How to Choose a Goat
When choosing a goat, decide how you'll be using the goat - for milk, meat or just to show.
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Instructions
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A Healthy Goat
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1
Look at his eyes. They should be clear and bright.
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2
Feel and look at the coat. It should be smooth and shiny.
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3
Ask the owner about the goat's appetite and diet.
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4
Notice the goat's body language. A hunched back and droopy tail may mean he's sick.
A Dairy Goat
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5
Look at her general appearance and follow the health guidelines above.
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6
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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7
Check her udder. It should be well-attached, without any bumps or scarring.
A Meat Goat
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8
Look for a wide, heavy-looking appearance in the leg and chest area.
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9
Feel the back. It should be flat and thick.
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10
The goat's body should have a square, blocky look.
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Tips & Warnings
If there are any signs of sores or abscesses, avoid purchasing the goat. Some goat diseases are contagious and untreatable.
Comments
View all 8 Comments-
cw32050
Aug 18, 2010
does anyone know of a good breed of goat to have in north central florida for just the fun of it.. -
Jessica Clark
Jul 13, 2009
Thanks for the advice! 5*s!
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FlyingEwe
Nov 04, 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.
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FlyingEwe
Nov 04, 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.
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Feb 01, 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.
