Hi , Goats are great pets . I have kept them with my horses for years but they do require some special care . They need regular Veterinarian visits for annual boosters such as tetanus and enterotoxemia , they also need to be wormed on a regular schedule . They do not eat everything some can be picky eaters . The best hay for a goat is a grass mix or legume mix . Excess of alfalfa hay can cause bloat which can be deadly . Bloat is also a concern from grain overload along with toxemia which is a reaction to grain overload . This does not mean that your goat does not need grain . There are goat feeds available Purina makes a goat chow which is an excellent product. Watch the protein percentage , I use a 10% in the summer and a 12% in the winter . There grain should include copper , goats require copper . Provide him with free access to clean water and a salt mineral block is a must . He needs shelter from drafts and rain/snow . They like cats do not like to get wet . Goats can hypothermia if they are soaked to the skin from rain or snow . Straw is a good source of bedding for your goat , it will help keep him , dry and warm . Goats are quite sociable they need a friend give him lot's of attention , if you have the room get another goat , they are herd animals . Take your little guy to a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about Ruminants , like cattle your goat is a Ruminant have your veterinarian explain a Ruminant's digestive track to you . Most large animal veterinarian's can give your little guy the care he will need to live a long healthy life . Good luck , again goats are awesome pets and they love horses !
" Get Your Goat " ... I was told by a famous Thoroughbred trainer that the term comes from the " Dirty " days of Thoroughbred racing . Most then and many today have goats as pasture mates who also travel with them. If the horse happened to be a favorite at the track , the opposing horse owners would steal it's goat buddy to upset him and perhaps cause him to lose the race .
