When I first thought about raising goats, I pictured a quaint, Pinterest-perfect scene: happy little goats frolicking in the field, keeping the weeds down while providing creamy milk. The reality? Well, it’s still charming, but let’s just say my goats had a few lessons in store for me that no book could prepare me for. If you’re curious about owning goats, keeping goats as pets, or simply want to dive into the world of goat care, let me share what it’s really like.
Nubian Goats
Let’s start with Nubian goats, because they made sure I’d never forget them. With their long ears and soulful eyes, they look like sweet farmyard companions. But don’t be fooled—Nubians have voices that carry for miles. The first time I left the yard, they let out a sound that was equal parts toddler tantrum and full-blown opera.
Still, Nubians are some of the best goats for milk. Their rich, high-butterfat milk makes the creamiest cheese and yogurt you could ever dream of. They’re also affectionate, often nuzzling up for scratches. They’re the drama queens of the goat world—but lovable drama queens at that.
Goat Care
Goat care is where theory and reality collide. Books will tell you goats need food, water, shelter, and a safe fence. True enough. But what they don’t tell you is how emotional goats can be. They crave companionship and thrive on routine.
Daily goat care for me looks like this: fresh hay, clean water, minerals, and a secure shelter where they can get out of the rain. I’ve learned fencing needs to be extra strong—goats treat it as both a challenge and a sport. And companionship? Don’t even think about keeping just one goat. These animals are herd creatures, and a lonely goat is a miserable goat.
Owning Goats
When I first imagined owning goats, I thought it would be idyllic. What I didn’t realize was that goats can be as needy as children. They follow me around, cry when I disappear, and insist on climbing into my lap when I sit in the grass. It’s endearing—until I’m trying to get actual chores done.
Owning goats means dealing with escape attempts, surprise garden raids, and the occasional bleating chorus right outside your window when you’re trying to work. But it also means laughter, connection, and those quiet moments when a goat lays its head on your shoulder and makes you forget the chaos.
Goats as Pets
People often ask me about goats as pets. The truth? They can absolutely be pets—but with a twist. Unlike dogs or cats, goats don’t just lounge around. They’re active, curious, and often mischievous.
As pets, goats bring endless entertainment. They’ll play, cuddle, and bond with you. But they’ll also nibble on your favorite flowers, climb on your furniture if they get the chance, and demand more attention than you thought possible. If you want a pet that makes you laugh every single day, goats fit the bill. Just be sure you’re ready for their noise, energy, and insatiable curiosity.
Goats for Milk
One of the main reasons people start raising goats is for milk. And let me tell you, fresh goat milk is worth it. Smoothies, cheese, soap—it’s a homesteader’s dream.
But don’t underestimate the commitment. Milking goats isn’t a hobby; it’s a daily obligation. Twice a day, every day, you’ll be out there with your goats, rain or shine. Breeds like Nubians, Alpines, and Saanens are excellent milkers, and once you get into the rhythm, it becomes a grounding, even meditative routine. Plus, the bond you form with your milk goats is unlike anything else.
Raising Goats for Beginners
For anyone thinking of starting out, raising goats for beginners is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. My advice? Start small. Two or three goats is plenty when you’re just learning.
Here are a few beginner lessons I learned fast:
- Goats are loud—don’t assume yours will be quiet.
- They’re escape artists. Fencing has to be strong and tall.
- Not every goat is the same—choose breeds based on your goals (milk, companionship, brush clearing).
- Find a vet before you need one. Goats get sick, and not every vet specializes in them.
- Routines matter. Feeding and care at the same time each day keeps goats happier (and quieter).
Can Goats Eat Oak Leaves?
A question I get all the time: can goats eat oak leaves? The answer is no, they really shouldn’t. Oak leaves contain tannins, which can be harmful or even toxic in large amounts. Of course, that doesn’t stop goats from heading straight for the oak leaves the moment you turn your back. It’s like they’re hardwired to want exactly what they can’t have.
If you’ve got oak trees around your property, keep the leaves raked and the goats fenced out. Trust me, prevention is easier than dealing with a sick goat later.
Goats Eating Weeds
If there’s one magical perk to goat ownership, it’s goats eating weeds. Forget renting machinery or sweating in the sun with a weed whacker. Goats are nature’s brush-clearing machines. They’ll happily devour poison ivy, blackberry brambles, and other pesky weeds.
The only catch? They don’t always mow down what you want them to. My goats have bypassed whole patches of grass to chew on my favorite garden plants. So while they’re fantastic helpers, supervision is sometimes necessary.
Bottle Fed Goats
And then there are bottle fed goats. Sweet, cuddly, and utterly impossible not to love. Raising a bottle-fed goat means you become their whole world. They’ll follow you everywhere, cry when you’re out of sight, and demand your attention at all times.
This can be wonderful if you want goats as pets. It creates a deep bond and ensures your goats are friendly with humans. But it also means you’ll be raising little shadows that cling to you more than their herd. It’s both endearing and exhausting—so go in with your eyes open.
Final Thoughts on Raising Goats
At the end of the day, raising goats is a mix of chaos, laughter, and pure joy. You’ll have moments when you wonder why on earth you brought them home, and then moments when you can’t imagine your life without them.
From Nubian goats with their opera voices to bottle-fed babies that curl up in your lap, goats bring personality and heart to any homestead. They’ll eat your weeds, test your patience, raid your garden, and steal your heart all in the same day.
If you’re considering raising goats, know this: they’re more than livestock. They’re companions, clowns, escape artists, and milk makers rolled into one. Once they’re in your life, you’ll never look at your backyard—or your mornings—the same way again.
