How much does a goat cost?
How much does a goat cost?
$75 – $1,200 average cost (goat itself)
$40 – $100 average cost per month
Average goat price
A goat costs $75 to $1,200 for the animal itself, depending on the breed, age, purpose, and location. There are many kinds of goats, including meat goats, show-quality animals, or even rental goats for land clearing. Feeding and caring for a goat costs $40 to $100 per month on average.
| Goat type | Average price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Boer goat | $200 – $1,200 | Premier meat breed; breeding stock at higher end |
| Mini goat | $75 – $400 | Includes Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy; often kept as pets |
| Ram / billy goat | $150 – $500 | Priced by breed and age; often refers to male goats |
| Meat goat | $80 – $650+ | Priced by age and weight |
| Cabrito goat | $120 – $250 | Very young meat goats from Mexico or Texas |
| Fainting goat | $200 – $1,200 | Can be miniature or standard-sized |
| High-value breeds | $1,500 – $50,000+ | Rare breeds used for show, breeding, or conservation |
Boer goat
Boer goat prices are $200 to $1,200 for mature goats or $100 to $300 for healthy kids, with registered breeding does and bucks commanding the highest prices. The Boer goat is the world's most productive meat goat, prized for its rapid growth and robust size.
Originating from South Africa, Boer goats thrive in diverse climates and are recognized for their docility and high fertility. Pedigree, health records, and local availability influence the final price.
Mini goat
Mini goat prices are $75 to $400 per animal, depending on age and pedigree. Mini goats are compact, friendly animals for pets or small-scale milk production. These goats weigh less than standard breeds but offer playful personalities and manageable care requirements. Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goat prices fall into this category.
Ram goat (billy goat)
A ram goat, more accurately called a buck or billy, refers to an intact male used for breeding. Ram goat prices start at $150 to $500, or more for a proven, desirable lineage. Boer ram goats in particular command higher prices due to their size and meat production traits.
Investing in a quality ram goat is essential for breeders aiming to improve herd genetics and productivity.
Meat goat
Meat goat prices range from $80 to $650+ and fluctuate with market demand, age, and health status. Meat goats encompass several breeds, with Boer and Spanish goats leading the market. Farmers raise these animals specifically for their rapid weight gain and high-yield bodies.
Cabrito goat
Cabrito goat prices are $120 to $250 on average. "Cabrito" refers to a young, milk-fed goat harvested between 1 week and 3 months for tender meat. This breed is especially popular in Latin American and Mediterranean cuisines, which prize its delicate flavor and texture.
Fainting goat
The cost of a fainting goat (Myotonic goat) is $200 to $1,200 on average but varies based on age, registration status, and physical characteristics. Wethers, or neutered males, are often less expensive, while registered does (females) and bucks (males) can be more costly.
High-value breeds
There are several other goat breeds used for shows and breeding that cost much more than average, from $1,500 to $50,000 or more. The most expensive breeds are Shami (Damascus), Marrakesh, Angora, Golden Guernsey, Salali, and Kalahari Red goats.
How much does a baby goat cost?
Baby goats (kids) are less expensive than mature, proven breeders. A baby goat costs $80 to $300 on average. Male goats may cost more if they are from strong bloodlines.
| Age | Price range |
|---|---|
| Kid | $80 – $300 |
| Mature goat | $75 – $1,200+ |
Goat pricing factors
Besides the cost of the goat itself, owners have to budget for feed, vaccines, shelter, and other equipment. Goats love to climb, so be sure to have a place they can practice their skills for enrichment.
| Expense category | Average monthly cost | Average yearly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed & hay | $20 – $40 | $240 – $480 | Varies by size, breed, and forage |
| Bedding | $5 – $10 | $60 – $120 | Straw, shavings, or similar |
| Veterinary care | $5 – $15 | $60 – $180 | Vaccines, deworming, checkups |
| Supplies | $4 – $10 | $50 – $120 | Minerals, grooming, toys |
| Fencing & shelter | $5 – $25 | $60 – $300 | Maintenance and repairs |
The following factors also have an impact on goat prices:
Health: Vaccinated, disease-tested goats command higher prices due to lower risk and better genetics.
