Goats are common farm animals and many people like to keep them for meat, milk, or just as a pet! But if you’re considering getting your first goat, you might be wondering what kind of social needs it has. So can goats be kept alone or do they need a friend?
Goats are herd animals and they generally need at least one companion. This could include goats, sheep, or other herd animals. If humans form very tight bonds with their goats, they could fill part of their social needs, but it’s still best if goats have an animal friend.
If you’re thinking about getting a goat, you should plan on taking care of at least 2! Having a companion will make your goat healthier and happier, plus you’ll be able to enjoy more free time while they keep each other company. To learn more about goat’s social habits, how to bond with your goats, and the best way to keep the animals happy, read below.
Goats And Companions
Goats are much happier and more relaxed when they have a companion to spend time with. There are a few factors that make them enjoy socialization, as well as some benefits to keeping multiple goats.
Herd Animals
Goats are herd animals. Before they were domesticated, they were used to traveling in large groups. Thus, they feel safer and more at home when they’re in the company of other goats. There is a deep instinctual desire that causes them to bond with each other.
Reduce Stress
Alongside their herd instincts is an inherent anxiety and fear of predators. Herd animals believe that there’s safety in numbers, so a group of them will be more relaxed than a single isolated member. This will ensure that your goats are calmer, happier, and healthier. They’ll be more responsive to bonding with humans when this happens as well!
Increases Social Ability
Goats may be inherently social, but they may not properly develop these skills if they’re isolated from others. Being around other goats will show them how to act, as well as how to establish boundaries and dominance. They’ll be able to fit in with larger herds and react better to changes in their life.
Prevents Depression And Boredom
Finally, keeping multiple goats together ensures that they’re more stimulated and enriched. Companionship is good for them physically, emotionally, and mentally. They’ll always have someone to play with, and they won’t experience separation anxiety when their owner leaves.
Goats And Sheep
Goats are more likely to bond with their own kind, but there are many different goat breeds that look and act differently. It’s possible that your goats won’t click with each other, especially if there are a few dominant personalities. Goats who were raised in isolation also might not enjoy the company of others. They could even become aggressive or anxious, so there are some cases in which it’s best to keep goats alone.
If you can’t find a few goats that get along, you can also try to mix in a few sheep. Sheep and goats are closely related and have similar instincts. Both are herd animals who graze in similar areas, so they should have no problem spending time together.
Sheep may be a bit more docile as well, so they usually won’t mind the extra energy and dominant tendencies of goats.
When you introduce a new goat or sheep into a herd, try to take it slowly. You should generally quarantine the new animal for a few weeks to make sure it doesn’t have any contagious diseases or parasites. Then you can slowly start to introduce them to the herd. Let both of them investigate the situation and sniff each other through a fence.
Keep an eye on the group to make sure there isn’t any fighting or injuries, but let them figure out where everyone ranks in the pecking order. Goats have a hierarchical system and they need to figure out how newcomers fit in. You can encourage bonding by offering new toys and treats during this transition period. This will serve as a distraction and may relax your goats.
For more information on herd bonding, check out this article.
How To Bond With Goats
Although goats may prefer the company of other herd animals, it’s possible for them to form bonds with humans as well. It’s still best for them to have an animal companion that will stick around when you leave, but humans and goats can bond too. I’ve compiled a few tips below to help you bond with your goats.
Start Young
If possible, you should start bonding with your goat as soon as possible. Young goats form attachments more easily, and they will begin to rely on you for food and social interaction. Bottle feeding baby goats is a great way to bond with them. You should usually only do this if their mother is not present though because this could weaken the parent-child bond.
Train Them
Goats are quite intelligent and can be trained to do many of the same tricks that dogs can. They can respond to their names, jump, spin, and sit on command. This is helpful for you as an owner, and training your goats also builds a sense of trust. Plus, it can be fun to show off your trained goat to friends. After all, not everyone has a goat that can jump on command! If you’re interested in training your goats, check out our article about it here.
Build Trust, Not Fear
Overall, you need to create a positive bond with your goat. They are prey animals and are sensitive to bad experiences and aggressive body language. Intimidating your goats into obedience may work for short-term problems, but ultimately it can become an issue. Goats are more likely to challenge your dominance if they feel threatened or afraid of you. However, if you emphasize positive experiences and a sense of trust, they will accept your presence and be more relaxed.