Daughter wants a pet goat for bday

[BrittBergh]

Goats have been an animal we (husband and I) and talked about having off and on. We aren't like for sure about having one. Now suddenly daughte wants a little one for her 5th bday coming up soon. So we are seriously thinking about getting one...a baby who is 2 weeks actually.
What do we do?

 

[bugglesmommy]

I would personally get one without horns for a child. The sweetest goat I have is a bottle raised Billy. If you have the room and means to take care of it, I say go for it. Then again I got my daughter a horse for her 3rd birthday. I am a softy.

 

[dutchhollow]

Goats do not do well on their own, they are herd animals, really only comfortable with others of their own kind, so if you are getting one, get two, really no more work involved. Fencing, the old saying 'if it will hold water, it will hold a goat is true', make sure you have the facilities to keep the goats.

 

[Stacykins]

Goats do not do well on their own, they are herd animals, really only comfortable with others of their own kind, so if you are getting one, get two, really no more work involved. Fencing, the old saying 'if it will hold water, it will hold a goat is true', make sure you have the facilities to keep the goats.

This x million. Goats need to be kept in at least a pair. It is unhealthy for them to be kept alone, as they will become incredibly stressed.

And you need to be sure to think of the long term well being of the goats. When the newness wears off for your daughter, what will become of them? Though if you and your husband were already interested in goats, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[BrittBergh]

We are most likely going to be getting her and her mommy since she is only a baby and well we practice the whole attachment parenting for our own kids and believe mothers are the best and most natural for small kids (human and other).
Long term for the pair is us buying a real farm. We live on nearly half an acre now with 3 dogs, 20 some chickens, 2 ducks, kids, husband, myself, and kitty cat who is indoors only.... so we need more land!
We went to our local feed store and priced what we all need and to make sure they have everything and they did! So thats exciting...we have some more thinking to do....
Can they be house trained at all? LOL We tend to spoil animals around here like BIG time... and we would like to welcome them inside some times especially if it gets to be super hot outside which in North Alabama happens... a lot... we have cold and hot not so much anything warm and gentle and nice...cold or stinking hot!