Goat

: This article is about goats, the animals. For the web comic, see Goats (comic).

Behavior

Goats are extremely curious and intelligent. They are easily trained to pull carts, walk on leads and housebreak. They are also known for escaping their pens. If you have inferior fencing, be assured your goats will test it and soon you will know where the gaps are. Goats are very coordinated and can climb and hold their balance in the most precarious places. Goats are also widely known for their ability to climb trees, although the tree generally has to be on somewhat of an angle.

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A common mistake people make is that goats will eat anything. This is Not true at all. As a matter of fact, they are fastidious eaters and will not even take a bite of something that has fallen onto the ground or that someone else has had in their mouth. Goats prefer to browse shrubbery and weeds for food. Unlike sheep, goats browse; more like deer, preferring woody shrubs rather than grasses. Mold in a goat's feed can actually make them so sick it can kill them. Nightshade is also poisonous; wilted fruit tree leaves can also kill goats.

Related Topics:
Shrubbery - Weed

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NEVER feed goats feed with any signs of mold at all. Silage (corn stalks) is not good for goats, but haylage can be used if consumed immediately after opening. Alfalfa is their favorite hay, fescue the least palatable and least nutritious.

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