Tips from LFT Staff: A Beginner’s Guide to Goats

Naturally, almost everyone here at Lancaster Farmland Trust has a fur baby of some kind – cats, dogs, even goats! Let's face it, practically every animal-lover has considered owning a goat at least once. If you're ready to commit, I sat down with LFT's Conservation Easement Monitoring Assistant, Jon Denlinger. Jon and his family have owned goats for about five years, and he was more than willing to share what he has learned.

"It's like looking at puppies; you have to take one or two," Jon said when I asked him how he started owning goats. Jon and his family attended a friend's "goat open house," where they purchased two of their 6-month-old goats. Now, they own 12! He noted that goats are good helpers for eating otherwise-wasted food scraps, trimming fence lines, and weed control. If this sounds good to you, and you're ready to dive in, here are some of the tricks and pieces of advice he shared with me:

1. Start off Small, but Don't Buy a Lonesome Goat

As with many animals, goats are herd animals, meaning they're happiest when with other goats. So, Jon suggests that anyone getting goats consider buying two at once. However, his guidance is to start small. While he owns 12 now, he suggests a beginner not buy a whole herd at once, especially if you need clarification on the space requirements.

2. Have Enough Space

Goats are large animals that require large spaces. Jon suggested a new goat owner does their research in terms of meters per goat necessary to have happy animals. This space includes an outdoor and indoor area if you live in Pennsylvania (or anywhere with changing seasons). Jon and his family use a barn to house their goats in the colder seasons. According to the RSPCA, you should have at least 2.5 meters of space per adult goat.

3. Research Fencing Types

"Fencing is one of the biggest challenges with goats," Jon said. He noted that goats can ruin or jump over many types of fencing, so it's crucial to find a fencing material that works best for your herd. Jon's family uses a thick, woven wire material for their fencing, but as mentioned before, be sure to research and find out what's best for you!

4. Be Ready to Purchase Food

While goats will stay somewhat satisfied with food scraps and natural vegetation in the summer, you'll still need to purchase food for the colder months. Jon buys both hay and pellets for his goats during the winter to supplement their typical food scraps.

5. Implement Hoof-Care

Like many other hooved animals, goats need hoof-trimming, especially if they don't live on rocky substrate. Jon's family uses large, sharp shearers for their goats. If you're looking to own goats, be prepared to handle them and their hooves.

6. Prepare for Vaccine and Deworming Costs

"One of the biggest threats to a goat's health is worms," Jon noted. So, be prepared to purchase deworming medication if necessary. Also, goats need various vaccinations, so be sure to get your goats checked by a vet and keep their enclosures clean.

7. Consider the Cons

Goats are lovely animals to own, but they're not perfect. Always consider the reality of owning an animal before purchasing one. For example, Jon noted that mature billy goats can be dangerous - while it may seem counter-intuitive, it's best not to tame or even hand-feed in-tact males, as one never knows when they might become aggressive. He also noted that mature billy goats often give off a very strong odor.

While his family has owned goats for many years, Jon suggests that anyone considering purchasing a herd does their research and speaks with an expert. He also advises buying from someone you know and trust; otherwise, someone may sell you an unruly animal. Good luck with your goat journey. We hope these tips serve you well!

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