Mara Watts, a Rethink:Rural writer and homesteader, shares her comical experience adding goats to the farm.
Adding goats to the homestead has always been a goal for us. We’ve raised chickens, quail, rabbits and pigs so far – goats couldn’t be all that hard, right?
Oh boy, were we in for a surprise!
Gemma and Indy
After researching and reading up on the different goat breeds, we decided on the Nigerian Dwarf. They’re cute, personable, and can provide goat milk. The goal was to start with a pair and grow our herd over time.
So I went to Facebook and found a reputable local breeder. Her herd was healthy, well-tended to and spoiled, and her price per goat was reasonable. We put our names on the waitlist, hoping for two female babies.
When it came time for the mama goats to give birth, I kept a close eye on the breeder’s Facebook page, refreshing every 30 minutes. Goat after goat, she’d tag the new owners, alerting them of their new homestead baby.
Late evening, my phone pinged: “You’ve been tagged in a post!” It was my first goat! Indy the Nigerian Dwarf was born. She was beautiful — deep brown eyes, brown and white coat and just the sweetest little face. I was in love.
A few hours later, another post tag. Gemma had arrived. Gorgeous black and white coat with those sought-after sky blue eyes.
I jumped for joy. My two babies were here. I just had to wait a few weeks, after they were weaned from mama, to bring them home as mine.
About seven weeks later, we were invited to meet Indy and Gemma. We were welcomed with goat zoomies, leaps and snuggles.
Indy was cautious and quite skittish, running from humans when she could. Gemma, on the other hand, welcomed warm hugs and belly rubs. She was an attention seeker and appreciated the human interaction.
We left giddy, excited and dreaming about the day we could bring them home.
A (sort of) Welcomed Homecoming
Prior to pick-up day, we prepared a barn stall as a home for Gemma and Indy. A new rubber mat was laid down, a hay feeder built, goat fencing installed (as best as we could, those boogers got out of everything) and some items for them to climb and jump on were added. A goat haven.
Then, pick-up day arrived. The entire family went to gather our new farm babies.
It went okay. Indy cried and really struggled leaving her home, while Gemma seemed to welcome the new scenery — the back of our Honda Pilot. My daughter and I sat with them, trying our best to show them love and affection. I’m not sure if it was nerves or what, but I’m pretty sure the goats pooped more in the car than they did anywhere else at any other time.
At home, Gemma and Indy explored a bit, jumping and running about. Gemma led, Indy followed.
Our dog was curious and anxious to herd the two. The goats weren’t as appreciative, trying their best to escape to the tallest ledge they could access. But after a short while, everyone adjusted and began to settle.
An Unbreakable Bond
To help Gemma and Indy adjust, I spent quite a lot of time down at the barn, in their pen, sitting with them, bringing them treats and loving on them. I’d sit down and Gemma would immediately climb in my lap. Or, she would jump on my back and nibble on my ear or eat my hair.
Indy just followed Gemma around like a lost puppy. Whatever Gemma did, Indy followed suit. Gemma begged for a back rub, but Indy ran as soon as your hand inched towards her. Eventually, Indy allowed a few moments of affection, but only when she was distracted or had worn herself out running from me.
Over time, the girls dubbed me as “mama.” So much so that I’d hear bleating from when the sun came up until long after we had put them to bed. I couldn’t walk outside without Gemma and Indy jumping out of their enclosure, bee-lining their way to wherever I was.
The dog, however, always had different plans. Her primary goal on the farm is to keep everyone in their place, including the goats. As soon as Gemma, followed closely by Indy, would make their way towards me, the dog would barrel down the hill, chasing them back into their pen. “BAAA! BAAA!,” they’d call.
This would happen over and over and over throughout the day. Every. Single. Day.
Eventually, it got to the point where I’d wake up with goats on my front porch, bleating, pooping and staring at me through my window.
I’d laugh, telling family and friends, “Goats usually escape and run off. Not Gemma and Indy. These goats would sleep in the bed with me if I let them!”
And boy, was that true!
I’d garden — Gemma and Indy were close by, nibbling on my squash (darn it!).
I’d go for a walk — Gemma and Indy were right beside me.
I’d step out on the porch — Gemma and Indy quickly jumped out of their fencing, making their way up the hill, following me every step of the way.
I’d get in my car — Gemma and Indy were ready to ride (so I’d have to lead them back to their home.
One time, they followed me down to the main road! So they enjoyed a car ride back home, nibbling on my hair, hollering and leaning out the window. Hysterical, really!).
They’d hear me through an open window and would find me. A loud noise would be coming from the window. Gemma. Propped up on the windowsill, looking in, yelling at me. It was comical but overwhelming (I had a newborn baby at the time!).
A Hard Decision
Despite our many efforts, Gemma and Indy found a way out of their fencing — even with a large dog herding them — constantly.
All of our efforts to keep them contained were nearly impossible. Gemma was determined to get to me, and Indy was determined to stick close to Gemma.
Unfortunately, our property, for whatever reason, attracts predators. We’ve had a tough time keeping coyotes, foxes, raccoons and hawks at bay. With escape artists on site, this was a concerning issue.
If we left for the day, we would be forced to put Gemma and Indy in their stalls as protection. Even with the dog, there were times when she wasn’t successful at corralling the two when we were away. And as a busy, on-the-go family, we felt this was unfair to them.
After a few months, we decided to rehome our precious babies. The decision was not made lightly but was made to protect and improve their quality of life.
Gemma and Indy now live on a local farm with other goats and farm animals.
I miss them dearly, but they are safe and loved and that’s all I could ask for!
This is comical to write about and recall. However, the lesson is, if you're thinking of adopting goats for the first time, I'd highly recommend finding a mentor to help create healthier boundaries!
Crazy About Goats and Farm Animals? Check Out the following articles:
- They've "Goat" It Good at this Florida Goat Farm
- How Homesteading Creates Healthier Families: An Interview With "The Thrifty Homesteader" Deborah Niemann
- How Keeping Farm Animals Keeps You Happier and Healthier
- How To Get Started Raising Pigs on Your Hobby Farm
