FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- BUYING GOATS

 As of April 2025, all of our adult goats were tested and negative for CAE 

 Yes and no. If you already own goats, then yes, you can get just one goat. However, if you do not, you will need to get two. Goats are herd animals and MUST be with other goats or they will not thrive. They can become so lonely and stressed.  Any reputable goat breeder will confirm this fact. Breeders willing to sell single goats are not considered reputable and are setting you and the goat up for failure. We do not recommend doing business with such breeders. 

Anywhere from $100 to $650

The deposit is $50

 Deposits are non-refundable except at the sole discretion of Happy Little Hooves Farm.  Deposits are forfeit if you are unable to complete your purchase.  If we are unable to meet your reservation, we will refund you your deposit back to you.

 Please complete our Goat adoption application to begin the process of reserving a goat. Once we receive your adoption application form, we will contact you with instructions on how to submit payment 

 Yes! All Happy Little Hooves Farm goats are guaranteed healthy at time of sale. We are happy to have goats checked over by our vet before sale at buyer’s expense. Should the vet find the animal unhealthy, the buyer’s money shall be refunded or another goat offered. 

 Yes, However, we do not ever band before 8-10  weeks. Buyers are responsible to bring back their goat for banding  if it was a bottle baby and picked up before 8-10 weeks old

Yes, We encourage it if you live close buy

Most the time the answer is no. We have been tightening up our bio security and usually do not allow returns. We are absolutely willing and ready to help you find a wonderful home should you need to re-home your goats. We understand that life changes happen. 

 No, we do not offer buck service 

 When picking up your kids or adult goats from your breeder you will want to look for signs of respiratory or digestive issues. Poop should be solid and their back end free from crusted on feces. This is a sign they have recently had diarrhea. Any discharge from their eyes or nose should also be noted and addressed. If your kids are under 8 weeks old, you will need to bottle feed them. Ask your breeder to demonstrate the baby's bottle feeding proficiency either by video ahead of time or at the pick up. 

When picking up your kids or adult goats from your breeder you will want to look for signs of respiratory or digestive issues. Poop should be solid and their back end free from crusted on feces. This is a sign they have recently had diarrhea. Any discharge from their eyes or nose should also be noted and addressed. If your kids are under 8 weeks old, you will need to bottle feed them. Ask your breeder to demonstrate the baby's bottle feeding proficiency either by video ahead of time or at the pick up.

Space is the key. If your herd is in a big open area with plenty of space for the new goat to retreat, bullying should be at a minimum. However, there will be a long period of time where the bigger, older goats will be boss and the younger ones will be submissive. As they grow up, this can change. You may see some head-butting and conflict as your babies get bigger and decide they want to move up in the ranks. 

The main danger in bringing in a new goat, no matter the age or size, is the rest of the herd allowing the New goat to eat and drink. The best way to do this is to give the new goat somewhere safe to eat on their own.

With babies, you can do this by giving them a separate area that has an access small enough that the adults can’t get in. This gives them a completely safe space to eat, drink, rest, where they can’t be bullied but they can still go in with the rest of the herd to snuggle and play.

 Before bringing a goat home, it's crucial to understand their specific needs and responsibilities. First, consider your local zoning and ordinances, ensuring they permit goat ownership. Goats require weather and predator proof housing as well as proper fencing to prevent escapes and access to suitable shelter and fresh water. Additionally, be prepared for regular healthcare, including vaccinations and hoof care. Finally, research the breed that best suits your needs, and understand that goats are social animals, so they need other goats for companionship 

 To determine if your property is zoned for goats, start by checking your local municipal or county government's zoning ordinances and regulations. These documents often outline the specific land-use rules for residential areas. Look for information on keeping livestock or farm animals, which should indicate whether goats are allowed. If zoning codes are unclear or you have any doubts, contact your local zoning or planning department for clarification. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding livestock regulations on your property. 

I would say to a new goat owner that Spring would be best. 

 One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, do goats get along with dogs? Most our goats were raised with dogs but they don’t love them all. Our LGD's (livestock guardian dogs) are very trusted by the whole herd, with that being said some goats still take a cheap shot out on the dogs when they are not looking.

 Dogs are predators and goats are prey. Period. Dogs should never be left alone with goats, especially babies, until they have proven to be 110% trustworthy. Even a dog wanting to “play” can chase and scare a goat literally to death.  Goats should never be acquired to be companions with a dog or dogs. They all may eventually get along just fine but it is not an appropriate pairing to do intentionally. We will not sell any single goat to a home that does not have an existing goat.