What kinds of treats do goats like?

[Nikki]

I'm trying to train them to know their names, but I don't know any treats that I could do it with. I'm trying to hold out a treat, then call their name, if they come I'll give them the treat and say their name while they're eating. What treats could I use?

 

[carolinagirl]

I have never known just one goatie to come when called. If you call one, they will ALL come if they think that treats are being passed out.

 

[Nikki]

Well, like, I'm trying to do it the way you do it with dogs.

 

[carolinagirl]

I understand that, but goats are not as trainable, coorperative or intelligent as dogs. And they are very greedy about treats. Good luck!

 

[julieq]

I understand that, but goats are not as trainable, coorperative or intelligent as dogs. And they are very greedy about treats. Good luck!

Have to disagree here! We use animal crackers as treats and even though we have multiple goats to a pen, with a bit of work and encouragement they do know their names. We feel like our goats are smarter than any dogs we've ever had. In fact they're intelligent enough to get into more trouble than our dogs!

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I understand that, but goats are not as trainable, coorperative or intelligent as dogs. And they are very greedy about treats. Good luck!

I think what carolinagirl is saying is that while this may work at first, as soon as the other goats realize there are treats, they will all be on you for their share. Mine certainly do.

 

[20kidsonhill]

I was able to train 4 does this winter out of a herd of 20 to come when called and be penned up seperate during feeding time, so they would get extra rations. But I fed everyone first and then got out the extra rations and called them to their pens. It worked pretty well. The only problem was they got used to it and I had to continue it the entire season until weaned, or they would just stand back from the herd waiting for their extra feed. Since then one of them is still annoying and thinks she deserves special treatment when ever I am around.

My husband said, thank alot. My comment was it was simply needing to be done, even though the end results was a naughtier goat.

I realize this is a little off the subject, but I too think they can be trained to come when called.

One of my does loves marshmellows, I discovered this, while attempting to give copper(copasure) via the suggested marshmellow route, This was the only doe that wanted anything to do with the marshmellows, and after receiving her copper treated snacks, she came to me every day for a couple weeks after that looking for more snacks. Even though this girl is not that tame. I know I could have easily trained her with just a few more and the same basic command. Even a few days later my daughter asked why is that doe acting so friendly and excited to see me. I had to laugh. She laughed to when I told her about my attempts of avoiding bolusing and bribing the girls with marshmellows. We ended up bolusing.

 

[carolinagirl]

I understand that, but goats are not as trainable, coorperative or intelligent as dogs. And they are very greedy about treats. Good luck!

I think what carolinagirl is saying is that while this may work at first, as soon as the other goats realize there are treats, they will all be on you for their share. Mine certainly do.

Yep...that's exactly what I am saying. Goaties are pretty greedy little critters!

 

[Nikki]

Well, I don't have many goats, so this might work! .
So, like animal crackers? Gotta go to the store . Do they like carrots? Or strawberries?

 

[cindy78]

Mine love apples, carrots, (strawberries not so much), I've also heard about giving them apple treats that are for horses? But when I give mine vegetables, I have to cut them up into bite size pieces cause once it falls on the floor, they won't even touch it!