Raising Goats for Beginners: The Good, the Bad, and the Stubborn

By Lindsay Metternich | Harmony Helpers

When I first told people I was getting goats, I heard it all:“Oh, they’re so fun!”“They’ll eat everything!”“You’ll regret it.”Spoiler alert? They were all right.

Raising goats has been one of the most rewarding, hilarious, and humbling parts of our homesteading journey. But if you’re just starting out, there are a few things you should know—things most cute goat videos won’t tell you.

Here’s the real talk: the good, the bad, and the stubborn.

🐐 Why Goats?

Goats are wildly popular with backyard farmers and small homesteaders because they’re:

• Relatively small

• Multi-purpose (milk, meat, fiber, brush-clearing)

• Packed with personality

• Great for families with kids (when properly trained)

But they’re also escape artists. They’re picky eaters. And they are very opinionated.

✔️ The Good: Why Goats Are Worth It

1. Milk on Tap

Dairy goats (like Nubians, Alpines, or Nigerian Dwarfs) can give a steady supply of fresh milk—perfect for drinking, cheese, yogurt, and soap-making.

2. Natural Brush-Clearing Machines

Got weeds, poison ivy, or overgrown areas? Goats love to snack on the stuff you don’t want.

3. Lower Startup Costs Than Cows

Goats need less space, less feed, and a smaller shelter setup than larger livestock.

4. They Have Big Personalities

Each goat is a character—curious, playful, and social. You’ll be entertained every day.

5. Great Compost Makers

Their droppings are garden gold. Add to compost or spread directly (especially from deep litter bedding).

❌ The Bad: Things You Should Know Before You Commit

1. They’re Escape Artists

If you don’t have solid fencing—they’re gone.They climb, wiggle, jump, and squeeze. A bored goat = a goat with a plan.

✅ Tip: Use 4x4 woven wire fencing, electric fencing, or goat panels. Check for gaps daily.

2. They Can Be Loud

Some breeds are talkers. If you have close neighbors, this might be a dealbreaker. Especially during weaning or breeding season.

3. Milk Goats = Daily Chores

Once you start milking, it’s every day, same time, no breaks.Vacations take planning (and a goat-sitter who knows what they’re doing).

4. Health Needs Matter

Goats need:

• Hoof trimming every 4–6 weeks

• Deworming schedules

• Copper and mineral supplementation

• Access to fresh, clean water constantly

5. They Don’t Eat Everything

Nope, they’re not garbage disposals. They’re picky. They might eat your roses but leave the weeds untouched.

😅 The Stubborn: Real Talk About Goat Attitudes

Goats are smart. Too smart.

• They’ll test your fences… and your patience

• They can open latches

• They may refuse to come when called

• They’ll try to climb on everything (yes, your car)

But here’s the truth: that same stubbornness is what makes them so fun and full of personality.

They’ll follow you around like a dog. They’ll nuzzle your pockets for treats. They’ll butt heads (literally and figuratively)—but they’ll also steal your heart.

🧺 What You Need to Get Started

Minimum:

• Secure fencing

• Shelter (3-sided or small barn)

• Feed (quality hay, browse, goat pellets as needed)

• Minerals & baking soda (free choice)

• Water bucket or heated trough

• Hoof trimmers

• First aid basics (electrolytes, thermometer, wound spray)

Optional but helpful:

• Milking stand (for dairy goats)

• Grooming brush

• Collars and ID tags

• Vet relationship (before you need it!)

🧠 Goat FAQs for Beginners

🐐 Do I need more than one goat?

Yes! Goats are herd animals. One will be lonely (and scream about it). Two is the minimum.

🍼 Can I bottle-feed baby goats?

You can—but know that bottle babies require round-the-clock feedings at first. They also become very attached to humans.

🧼 How much do goats smell?

Surprisingly, not bad—unless you have a buck (intact male). Bucks stink. Wethers (castrated males) and does smell just fine.

🧒 Are goats good with kids?

Yes—with supervision. Some breeds are gentler than others. Avoid horned goats around small children unless you're very experienced.

Final Thoughts: Goats Are Not for the Faint of Fence

But if you’re willing to learn, laugh, and adapt—they’ll reward you tenfold.They’ll teach your kids responsibility, make your garden greener, and give you more stories than you ever thought possible.

So if you’ve got the space, the patience, and the love for something a little wild and wonderfully weird...

Get the goats.

You won’t regret it.

(…Except maybe the first time they headbutt your favorite watering can. But still.)

— Lindsay