Goats
Goats are notorious escape artists, so fencing matters more here than for almost any other homestead animal. These 2 guides cover the differences in care and space between dedicated dairy breeds and meat goats.
Dairy Goats
Capra aegagrus hircus · Dairy breed
Meat Goats
Capra aegagrus hircus · Meat breed (e.g. Boer)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep just one goat?
It's best avoided — goats are strongly herd-oriented animals and become stressed and distressed when kept alone. Plan for at least two, even if you only need the milk or meat from one.
How much space do goats actually need?
More than most people expect, particularly for browsing — while shelter itself is compact, goats do best with a sizeable browsing or grazing area, and cramped conditions lead to health and behavioural problems.