I have been researching on this forum for about a month and wanted to have 2 wethers as pets. However after all the health concerns and problems associated with owning a goat I think I will fore go this adventure. Thank you all for all the insightful information and making me realize this is a very complicated pet.
Decided not to get goats!
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MissEllie
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I am so sorry to hear that. I have had goats for 2 years and have had very few problems. I think on here you hear the people looking for help, but not the day to day, every thing is Okay, kind of stories. My goats make me laugh everyday!
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Is there a forum with success stories? I think I have a very nice property for 2 pet goats with alot of browse and room to roam but not sure about the health issues. It seems like they could cost a fortune!MissEllie said:I am so sorry to hear that. I have had goats for 2 years and have had very few problems. I think on here you hear the people looking for help, but not the day to day, every thing is Okay, kind of stories. My goats make me laugh everyday!
Hillsvale
Loving the herd life
dogs and cats can cost a fortune.... as the other poster mentioned we all come here for help more so than success stories. I lost a twin buckling a couple of weeks ago, heart breaking as with any animal but I can tell you with all heart that once you have a goat (especially a wether) you will never look back...... you haven't lived until a 40 pound goat crawls into your lap to taste your ponytail, kleenex, shoes (or whatever) and just nuzzle you... this from a woman who has a full grown border collie who crawls into Simons lap for the evening and in a really disturing moment on occassion, tries to suck his thumb.... yes, a thumb sucking border collie!
Get the goats.......... you so won't be sorry!
Get the goats.......... you so won't be sorry!
Roll farms
Spot Master
As long as you get your goats from a good breeder, feed them the right diet, vaccinate them annually, and keep up on hoof trims, etc. you will probably never have an issue.
You see a lot of health scares here, but I keep around 35 goats and while we have problems on occasion, good maintenance nips most issues in the bud.
I've had nearly every type of livestock there is and goats are the best...
You see a lot of health scares here, but I keep around 35 goats and while we have problems on occasion, good maintenance nips most issues in the bud.
I've had nearly every type of livestock there is and goats are the best...
AlaskanShepherdess
Ridin' The Range
I definitely agree with the above posters. The vast majority of posts here are folks panicking because something has happened and want advice, or want to share their grief with others who will understand. I have owned goats for a year now and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it. I bought ill goats to begin with so I have lost 3 in that year, but I knew there was a chance of that since I knew I was buying goats that needed some TLC. But now because of my experience and what I have learned from the wonderful folks on this forum I was recently given more goats in much worse condition then my original goats and I feel confident that I can get them back to health without losing any. Just learn a few basics, like what to feed and not feed wethers, since there is a few diet concerns you should be aware of. Have the breeder you buy the from show you how to trim their hooves and ask them any questions you have and your set. It sounds like a bit complicated deal here online, but when it comes down to the day to day nitty and gritty caring for goats is very little output for what you receive.
elevan
Critter Addict ♥
IMO Goats are easy...cows are hard!
I agree with everyone else. A lot of what you see is about panicked owners looking for help. But there have been some good and funny tales told on this forum too.
I agree with everyone else. A lot of what you see is about panicked owners looking for help. But there have been some good and funny tales told on this forum too.
freemotion
Self Sufficient Queen
I worked professionally with horses for many years and I have to tell you.....goats are EASY!!! Yep, many who post here are looking for help. This forum has helped to save the lives of many hundreds, probably thousands, of goats. My cats and dogs have had far more health problems than my goats, but it is to this forum that I run when I have a question or issue.
I have saved the lives of my goats with the help of members of this forum primarily with my own two hands or with a few household ingredients that I had on hand.
Learn how to care for them properly and understand that most of the "common knowledge" about goats is false....primarily that goats can survive by eating anything/everything. That is what usually does them in....so just learn what is safe and what is not safe and your goats will be fine.
Goats are my favorite animal, livestock that are pets, too. I loves my goats!
BTW, I do NOT read the "Help!" threads when my pregnant goats are due to deliver or when the babies are young. I read them later to learn so I will recognize problems while they are still easily solvable.
I have saved the lives of my goats with the help of members of this forum primarily with my own two hands or with a few household ingredients that I had on hand.
Learn how to care for them properly and understand that most of the "common knowledge" about goats is false....primarily that goats can survive by eating anything/everything. That is what usually does them in....so just learn what is safe and what is not safe and your goats will be fine.
Goats are my favorite animal, livestock that are pets, too. I loves my goats!
BTW, I do NOT read the "Help!" threads when my pregnant goats are due to deliver or when the babies are young. I read them later to learn so I will recognize problems while they are still easily solvable.
redtailgal
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LadyIsabelle2011
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I agree, you should get the goats. If you have the space, the fencing, and the time goats can be the funnest most cost effective(cheap ) animals you will ever own. They are a riot, and though there is a lot to learn in the beginning they are cinch to care for properly. Pasture that would make most horse or cow owners flinch is like heaven to a goat, the only big cost my goats have ever milked from me was the fencing. Once you have that out of the way its all up hill. I tell you, there is nothing more adorable than a little goat kid romping about in the pasture. 
and when all goes well(which it usually does) you have critter that you will never regret getting IMHO
) animals you will ever own. They are a riot, and though there is a lot to learn in the beginning they are cinch to care for properly. Pasture that would make most horse or cow owners flinch is like heaven to a goat, the only big cost my goats have ever milked from me was the fencing. Once you have that out of the way its all up hill. I tell you, there is nothing more adorable than a little goat kid romping about in the pasture. and when all goes well(which it usually does) you have critter that you will never regret getting IMHO 
