Why do people keep goats?
People raise goats for milk, meat, fiber, brush control or companionship. Your purpose changes your breed choice, your feed and your daily work, so decide what you want before you buy.
Goats are herd animals and are unhappy alone. Plan for at least two, and think about how you will handle breeding, kids and bucks, since a buck adds smell, behavior and fencing needs.
Visit a few goat farms before buying. You will see how different breeds behave and learn what daily care really looks like.
- Milk goats for dairy use
- Meat goats for the table
- Fiber breeds for mohair or cashmere
- Pet or brush clearing goats
What kind of fence holds goats?
Goats climb, jump, squeeze and push. A fence that holds cattle may not hold goats. Ask local goat keepers and your extension office what has worked in your area, and plan for strong posts, tight wire and gates that latch.
Check fences often. A single weak spot becomes an escape route, and goats that get out can damage gardens, trees and roadside traffic.
Electric fencing can help as a second line, but goats with thick coats may ignore a weak charge, so ask local keepers what actually keeps their goats in.
- Tight, tall, well braced fencing
- Latches goats cannot open
- Nothing to climb near the fence
- Daily walk of fence lines
What shelter do they need?
Goats dislike wet weather. They need a dry, draft free shelter with good ventilation and a dry place to lie down. Standing damp conditions raise the risk of health problems.
Give them things to climb on, which keeps them busy, but make sure structures are stable and safe. Bored goats find trouble.
Keep bedding clean and dry, and clean out heavily soiled areas often, since wet bedding encourages parasites and foot problems. Keep feed and minerals off the ground and covered, since damp or soiled feed can make goats sick.
What do goats eat?
Goats are browsers and graze a mix of plants. Quality hay, clean water and a suitable mineral made for goats form the base. Ask your vet or extension agent which minerals fit your region, because some products meant for other species can harm goats.
Sudden feed changes and too much grain can cause serious digestive trouble. Introduce changes slowly and talk to your vet about feeding growing kids, milking does and bucks.
Fresh clean water matters, and goats are often fussy about dirty buckets. Check and scrub them regularly so they drink enough.
What health problems are common?
Internal parasites are among the biggest challenges for goats, especially in warm, wet regions. Ask your vet about fecal testing and a parasite plan that fits your area, because overusing dewormers leads to resistance.
Also learn about hoof care, vaccines recommended locally and signs of illness such as dull eyes, pale eyelids, not eating or scouring. A sick goat can decline fast, so call your vet early.
Keep a simple health log for each goat noting weight checks, treatments and fecal results, so you can see changes before they become emergencies.
- Pale inner eyelids
- Weight loss or poor coat
- Scours or runny manure
- Limping or overgrown hooves
- Cough or nasal discharge
What about kidding and breeding?
Does can have one to several kids. Plan the timing so births do not land during your hardest weather. Ask your vet about nutrition in late pregnancy and what to do if a doe struggles.
Keep bucks away from does you do not want bred, and from young does too early. Decide in advance what you will do with kids you cannot keep.
Dairy goats add milking, which brings its own schedule and sanitation needs, so learn those before committing to a milking herd.
What rules and costs should I check?
Some counties and towns restrict livestock, and states may require identification or health papers for sale and movement. Check with your county zoning office and state department of agriculture.
Start small, keep notes and make friends with experienced goat keepers. They are often the best source of practical advice.
Good fences also keep goats away from plants that can poison them. Ask your extension office about local toxic plants.
- Zoning and animal limits
- Identification and health paper requirements
- Neighbor and nuisance concerns
- Hay, minerals, vet care and fencing costs
Key takeaways
- Goats need strong fences, dry shelter and company of their own kind.
- Internal parasites are a major concern, so work out a plan with a vet.
- Use feed and minerals made for goats and change diets slowly.
- Check local zoning and state rules before buying.
- Visit goat farms and talk to experienced keepers before you buy.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.