Only one goat?

[rondam24]

My family really wants a Dexter but I really want a goat. The Dexter is only going to be a few inches taller than the goat... Do you think that one goat would get along nicely with one Dexter? Or do I have to convince my parents to get 2 goats? I know goats get along with horses. But what about a cow? (I'm desperate for Lexi... )

 

[glenolam]

I have Herefords, so they're MUCH bigger than my goats, but the goats and cows just tolerate each other. They don't seem to have any bond or relationship. That could also be because they don't interact any time other than when the goats are running through the cow field on a walk.

My gut is to say that 2 goats with the cow would be OK, but maybe someone with experience with Dexters can chime in.

 

[haviris]

If the goat is gotten as a baby (bottle baby even better), the goat will grow up bonded to the cow.

My heifer thinks she's a goat, and this years goat kids except her as one of there own too! It'll be a sad day when I have to break it to her that she is a cow and will have to move out to the pasture w/ everyone else.

 

[Lil-patch-of-heaven]

My bottle baby doeling bonded quickly with an adult female llama, who took quite an interest in the doeling too. With the doeling's lead, the other kids often stick close to the llama, and the does will sometimes too. I can tell theyfeel more secure having her around.

The doeling even prefers llamas to goats. Maybe because she's at the bottom of the peckng order with the goats while the llama let's her get away with anything. I see a shift beginning in those though. But I think it's possible for goats to bond with other species. I suspect a lot would depend on particular personalities and social dynamics. I see a LOT of complex interactions going on among 6 goats and 2 llamas.

 

[rondam24]

Thanks, all.

haviris, those pictures are adorable! (Love that spotted Nubian. )

I really want it to work out, but the goat I want to buy is a 3 year old doe, so it wouldn't be like a kid and a calf being raised together. I don't know how that would be... :/

 

[haviris]

In that case she'd probably be much happier w/ another goat as a companion (unless she's use to being an only goat).

 

[rondam24]

She's with 2 other does, but she's the "low goat on the totem pole." Her current owner says she'd love to be loved and have all the attention. Don't know how she'd be on her own... We may end up getting a wether to go with her (IF... Mom says keep that in mind. It's an IF.).

 

[Lil-patch-of-heaven]

Not sure why I'm posting cuz this may just muddy the water a bit, but ...

My first thought offhand was that maybe a young wether would suit her, if she's low goat. I know some of my kids are constantly wrangling to raise their position (and I suspect will succeed since they are pushing past two that have the upper hand just by virtue of a few months' age and the distinction of being the alpha doe's kid).

My second thought was to realize that my number two doe, who WILL push the kids around, seems to need an alpha to be over her in order to feel secure. If I had presented her with a smaller or sumissive goat for a companion, I don't think it would have suited her. She's a very sweet but very nervous girl.

I'm new at goats so that's my limited experience. More goes into their social interactions than I would have guessed before. I'm really enjoying watching them and learning.