The Inner Workings of a Goat Herd

Understanding how a herd works for its members is important to the welfare of goats

- Matt Huggins

Although the world of goats may seem chaotic, there is always order to be found. Watching and observing the Buttercups herd evolving over the years has made for some fascinating viewing and insights.

A STRUCTURED SOCIETY

The structure of the herd is, on the face of it, a rather simple one. From top to bottom, each member has its place. At the top, as you would expect, will sit the bolder and stronger individuals, trickling all the way down to where the more passive and weaker goats find their place. Fortunately, our sanctuary is set up in such a way that even our frailest of goats have the ability to move about in peace, yet even in such an environment, there are still clear advantages to being toward the top of the pecking order. Our top goats have always had an ability to claim, in their expert opinion, the freshest hay, and are also in the best position to gobble up any additional food that might be dished out. Lower-ranking goats soon learn when it is and, perhaps more importantly, when it is not worth competing in these scenarios. This submissive behaviour, bar a few squabbles or disagreements, will occur throughout the herd, giving them the structure around which they base themselves.

DECIDING FACTORS