• Pygmy and dwarf goats are friendly and usually found in petting zoos. These breeds of goat are also small, so are ideal if you have limited space.
• Hornless goats make better pets than those with horns, and the two should never be kept together
• Uncastrated males can be difficult to handle
• Male goats who have been castrated before reaching sexual maturity however, will make good pets

• Goats will eat almost anything and prefer to graze
• You should fee adult goats hay, non poisonous branches and cut grass
• It is important to ensure your goats have a constant and fresh supply of water, as they drink a lot
• Goats can be fed grain in winter but overfeeding your goats with grain can make them very ill
• Avoid horse grain and horse feed
• Feed your goats baking soda to aid digestion
• A goat’s diet should be balanced with vitamin and mineral supplements

• Your goats’ shelter should be dry and free from draught
• Each goat should have at least 6m2 of space
• Goats should be kept together if possible
• You could add a few benches in the goats’ barn for young goats to jump on
• You will need a dry place for bedding materials and a clean area to milk the females

• Goats need an area or paddock to exercise
• The paddock must be fenced to prevent them getting out, and should have somewhere the goats can shelter from rain
• If the goats are able to get into your garden, they are likely to eat everything in it

• Worms – Worms are a common problem for goats and can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of worms include diarrhea, dehydration, rapid weight loss and kidney failure. Goats should be dewormed regularly
• Clostridial disease – This is a stomach upset that produces toxins in the goat’s body. Symptoms include diarrhea, often with mucus or blood, and in extreme cases can cause rapid and unexpected death. Ensure your goats’ diets are balanced, and get them vaccinated every six months
• Skin disease – Goats can suffer from lice, mange, ringworm and orf. It is important to check your goats’ skin regularly for signs of these diseases. Bear in mind that you can catch these diseases from your goats
• Foot problems – Goats’ feet will grow throughout their lives and should be trimmed every six months. This should only be done by your vet, as over trimming can cause your goats great pain
• Zoonoses – These are diseases that can be spread from goats to humans in close contact with them, particularly young children. Always wash your hands after handling your goats, and be aware that fresh, unpasteurised goats’ milk could harbor micro-organisms

If you think your goats may be ill, seek advice from your vet immediately.