What It's Like to Own Goats: Fun, Challenges & Care

Picture this: you’re out in the early morning light, the air crisp with that South Carolina dew, and a gang of goats is bleating a rowdy hello as you approach with a bucket of feed. That’s my daily reality at Mustang Alley Ranch, where our goats bring a wild mix of laughter, mischief, and hard-earned lessons. Owning goats is like signing up for a front-row seat to nature’s comedy show—equal parts joy, chaos, and responsibility. Whether you’re dreaming of adding these quirky critters to your homestead or just curious about life with goats, here’s a glimpse into the fun, the challenges, and the care they need, straight from our experience at the ranch.

The Fun: Goats Are Pure Entertainment

Goats are the clowns of the farmyard, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our herd is a riot of acrobats, head-butting over a prime napping spot or stealing a leaf from a buddy’s mouth. There’s never a dull moment. I doubled over laughing when our goat Clyde decided a hay bale was his personal throne, only to tumble off in a dramatic flop. Their boundless curiosity and knack for getting into (and out of) everything make every day an adventure.

What makes goats so fun is their individuality. Each one’s got a personality—some are bold troublemakers, others are shy cuddlers. They’ll follow you around like puppies, especially if you’ve got treats, and their goofy antics are a hit with visitors. Unlike more reserved animals like horses, goats wear their hearts on their sleeves, turning your farm into a lively stage.

The Challenges: Goats Keep You on Your Toes

But let’s be real—goats aren’t all frolics and cuddles. They’re escape artists with a PhD in chaos. I’ve spent more than one afternoon chasing a goat who found a weak spot in our fence, only to discover they’re faster and smarter than you’d think. At Mustang Alley, we’ve had to reinforce our fencing multiple times because our goats, led by a crafty doe named Pearl, every fence like a puzzle to solve. Keeping them contained is a constant battle, especially if their pasture is near tempting greenery like the Francis Marion National Forest.

Health quirks are another hurdle. Goats are tough, but they’re prone to issues like bloating or parasites if you’re not on top of their care. I learned this the hard way when one of our bucks got into the grain pile and needed quick intervention for bloat. Their curiosity also means they’ll chew on anything—plants in the garden, tools laying nearby, and even your jacket—so you’ve got to be vigilant about what’s within reach. Compared to low-key animals like sheep, goats demand your attention and a forgiving sense of humor.

Essential Care: Keeping Goats Happy and Healthy

Owning goats means committing to their unique needs, but we’ve found a natural approach makes it manageable. Here’s how we keep our herd thriving, with tips you can use on your own farm.

• Housing and Space:

Goats need room to roam, climb, and play. Our goats live in open pastures with sturdy 8 ft tall perimeter fences (learned that lesson!) and run-in sheds for shelter. They love scrambling on logs in the wooded areas or rubbing up against their favorite oak tree. Unlike confined setups, free-range living keeps them active and reduces stress. During storms, they huddle in the run-ins, calmer with their buddies than they’d be in tight enclosures. If a goat needs rest for health reasons, we quickly convert one of those sheds into a temporary stall for recovery. For smaller setups, a spacious pen works, but make sure it’s escape-proof. 

• Nutrition:

Goats are browsers, not grazers, so they love a mix of grass, shrubs, and leaves which provides essential fiber for proper digestion and rumen function. Our goats forage in 40 acres of pastures, munching on native plants alongside hay (in the cold seasons) and supplemented grain (sparingly). Overfeeding grain or lush grass can cause bloating, so we keep their diet balanced and always provide fresh water. Access to a mineral supplement, specifically designed for goats with copper and selenium, is also crucial for immune health and preventing deficiencies. Unlike chickens, which are simpler to feed, goats need variety but careful monitoring to avoid toxic plants (like azaleas and rhododendrons).

• Health and Maintenance:

Regular care keeps goats in top shape. We trim hooves every 12-16 weeks to prevent overgrowth, but our sandy soil of the Lowcountry helps keep them filed down pretty well naturally. If you live in an area with very soft soil, trimming is recommended every 6-8 weeks. Deworming is crucial—goats are prone to parasites, so we use dewormers such as fenbendazole quarterly. If your goats are confined to small pens, they will need to be dewormed more frequently (such as every 6 weeks), especially during the warm season when parasite larvae are hatching. Goats infested with worms can quickly exhibit weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, a swollen jaw (bottle jaw), poor coat quality, and sudden death in severe cases, so prevention is paramount! Vaccinations and annual checkups are a must, too. 

• Social and Emotional Needs:

Goats are social butterflies with complex emotional needs that require thoughtful care. As herd animals, they thrive on companionship, forming strong bonds with other goats or even humans when raised closely. Isolation can lead to stress, depression, or destructive behaviors, so owners should keep at least two goats or provide regular interaction. Goats crave mental stimulation, enjoying activities like climbing, foraging, or playing with toys such as balls or platforms. Their curious nature means they need a safe, enriched environment to explore. Emotionally, goats are sensitive creatures that build trust through gentle handling and consistent routines. They express joy through playful leaps and distress through vocalizations or withdrawal. Owners must prioritize companionship, engagement, and affection to ensure their goats lead happy, fulfilled lives.

How We Make It Work 

At our ranch, we’ve tailored our setup to let goats be goats. Our pastures are safe and roomy, with no hazards for curious nibblers. Our mini donkeys double as guardians, chasing off predators so our goats can roam worry-free. Our location near the forest adds a wild backdrop, but it also means we’re extra careful about fencing to keep goats from wandering into trouble. It’s a balance of giving them freedom while keeping them safe, and it’s taught us to appreciate their spirited nature.

Owning goats is a wild ride—part comedy, part challenge, all heart. Our goats bring laughter with their antics, enrich our pastures with their browsing, and remind us to stay patient when they outsmart us. They’re not as low-maintenance as chickens or as predictable as sheep, but their energy and affection make every effort worthwhile. Whether you’re starting with a pair or building a herd, goats add a spark to farm life that’s hard to beat.

If you’re curious about the goat life, swing by your local farm and spend the day with them. Goats might just steal your heart—and maybe a bite of your sleeve, too!