Aboutgoatlady Expertise Specializing in New Goat Owner understanding of goat physiology, goat anatomy, goat care and herd management. *I am not a veterinarian, any advice and information should be verified by your veterinarian before administering to your goats.
Experience 17 years experience of raising goats and herd management. Active hands on experience with goat herd and research with various Caprine University Research and Extension Centers nationwide. 15 years dedicated to helping other goat breeders/owners with goat anatomy, goat disease and goat health care issues via phone, published goat care articles and internet interaction.
Organizations 5 year active member of International Veterinary Information Service
Publications United Caprine News, Homesteaders Magazine, Columnist for Goat Magazine, Owner and Author of GoatPedia™
Education/Credentials Graduate Programs in Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University
Question I have a pet goat that was very friendly until she had a kid (that is now eight weeks old). The nanny goat will now charge at my children and butt them if she gets the chance. She still has horns, so of course I'm concerned. I'm wondering if she will be less aggressive when her kid is a bit older... maybe when done nursing? Is there any way to stop a goat from butting?
Answer HI Randi,
Right now she is acting as normal as any mom goat would do- this is not a bad behavior you specifically are having.. I think she will calm down- she is protective of her kids.. and while I'm sure your children are very good with the goats- the natural movements of a human child is quick and somewhat jerky and they have high pitched voices and sometimes tend to shreak- all of which can relay a warning message to the new mom, making her more protective.
The horns really should possess no problem as they naturally curve back but I think I would keep the human kids visits to a minimum for now.. and let mom raise the kids a bit older. Trying to train a mom goat right now is asking a lot from her energy- she needs what she has to feed and rear her kids- save any training for after the kids grow. Never ever allow anyone to play push the goat head back to get them to butt- as this promotes head butting (even though it is cute when they are little- you do not want to promote a bad habit) Later when mom is not dealing with so much if she butts- then tell her sternly NO and walk away from her when she wanted your attention because usually this is why they butt.
