Toys for Goats
With my several years with goats, I have observed them chewing on fences, hopping on my car, or just standing around looking bored out of their minds. At first, I ignored it and supposed it to be normal, over time, they started engaging in activities, I didn’t like at all.
That’s when I began looking for ways to keep them entertained and relieve their boredom. What I discovered is that goats are clever, curious, and full of energy. And when they don’t have enough to do, they’ll create their own entertainment.
Why Enrichment Matters for Goat Welfare
Enrichment isn’t just about keeping goats busy; it plays a big role in their overall welfare. By giving them the right outlets for play, you’re supporting their physical health, mental sharpness, and even helping to maintain harmony within the herd.
If you restrict your goats not to getting entertained, they can get restless and destructive. This often ends up in fence-chewing, unnecessary aggression, or even lethargy. And that frustration is not good for them or for you. Now the question is how to pick or make toys that match their natural instincts and make them tick.
Understanding Goat Play Behavior
Climbing and Perching
One of the most natural behaviors goats display is climbing and perching. They instinctively seek higher ground, both for the exercise it provides and the sense of safety it gives them. Platforms, large rocks, or even a sturdy picnic table can become favorite spots where goats happily leap, lounge, and observe their surroundings.
Chewing and Browsing
Chewing and browsing are another vital part of goat life. Beyond satisfying their foraging instincts, chewing keeps their teeth healthy and strong. Providing safe options like untreated wood, mineral licks, or designated chew toys helps direct this habit in a positive way, keeping your fences and furniture safe in the process.
Heat-butting and Pushing
Head-butting, the behavior which don’t seem you fit with these innocent creatures. But this is a natural way goats establish dominance. Giving them safe outlets for this behavior, such as heavy-duty barrels, large tires, or tough toys like Jolly Balls, allows them to act on their instincts without harming each other.
Natural Exploration
Goats are also natural explorers. Their intelligence and curiosity mean they thrive on problem-solving and discovery. Enrichment that taps into this, such as puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, or simply hiding treats around their pen, keeps their minds engaged and prevents boredom.
Scratching and Grooming
Finally, scratching and grooming matter a lot too. Goats love rubbing against things to scratch itches and keep their coats healthy. You can help by giving them mounted brushes, scratching posts, or even old broom heads. It’s an easy and fun way for them to take care of themselves.
Goat Toys and Enrichment Options
Climbing and Height Play
Goats naturally love to climb. Anything that gives them a higher vantage point will be a hit. Climbing builds muscle, keeps them agile, and satisfies their urge to perch.
- Rocks, logs, and stumps: Simple, natural options for jumping and hoof-wear.
- Picnic tables: They climb, nap on top, and use the space underneath for shade.
- Wooden cable reels: Great as platforms; cover holes for safety.
- Cinder blocks & 4x4s: Stack to create balance challenges.
- Pallet towers: Easy DIY using scrap wood, pallets, and plywood.
- Plastic water trough flipped over: Doubles as a climbing platform.
- Playground sets or slides: Used kid playhouses, slides, or toddler climbing frames make perfect goat playsets.
Chew Toys and Gnawing Fun
Goats love to nibble, and safe chew toys can help with their teeth, reduce stress, and let them follow their natural browsing instincts. For that, try safe branches from trees like oak or maple. Our family also uses the mineral licks for goats and cows as well.
Mineral Licks
Mineral licks (check on Amazon) might not sound like toys at first, but for goats, they’re both fun and functional. Hanging a mineral block on a rope or attaching it to a post gives your goats something safe to chew and lick whenever they feel like it.
Not only does it keep them entertained, but it also provides important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. These are vital to keep their bodies strong and healthy.
Puzzle Feeders and Treat Dispensers
Puzzle feeders (check on Amazon) are perfect for keeping their minds sharp and slowing down fast eaters. They also help fight boredom. We use treat balls (check on Amazon) designed for goats, horses, or even large dogs. We have tried a simple feeder with PVC pipes and holes.
Hiding hay or snacks in a foraging box is another tricky thing to dig out by the curious goats. You may also find hanging hay balls (check on Amazon) online.
Balls and Rolling Toys
You will have noticed that the newly born baby goats, when they are feed in the backyard, enjoy running, chasing, and jumping along different things in the home. To help them with these instincts, head-butting and rolling toys can be loads of fun. To achieve this, jolly balls (check on Amazon) are my favorite, which come in different sizes to accommodate your conditions. Heavy-duty plastic barrels or large, clean tires also work.
Scratching and Grooming Spots
Goats enjoy a good scratch, especially during shedding season. A few grooming stations can keep them comfortable and healthier.
- Install heavy-duty scratching posts.
- Mount sturdy brushes to walls or fence posts.
- Use rough natural wood for rubbing.
Natural Playgrounds
You don’t always need fancy equipment. Sometimes the best enrichment comes straight from nature. And believe me, this is exactly what the Carter family focuses on. Natural elements add variety, new textures, and interesting smells that keep goats curious and engaged.
