Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Chain Or Nylon Pet Collars
- Lead Ropes
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Step 1
Look at his eyes. They should be clear and bright.
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Step 2
Feel and look at the coat. It should be smooth and shiny.
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Step 3
Ask the owner about the goat's appetite and diet.
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Step 4
Notice the goat's body language. A hunched back and droopy tail may mean he's sick.
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Step 1
Look at her general appearance and follow the health guidelines above.
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Step 2
Look at the doe's bone structure. Her front legs should be wide apart, strong and straight. Her back legs should be wide apart at the hocks, with a wide, arched opening at the escutcheon area.
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Step 3
Check her udder. It should be well-attached, without any bumps or scarring.
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Step 1
Look for a wide, heavy-looking appearance in the leg and chest area.
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Step 2
Feel the back. It should be flat and thick.
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Step 3
The goat's body should have a square, blocky look.
Comments
daydreamgalaxy said
on 7/13/2009 Thanks for the advice! 5*s!
FlyingEwe said
on 11/4/2008 The goat's temperament is far more important than whether it has horns or not. Some of mine have horns, others don't... a kid is likely to get knocked down and stepped on, not gouged/poked with a horn. The irresponsibility is purely on the part of the parent when it comes to interactions with ALL animals. Cats have claws, goats have horns... removing them does not remove the need for parental responsibility. Disbudding is purely optional, unless one is talking about a show dairy goat.
Anonymous said
on 2/1/2006 Actually, horned goats are dangerous to adults as well, not to mention other goats! I have heard some horror stories about this. I like to keep animals in as natural a way as possible, and I think goats look beautiful with their horns, but I am convinced, after doing some research that it is irresponsible to keep goats without dis-budding them at birth. Find a breeder who does this is a sign that they take good care of their animals.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I got three six month old wethers all on the same day. After they acclimated to leaving the big herd, I bought dog-type halters for them; adjusting the halters to the body configuration of the goat. I then walked them each separately on a dog leash to grazing areas. I put out three runs, which I move about my acreage. Never leave a goat out on a run for longer than 45 minutes, and always stay with them and check for tangling. Be aware of any poisonous plants in your grazing areas. My overgrown mess of pine forest is now being selectively deforested; new clean growth and grass is emerging, boggy areas are drying out, sun is filtering in, and no damage is done to the environment. I have no worries with any kind of fencing. They have 200 feet of safe fenced yard to run, rest, and romp.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Get a de-horned goat if you have young children, as children tend to hug/cuddle their pets. If it's de-horned, there is no danger of the goat accidentally poking your child in the eye/face.