other than with my own. I have 3 French Alpine dairy goat boys (who will be wethers next week!) I bottle-fed mine and have spent much time in their pen scratching them on the back and necks, and just plain talking to them. They call to me whenever they hear my voice, and when I leave the pen ("Mom! Come back!") They seem to be very smart and affectionate. Oftentimes, when I sit on the ground in their pen, Oreo will get into my lap and take a nap. Of course, they all are 4 months old now, so when they reach full size (around 32" or more at the withers) this may be a bit problematic. I don't tolerate any foolishness (like butting ME with their horns) and after making it clear I won't stand their naughty behaviors, they stop. I make it a point to socialize with them when I'm not feeding them, so they don't just associate me with food. They LOVE scratches!