Location: Prices in urban or high-demand areas are higher. Local sales are usually cheaper than buying from distant breeders due to shipping costs.
Goat registration: Registering rare or purebred goats adds to their cost but increases long-term value, especially for breeding or showing purposes.
Pasture & fencing: Goats are healthiest when they have plenty of space to run, climb, and graze. Just remember to maintain proper fencing to keep them safe:
Split rail fences cost $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the size.
Barbed wire fences cost $2,000 to $2,200 per acre.
Electric fences cost $1,250 to $3,300 per acre.
Goat shipping cost
If you aren't able to pick up or transport the goat yourself, goat shipping costs vary based on distance, method, and number of goats. Local transport may cost $50 to $150 per goat, while shipping animals using a long-distance commercial company can exceed $300 per goat.
Always request a quote from livestock haulers or breeders before buying to make sure they give you accurate information.
Goat rental cost
Some goat owners rent them out for specific projects or events. Renting goats offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to clear brush, weeds, and overgrown grass from your property. Goat yoga and goat-themed events have become popular attractions for parties, wellness retreats, and special gatherings.
Land clearing: Clearing tall grass or overgrown weeds costs $450 to $700 per day for a large group of 25 to 40 goats. Smaller jobs may cost less, from $350 to $600 per day, depending on herd size and site complexity.
Event rentals: The cost of renting goats for private events like goat yoga, weddings, or parties is $175 to $350 per hour.
FAQs about raising goats
What do goats eat?
Goats are natural browsers and eat a variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, leaves, weeds, and even bark. They thrive on quality hay, pasture, and supplemental grains. Providing fresh water and mineral supplements ensures goats remain healthy and productive.
How long do goats live?
Most goats live between 10 to 15 years, depending on breed, genetics, and quality of care. Some well-cared-for goats can live even longer. Nutrition, shelter, and regular veterinary attention play a significant role in their lifespan.
How long does a goat take to ship?
The time it takes to ship a goat depends on the distance and method of transport. Local shipments may take a few hours, while interstate or cross-country transport can take 1 to 3 days. Always ensure goats travel with proper documentation and care.
Why do goats faint?
Some goats, known as Myotonic or "fainting" goats, faint because of a genetic condition called myotonia congenita. When startled, their muscles temporarily stiffen, causing them to fall over for 5 to 15 seconds. This reaction does not cause pain and is unique to this specific breed.
How long are goats pregnant?
Most goats are pregnant for 145 to 155 days. This means a goat's pregnancy lasts approximately 5 months. Breed, nutrition, and environmental factors can influence the exact length of gestation.
Do female goats have horns?
Yes, female goats, called does, can have horns. Whether a goat has horns depends on its genetics, not its sex. Many breeds naturally grow horns in both males and females, though some goats are "polled," meaning they are born without horns.
Choosing a farm or breeder
People can buy goats from a variety of places, including breeders, livestock auctions, online marketplaces, local farmers, or county fairs. Follow these steps to make sure you're buying from a reputable source:
Visit the breeder's farm and check that the goats live in clean, healthy conditions with access to water and shelter.
Ask for recent health records, including vaccinations and disease tests, to make sure the goats are healthy.
Research their information or profiles on Vety or Google, if possible.
Look over each goat carefully for clear eyes, healthy hooves, and a good temperament by spending time with them.
Get your fencing, shelter, and feed ready before bringing the goats home to help them settle in smoothly.
Questions to ask breeders or farmers
Before bringing a goat home, ask the owner these questions:
What is the goat's breed, age, sex, and weight?
Is the goat registered, and can you provide registration papers?
What vaccinations and disease testing have you done, and can I see health records?
Has the goat or herd had any health problems, including CAE, CL, or Johne's disease?
What is the goat's feeding program and what minerals or supplements do you provide?
Is the goat polled, disbudded, or horned?
Why are you selling this goat?
Have you bred this doe before, and if so, how many kids does she usually have?
Can I see the living conditions and meet the goat's herd mates?
Will you provide references from previous buyers?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.