Thinking About Getting Goats? The Messy Truth You Need to Hear

Muddy Paws and Hairballs

Thinking about owning goats? Forget the picture-perfect Instagram posts—goat ownership is messy, demanding, and far from easy. In this episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann debunks common myths and reveals what it really takes to raise happy, healthy goats.

We dive into essential topics every prospective goat owner needs to know:

• Goats are not house pets—understanding their unique behaviors
• Complex (and costly) nutritional needs for proper goat care
• The long-term commitment goat ownership requires
• Fencing and shelter must-haves to prevent your goats from escaping
• Finding a knowledgeable veterinarian experienced in goat care
• Goat personalities: their quirks, emotions, and social needs
• Top resources for learning about goat care, including courses and education

Whether you're dreaming of fresh goat milk, homemade cheese, or just curious about life with goats, Deborah’s candid insights and expert advice will help you make informed decisions before taking the leap into goat ownership.

🔗 Learn more about Deborah, her resources, and her podcast at:
Thrifty Homesteader
Deborah’s book on Amazon
For the Love of Goats Podcast on Apple

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Starting Sunday, April 27, 2025, we’re switching things up—new episodes will now drop every Sunday instead of Tuesday!

Why the change? Because Sundays just feel better. Quieter mornings, fewer midweek distractions, and a better chance to catch up with your favorite pet podcast (aka us 😎).

Set your alarms (or don’t—we’ll be waiting patiently like a well-trained Golden Retriever 🐾) every Sunday morning starting at 8AM EST / 7AM CST.

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Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Chapters

1. Thinking About Getting Goats? The Messy Truth You Need to Hear (00:00:00)

2. Goat Reality Check (00:00:45)

3. Goat Ownership Realities (00:03:56)

4. Goat Ownership Considerations (00:16:05)

5. Goat Care and Veterinary Considerations (00:24:57)

6. Choosing a Pet Goat (00:35:50)