Naughty Goats: Raising Chickens and Goats Together

When I posted a few photos of the goats getting into the chicken coop, I thought it was funny – cute even.  Now – not so funny anymore.  I heard stories of the difficulties of putting chickens and goats together, but I knew people did it, and I fell into the category of, ‘it won’t happen to me,’or ‘I’m sure I’ll figure it out.’  Well it happened to me and my naughty goats got into trouble.

The goats have now discovered the source of the chickens dashing good looks is their never ending supply of store bought chicken crumbs.  Not only are they climbing in the coop, but on the coop, under the coop, and into the food container. They are scaring the chickens out of the nest box and generally causing chicken mayhem.

Should you Raising Chickens and Goats Together?

Raising chickens and goats together can be a mutually beneficial arrangement for small-scale farmers and homesteaders. Chickens are excellent foragers and can help control pests in the area where goats graze, reducing the need for chemical pest control.

Their scratching behavior also aids in turning over the soil, which can be beneficial for both chickens and goats. Goats, on the other hand, are efficient grazers and can help manage weed growth and keep grasses in check, creating a healthier pasture for both species.

Additionally, their manure can contribute to soil fertility. However, there are considerations to keep in mind, such as providing adequate shelter and protection for each species, as goats may inadvertently harm smaller chickens.

Disease management and proper feeding strategies are also important to ensure the well-being of both chickens and goats. In summary, with careful planning and management, integrating chickens and goats can create a harmonious and symbiotic relationship that maximizes the benefits of both animals within a diversified farming system.

Top Tips for Raising Chickens and Goats Together

1. Design Separate Spaces: Provide separate living spaces for chickens and goats. Chickens need secure coops to roost and lay eggs, while goats need shelter to protect them from the elements. This prevents accidental harm to the smaller chickens by the larger goats.
2. Fencing: Install sturdy fencing that’s appropriate for each species. Goats are natural climbers and can be escape artists, so ensure your fencing is tall and goat-proof. Smaller mesh near the bottom of the fence can prevent chickens from slipping through.
3. Pasture Rotation: Practice rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and allow pastures to recover. This also helps control parasites that may affect both chickens and goats.
4. Feeding Considerations: Goats and chickens have different dietary needs. While chickens are omnivores and require a balanced diet of grains, insects, and greens, goats are browsers and primarily eat grass and forage. Provide appropriate feed for each species to ensure proper nutrition.
5. Pest Control: Chickens are great at controlling pests like insects and ticks. They can help reduce the parasite load in the area where goats graze, benefiting both species. However, be cautious about using medicated feed for chickens, as it might impact the health of goats.
6. Manure Management: Goats and chickens produce valuable manure, which can be used to enrich your soil. Regularly clean their living areas to prevent the buildup of waste and minimize disease risks.
7. Disease Prevention: Keep a close eye on the health of both chickens and goats. Diseases can spread between species, so maintaining good hygiene, providing clean water, and regular veterinary care are essential.
8. Supervision: Observe the interactions between your chickens and goats to ensure there’s no aggressive behavior or bullying. Chickens can be vulnerable to larger animals, so intervene if necessary.
9. Nesting Boxes: If you allow chickens to free-range, they might lay eggs in hidden spots. Provide nesting boxes inside the coop to encourage them to lay eggs in a safe and accessible place.
10. Introduce Slowly: When introducing new animals to the mix, do so gradually. This helps reduce stress and gives both chickens and goats time to acclimate to each other’s presence.
11. Water Sources: Ensure access to clean and fresh water for both chickens and goats. Separate water sources might be necessary to prevent contamination and ensure both species can drink comfortably.
12. Predator Protection: Both chickens and goats can fall victim to predators. Implement predator-proofing measures, such as secure coops and night-time housing, to keep them safe.

Are Naughty Goats really trying to Cause Problems?

Goats are known for their mischievous and sometimes naughty behavior due to a combination of their natural instincts and unique personalities. Their curiosity and intelligence drive them to explore their surroundings, often leading them to investigate anything new or different, which can inadvertently cause trouble.

Goats are natural climbers and agile jumpers, making it easy for them to escape enclosures or get into areas they shouldn’t. Their strong herding instinct can also make them a bit pushy or stubborn when interacting with humans or other animals.

Additionally, their strong sense of hierarchy within a group can result in behaviors like head-butting and dominance displays. While these traits can be frustrating at times, they are also part of what makes goats charming and entertaining animals to raise and interact with.

Proper management, training, and understanding of their behavior can help channel their energy into more constructive activities and create a harmonious relationship between goats and their caregivers.

Since we are in the process of building a new chicken coop, we now have the opportunity to maybe fix this problem, so we made the door really small…