What do goats and I have in common? We both love to eat! But while I gobble down everything in sight, you might be surprised to know that goats actually have a pretty selective palette.
If you’re a goat enthusiast like me, you might be curious about what makes up their diet and how they behave. From browsing to headbutting, let’s dive into what makes these adorable creatures so unique.
Goats’ Diet
First things first, let’s talk about what goats eat. Contrary to popular belief, goats are not just walking garbage disposals.
They actually have a pretty specific diet based on their natural habitat. In the wild, goats are found in mountainous areas with sparse vegetation. As a result, they’ve adapted to eating tough plants like small trees and shrubs.
Domesticated goats are usually fed hay, which is a type of dried grass, as well as grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Some farmers even give their goats treats like bread, but you have to be careful not to overfeed them.
Goats’ Habits
Now that we’ve got their diet covered, let’s move on to their habits. Goats are known for being pretty playful creatures, but they also have some quirky behaviors.
One thing you might notice about them is that they love to headbutt each other. While this might look violent, it’s actually just a way for goats to establish dominance in their herd. They also love to “browse” or graze on natural vegetation.
This is why many rural communities keep goats as a way to maintain their land.
Plus, if you ever want to find a goat, just look up – they love to climb on anything they can get their hooves on!
Social Habits
But what about their social habits? Goats are herd animals, which means they thrive in groups instead of being alone.
They establish a hierarchy within their herd, with the most dominant goat acting as the “herd queen” or “herd king“. Goats also have a strong maternal instinct and form tight bonds with their kids. It’s not uncommon to see them nuzzling and grooming their young.
Goat Kids
Speaking of their young, let’s talk about goat kids. These little guys are arguably the cutest things on the planet. They’re born with soft, curly fur and spend most of their time frolicking around and exploring their environment.
When they’re not nursing, they’ll nibble on plants and try to keep up with their elders. It’s truly a sight to behold.
7 Random Facts about Goats
- Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species and were first herded nearly 9,000 years ago.
- Goats have rectangular pupils, which allow them to have a wide field of vision.
- There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats worldwide.
- Some goats can jump as high as 5 feet in the air, showing off their extreme agility.
- Goats have a four-chambered stomach that aids in the digestion of roughage and plant material.
- The term “capricious” comes from the Latin word ‘Capra’ which means goat, due to their playful nature.
- Believe it or not, goats have distinct accents, just like humans, and they tend to pick up the accent of their herd.
Conclusion
In conclusion, goats are fascinating animals with unique habits and behaviors. Whether you’re a farmer or just an animal lover, it’s always fun to learn more about these adorable creatures. From their selective diet to their playful personalities, there’s no denying that goats are one-of-a-kind!