Goats and sheep are two of the most charming grazers on any farm.
Goats and sheep are often both a similar size and certain types can even be quite hard to distinguish from one another.
While both make great additions to any farm, they are quite distinctive and there are some important differences to consider when choosing between sheep and goats.
When it comes to choosing between keeping goats or sheep (or both!) it will come down to what you are looking for in an animal, both in terms of personality and output.
Both animals require work to care for, but in the end it’s well worth all the time you’ll put in to these charming creatures.
How to tell the difference between goats and sheep:
Many types of goats and sheep look very similar, especially to the untrained eye.
But there are a few key characteristics to look out for to help you distinguish between the two.
First look at their tails.
Goats have a tail that points upwards, while a sheep’s tail will hang downwards.
If the tail is docked then it is most likely a sheep, as they often have their tails docked for health reasons.
Another key difference is of course their coat.
Sheep are known for their woolly coats that require shearing once a year. Goats on the other hand do not need this kind of regular shearing.
A sheep with a full coat will be much easier to distinguish, while post-shearing they are more likely to resemble a goat.
Lastly, you can look at the animals build and size.
While they may be around the same height, goats are much more compact than sheep, generally staying slimmer.
Sheep on the other hand will be heavier in the loins and back.
Differences between goat and sheep care
Both goats and sheep are ruminants, meaning that they have stomachs with four compartments.
However, a fundamental difference between the two is that goats are browsers while sheep are grazers.
Naturally this leads to different dietary requirements.
Sheep love to eat short pants like grass and clover.
They will do best if you have pasture area that can be kept short.
Goats will look for higher eye-level plants like branches, twigs, etc.
They will also go looking for their food, climbing all over to seek out the tastiest shrubs they can find.
Be aware that this applies to your garden as well!
In terms of handling and care, sheep and goats have similar requirements.
Both require about one acre of land per 6-10 animals.
Sheep will do better in unsheltered areas like pastures because they have natural insulation, while goats will need shelter and foraging options.
Lastly, keep in mind that while their space requirements are comparable, goats are much harder to keep fenced than sheep.
They are very agile and will explore anywhere that they can access.
What are the behavior differences between goats and sheep?
Sheep live in flocks, and they operate mostly as a social group.
This means that what their flock does, they will do.
Goats on the other hand are very independent, often venturing off and making trouble.
Goats are often seen as more challenging to handle than sheep because of this fundamental behavior difference.
It is true that sheep can be easier to move and handle, but goats are often easier to catch individually.
Sheep will often run and panic if separated from the flock.
What are the differences between goat and sheep health?
Goats and sheep have very similar health requirements and health risks.
The most common issue you could run into is parasites.
Both need to be kept on a careful deworming schedule.
Both can also have hoof problems.
Make sure that you have a farrier trimming their feet regularly to prevent overgrowth.
In addition, both need to be monitored for problems like foot rot and foot scald.
These are bacterial infections in the hoof that can be contagious.
To prevent foot rot or hoof abscesses make sure that your animals have access to a dry enough environment.
While goats are more likely to take shelter, sheep are especially susceptible to these conditions, which can be triggered by overly moist environments.
What do goats and sheep produce?
If you are interested in keeping an animal that produces a product of some kind, both goats and sheep can be a solid choice.
If you are looking for a milk producing animal, then goats are the better choice.
Goats produce almost twice the amount of milk that a sheep does, and goat lactation lasts much longer.
Goat milk is a very popular ingredient used in everything from cooking to cosmetics.
You can make and sell goat cheese, goat milk soap, lotions, and more!
Sheep are the obvious choice if you are interested in fiber.
Sheep need to be sheared annually and their high wool production can produce literally miles of yarn.
Different varieties of sheep produce different amounts and different quality of wool.
While sheep produce the most fiber, goats are known for producing some of the highest quality fabric around – Cashmere!
Cashmere is made from the downy undercoat.
Angora goats also are known for high quality mohair production.
Of course, both goats and sheep can be raised for meat as well.
If you want to raise either for meat, then it would be best to get the right type of animal.
Those best suited for fiber or milk production may not be the best for meat production. I
f you do plan on selling meat, keep in mind whether there is a local market for it.
Can goats or sheep make good pets?
Goats and sheep are primarily livestock animals, and they won’t bond with humans the same way a dog would.
However, they can indeed be raised as pets and can be lovely to have around any small farm or homestead.
If you are hoping for a personable and safe animal, then consider looking for females.
Male goats and rams can get quite aggressive and will head but people as well as other animals.
You may also want to consider looking for hornless sheep or disbudded goats (those with their horns removed), especially if they will be around children.
Both goats and sheep are lovely animals to raise, whether you’re looking to keep only a couple of milk goats on a small homestead or a full flock of sheep on a farm.
Neither is a bad choice.
So long as you keep your goals in mind, you are sure to have a wonderful addition to your farm!