Brand new goat owner

[CntryBoy777]

About the pygmies, they can be a bit stubborn, but are very personable and even tho I am the enforcer, they will nibble at clothes and lick arms to get your attention begging for a treat....I usually carry pellets in my pocket in case of emergencies.....they have only gotten out of the fencing twice, but they did bolt from us one time when we got them out for a walk. So it isn't like it is a daily issue, but I'd rather have them and not need them, and feed them as treats....than to need them and not have them. Just as other animals they have their own personality and character. Your horses are really nice looking and I believe you'll enjoy being a goat momma. The bigger white goat in the avatar is Comet, he is 66% boer and is the most comical, laid back of the 3....but, when it is feeding time he is all business....he is the dominant one in the herd. Lightning is the tan one, he is 66% pygmy and is very routine oriented and the most vocal of the 3....he will let me know if there is something going on that he doesn't like....or, if I'm late with the pellets. All 3 of ours have their horns and other than an inadvertent bump on the leg, they have never used them in a dangerous manner....if they did they wouldn't be here, but in the freezer.....

 

[Nariah01]

About the pygmies, they can be a bit stubborn, but are very personable and even tho I am the enforcer, they will nibble at clothes and lick arms to get your attention begging for a treat....I usually carry pellets in my pocket in case of emergencies.....they have only gotten out of the fencing twice, but they did bolt from us one time when we got them out for a walk. So it isn't like it is a daily issue, but I'd rather have them and not need them, and feed them as treats....than to need them and not have them. Just as other animals they have their own personality and character. Your horses are really nice looking and I believe you'll enjoy being a goat momma. The bigger white goat in the avatar is Comet, he is 66% boer and is the most comical, laid back of the 3....but, when it is feeding time he is all business....he is the dominant one in the herd. Lightning is the tan one, he is 66% pygmy and is very routine oriented and the most vocal of the 3....he will let me know if there is something going on that he doesn't like....or, if I'm late with the pellets. All 3 of ours have their horns and other than an inadvertent bump on the leg, they have never used them in a dangerous manner....if they did they wouldn't be here, but in the freezer.....

Thanks for the insight on the Pygmy goats. I know there will be variation in each breed due to each goats personality but there are some things that are kind of universal to breeds. Thank you for the compliment on my horses, i sure do love them. I think I will like having goats too, I am already really liking Oreo and she has only been here a day. I am going to take some stale cereal I have left over in my pantry out for the chickens in a bit and I will give some to her and see if I can get a good photo or two.

 

[Nariah01]

Man it is hard to photograph a moving goat, I will try to get better pictures later when I have help. But I did get two somewhat decent photos.

 

[Nariah01]

On a side note she loves plain cheerios and has a little bit of dandruff/dry skin.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Awww!!....she is really nice looking and a Doll to boot...

 

[Nariah01]

Awww!!....she is really nice looking and a Doll to boot...

Thank you! I think she is pretty stinkin' cute myself. But then again she is my first goat so don't have much to compare too.

 

[Devonviolet]

I agree. Oreo is a cute goat. I've noticed that when I try to take pictures of my goats, they are fascinated by the camera, and come toward me. When I wait until they are distracted, I get better shots.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Well, that is all that really matters... ....you'll definitely have to stick around and share your "Adventures" here with us. You should go to the new member "Thread" and do a formal intro, so everybody can greet ya properly and share your pics there too.....then, start ya a "Journal" and then ya can document your "Adventures" along with questions, comments, and such. There are many horse people here too and as ya browse thru the different "Forums and Threads" will get to know others here and become one of the "Herd". When ya start the "Journal" ya don't have to answer all the questions in the "Getting Started Thread"....it is a bit overwhelming...just an intial post of what ya have....wish to get....or any plans for projects will enlist responses, comments, advice, or questions. We have a great group here that are more than willing to help, support, or laugh right along with ya....

 

[Latestarter]

That first pic with her standing up on the gate/fence rail will become pretty much the norm. Any time she sees you coming she'll get up like that expecting treats They really are a lot like a dog once they get to know you. Treats, often, will allow her to get to know you better/faster Animal crackers (the little cookies) work pretty good and pretty much most cereals. I've found that mine have a favorite... froot loops. It's like crack cocaine to them. They push against the fence near to breaking to get to them. This is them mixed with cheerios. You can see the fence rub mark on the back of the black goat's neck from pushing against the fence. I used to go inside with the treats, but trying to keep my feet with 6 goats climbing on me was ridiculous. This has the side benefit of keeping them all occupied on their own little patch and keeps the fighting and butting down... All get their fair share, even the kids. The little feed bucket to the right is their free choice minerals. I used to put it in the pen but they were always kicking it over and dumping it out on the ground. Now they can't do that.

 

[Nariah01]

Thanks everyone! That last photo of all your LaManchas @Latestarter is super cute! I will look through the forum and try to get used to it all. I am on BYC so this shouldn't be too hard to figure out. And I will also post an introduction elsewhere as well to introduce myself and Oreo better. My goat journey begins!