Their natural behaviour
Goats are herbivores, which means they eat only vegetation. In the wild their diet would be mainly shrubs, bushes and hedgerow plants. They tend to search upwards for food (rather than putting their head down and grazing) and can rear up on their hind legs. They like to move from plant to plant, browsing what takes their fancy. They’re playful and curious and like to explore their surroundings.
Wild goats are found in rocky, mountainous areas. They’re good at climbing and can even climb trees. They’re also good diggers and like to dig shallow bowls so they can dustbathe and rest. They have fairly fast-growing hooves. In the wild, these are worn down by moving over the rugged terrain. But pet goats will need regular foot care.
Goats are social animals that live in herds and will flock together when threatened.
How to help your pet goats behave naturally
Give your goats items that will help them explore and climb their pasture or yard, like they would in the wild. These could include tree stumps, logs, wooden benches, raised planks, barrels cut in half and turned on their end, and large tyres. These sorts of platforms at different heights let goats explore, rest and get away from their herd mates if they need a break from social interactions. Although if they're not used to climbing, add lower height objects first.
Encourage natural browsing behaviour by hanging hay in a hayrack and seasonal green foods at different heights in the yard or from difficult-to-reach branches.
Goats also like to rub themselves and self-groom, so you can add brushes to their environment – fix them to fences or a free-standing post.
