Hi!!!

[BrittanyLeigh]

I am new to goats ( I also can't fully figure out this site lol) ... I recently 'adopted' 2 pygmy goats. They are leash trained and I have started walking them around the neighborhood. Which they (and all the neighborhood kids) love. I would like to take them hiking eventually but I do not know how much exercise is too much? As long as these little guys are in proper health and fitness, how much adventure can they stand in one day? I do not want to over do it.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Welcome from NW Mississippi!!....
We have goats, chickens, ducks, and cats here. We have 20acres with a pond. Our goats are either pygmy or pygmy/boer crosses....we have 2 wethers (nuetered males) and a doe. We started out as you are doing....walking Everyday.....and there are a few things to consider, especially if you are hiking a trail. How prepared are ya for an encounter with a predator?....this could include neighborhood dogs, or strays. Also, are your littles ones intact males?
I will tell ya after going on 2yrs of walking goats every single day, it does wear and tear on ya. Animals are "Routine Oriented", especially goats, and they will expect that walk the same time Everyday that it isn't raining....and will eagerly let ya know that they are Ready. I personally would not walk on a trail, unless it is "Open Carry" and was ready for confrontation. This is just my opinion with my experiences here on my own property, not a controlled neighborhood....but, ya may want to check your local laws and ordinances that governs animals. Livestock animals are different than just regularly pet ordinances.
Again......

 

[BrittanyLeigh]

I appreciate your advice! Both my little guys are weathers .. and while tonight will be night 4 of our walks, I am going to try to make it a routine thing. Even if it's just a walk around the block, it's good for them and me! The place I am thinking of taking them is just a local park where all animals are required to be leash. And they are pretty strict about that rule. I will have to look into whether or not I can actually bring goats. But I don't think it's a problem.

Thanks!!

 

[Poka_Doodle]

Greetings from Colorado. I'm afraid I know very little about goats and the questions your asking. Lots of other people happen to know more though.

 

[babsbag]

Welcome to BYH from wonderful hot and sunny CA. I don't raise Pygmys so no idea how far they can hike, but how far do you have planned for their hike?

@frustratedearthmother raises pygmys too so maybe she can chime in here too.

 

[BrittanyLeigh]

I don't plan to go too far just yet .. I'll have to see how far they will go sometime down the road. I have just now started working on exercise with them so they are not near fit enough to go on a hike at this time. But when they are ready I do plan to go a decent distance. I'll just have to keep an eye on them. @frustratedearthmother was very helpful. Thanks guys!!

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome. Hope you're making yourself at home.

 

[Leah567]

'welcome to BYH!!

 

[BrittanyLeigh]

Thanks! Everyone has been super welcoming!

 

[norseofcourse]

Welcome from Ohio! Make sure you can recognize any toxic plants that might be along your walks, so you keep your goats away from eating them (yew, azalea, rhododendron, poison hemlock...). Other plants might be bad for you - such as, the goats can eat poison ivy just fine, but you won't want to pet their muzzles after they eat it.