For those who know me, you know that I love goats. And it’s no secret that goats are extremely popular to have on many homesteads. However, they can be a little tricky to own if you live in a more urban area. The biggest reason? Goats can be NOISY. So, just how noisy are goats? I did some research to find out.
Goats are the noisiest during feeding time, milking time, or if they’ve been separated from each other. Generally, younger goats and females are noisier than males, unless the males are mating. Exactly how loud comes down to their personality and needs. Typically, goats are still quieter than barking dogs.
So, while goats can be loud in some situations, when exactly are they noisy, which breeds are the quietest, and how can you keep goats quiet? Let’s take a closer look.
When Are Goats Noisy?
Generally, goats are noisy when their needs aren’t met. This commonly includes feeding, milking, and loneliness. However, goats can also get noisy when they see you, when they don’t like the weather, and when they get their head stuck in something. The best way to keep goats quiet is by meeting their needs.
So far, it sounds like goats are like spoiled children—crying until they get something they want. And while that may be true for some goats, most goats are happy when their basic needs are met.
These include:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Space/Pasture
- Companionship
- A Consistent Milking Schedule
Aside from providing enough food, water, and shelter, goats also need companionship as they are herd animals. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to keep more than one goat. A single goat can get lonely and depressed, leading to it crying out more often. Goats will even cry out if they get separated and can’t see each other.
On the other hand, there are times when a goat can be spoiled and become noisier than others. This is especially true if they were raised indoors as a pet or bottle-fed.
Goats can also be noisier if they’re:
- Younger
- Female
- Birthing
- Mating
- Stuck (such as a fence)
- Threatened by a predator
- Nubian or Nigerian Breeds
While some goats can be noisier than others, it really comes down to personality. You’ll find that some goats mumble with their mouths closed, while others scream and bellow. Certain breeds have also been known to be louder than others (more on this later), but this isn’t a rule.
The good news is that by providing your goats with their basic needs, you’ll most likely address the reason why they’ve been crying out. If they’re still making a lot of noise, then continue reading to see what other options you may have.
Are Goats Noisy at Night?
Goats aren’t any noisier at night than in the day, unless they’re complaining about their conditions. When goats make noise at night, it’s usually because they’re hungry, lonely, or scared, such as if a predator is nearby. However, some goats will protest if the weather is bad or if they want something.
What Do Goat Noises Mean?
When a goat makes noise it typically means that they’re hungry, excited, or happy to see you. However, goats can also make noise if they’re scared, lonely, or hurt. While the tone of a goat’s bleat can signal how extreme the situation is, some goats exaggerate and scream for no reason.
Goats make different noises, largely depending on gender, breed, and personality, but with a tuned ear, you might be able to pick up why they’re crying out. On the other hand, sometimes a goat will mumble when in danger, and scream when hungry. Over time, you’ll become adjusted to these sounds and even understand many of them (such as when they’re saying hi to you!).
How to Keep Goats Quiet
The best way to keep goats quiet is by providing them with their basic needs. Other than that, it’s best not to quiet a goat since bleating is how they communicate and let you know if any danger is nearby. Some goat breeds such as Nubians and Nigerians are louder than others, so choose your breed carefully.
In the end, try not to quiet a goat. Whether it’s loneliness or a coyote, there’s likely a reason they’re crying out.
While goats can be noisy, and can occasionally upset a nearby, cranky neighbor, the good news is that many prefer a small amount of noise from goats compared to leaf blowers, house parties, and barking dogs. Add to that, many goat owners reported that when on the outskirts of their property, goats are much quieter than a barking dog.
Even chickens are known to be noisier than goats (especially if you have a rooster). If you have both chickens and goats, and you get a noise complaint from a neighbor, you can try making peace with them by bribing them with farm-fresh eggs!
In the end, try not to quiet a goat. Whether it’s loneliness or a coyote, there’s likely a reason they’re crying out.
On the other hand, if you’ve done everything you can to make them happy, and they’re still crying out, it’s likely their breed or personality trait that’s encouraging it. In this case, if they’re causing too much noise and getting you in trouble, you likely don’t have many options. While it may be a tough decision, you may have to find another home for it and consider getting a different breed that is generally quieter.
Which Goat Breeds Are the Quietest and Loudest?
| Quietest Goat Breeds | Loudest Goat Breeds |
|---|---|
| Toggenburg | Nubians |
| Lamanachas | Nigerians |
| Alpines | – |
| Boers | – |
This list of goat breeds is the general consensus of many goat owners. Typically, Toggenburg, Lamanachas, Alpines, and Boers are the quieter goat breeds, while Nubians and Nigerians are known to be the loudest. Of course, this isn’t a rule, as the goat’s personality is also a large factor.
If you haven’t yet purchased goats, or if you’re looking at adding more goats to your herd, keep this list in mind as it can potentially save you a lot of trouble!