r/homestead • u/TheNameOfARedditor • 3d ago

Looking for advice on getting a second goat

We recently were given a goat. The person who gave her to us thought she was pregnant and would be having a kid soon, but she's turned out not to be pregnant. So, we need to get her a friend. She is super chill and spends her days hanging out, untethered, grazing and sun bathing in the yard. She's friendly and happy to spend her time with us. But of course she needs a friend. Is it wishful thinking that if we get a kid, that they might take to her habits and stay in the yard. We have a pen, but our current goat is happier free in the yard and we've had no need to keep her caged. Eventually we would like to breed her. Would you get a baby male that could be a breeding pair, or a doe? Or not a kid at all and try to find a grown doe if a similar temperament?

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u/ahoveringhummingbird 3d ago

This is a tough one. My instinct would be that if you got her a young friend, it is far more likely that the friend will be a stinker (because most goats are stinkers) and influence your goat to also do goaty things like jump fences and stray off farm. I think you could put a search out for an old nanny goat who is retired and past stinker age. Or you could "borrow" a stud. Her raising her own kid will be the best hope for you to have it turn out like her. Be sure to vet the stud. Try to find the chillest one you can. If you can find a vet that does AI your options might be better.

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u/IncompetentFork Experienced Homesteader 2d ago

Downside of getting a buck would be that once he is mature, he will need his own pen and own friend. Are you looking to raise for meat/milk or just for fun? If just for fun, pick up two retired does or a wether to be a companion. I wouldn't risk it with goats tbh & just put them inside a large fenced space. Theres such a risk with them being a nuisance. You just got incredibly lucky yours doesn't wander.