Sturdy tree stumps and logs become climbing spots. Large, smooth rocks turn into natural play structures. Uneven ground, like slopes or small hills, keeps them active and agile. Even safe tree branches with edible leaves add both fun and flavor to their day.
DIT Goat Toys
Goats’ enrichment does not always come with expensive toys. With a bit of creativity, you can make safe and fun enrichment out of things you already have lying around. Not only does this save money, but it also gives old items a second life, which is good for your goats and good for the planet. But before opting for the DIY options, check that DIY toys are safe with no loose parts, no toxic materials, and no chance of the goats getting stuck.
Some of the homemade DIY ideas that have worked well for us are surprisingly simple. They include:
Repurposed Tires
One of my favorites is repurposed tires. Car tires, tractor tires, stacked-up tires; goats love these all. Once you give them a good scrub, remove the rims, and double-check for any sharp wires, they’re ready to go. Pygmy goats in our farm climb on these tires, jump on them, and scratch their backs against them.
You can stack them up to make little climbing steps, leave them on the ground for chewing fun, or even hang them up to turn them into swings.
Plastic Barrels or Drums
Plastic barrels, drums, or buckets without handles can roll around for play. These can be cut in half to make shelters or serve as water/feed containers. These are also fun for climbing or head-butting.
We had the one Eagle 14 Gallon Plastic Drum, which was earlier purchased for storage purposes, but now I use it as a goat toy drum. It’s a multipurpose option, which is durable and lightweight.
Trampolines
Mini trampolines are always a favorite with goats. They’ll hop on for a good bounce, but funny enough. They don’t always use them for jumping. Sometimes you’ll catch them just stretched out, relaxing like it’s their own comfy lounge chair in the sun. It’s both playtime and naptime all in one spot.
Wooden Cable Spools
Those giant cable spools, you can often get them free from electric companies, make perfect climbing towers or goat-sized beds. Sand them down, remove splinters, and make sure they’re untreated.
They can be turned into platforms, scratching posts (wrap them with safe material), or rolling toys.
Teeter-Totters & Seesaws
One of the easiest goat toys you can make is a teeter-totter and seesaw. Just a sturdy board balanced across a log or block, and you’ve got a goat-sized seesaw. Goats go wild for the wobble! It gives them a fun little challenge, kind of like their very own ride at the playground.
Logs and Tree Branches
Logs and tree branches are easily available options in the countryside. They are perfect for chewing, climbing, or scratching. Choose non-toxic wood and secure it firmly.
Besides that, you can also try cardboard boxes. Goats jump on them, chew them, and push them around. Similarly, concrete rubble or dirt piles can also do the job of climbing and natural hoof trimming.
The Golden Rules of Goat Toy Safety
Before bringing any toy or plaything into your goat pen, safety should always come first. Goats are tough on their toys, curious with their mouths, and quick to test anything new, so the wrong choice can easily turn into a hazard. Here’s what you need to know to keep playtime both fun and safe.
Choose Non-Toxic Materials
Not everything that looks sturdy is safe for goats to chew or climb. Stick with natural, untreated woods like pine, oak, maple, or branches from fruit trees such as apple and pear. Avoid cherry, peach, or plum as they’re toxic.
When it comes to plastic, only use food-grade types like HDPE or LLDPE, which can handle rough play. Steer clear of PVC, brittle plastics, or anything painted, treated, or chemically processed, as these can be harmful if nibbled. Veterinarians often stress that goats will chew almost anything, so it’s best to assume they will try.
If you want to learn more about what goats eat, check out our article on their diet.
Watch the Size and Shape
Goats love to climb and push, but toys need to be designed in a way that doesn’t create risks. Avoid anything with small parts that can be choked on. Similarly, don’t use ropes with loose strands or gaps that horns, feet, or heads could get stuck in. Inspect items for sharp edges or protruding nails and screws. If it looks like it might snag or splinter, it’s not safe for goats.
Built to Last
Goats are strong and steadfast. A toy that works for dogs or kids might last a single afternoon in a goat pen. Flimsy toys not only waste money, they also break into dangerous pieces. The best materials for goats are thick rubber, heavy-duty plastic, and solid wood. A good rule of thumb: if it wouldn’t survive being tossed around by a stubborn ram, it probably won’t last with playful goats either.
Inspect and Maintain Regularly
Even the sturdiest toys wear down over time. Make a habit of checking them for cracks, splinters, or loose parts. Clean puzzle feeders or treat balls often so they don’t harbor mold or bacteria. If a toy looks unsafe, repair it quickly or toss it out. It’s better to replace one item than risk an injury.
What to Avoid Completely
Some things are never safe for goats. Stay away from:
- Chemically treated or painted wood
- Plastics that are flimsy or brittle
- Rope that frays easily or can be swallowed
- Rusty or sharp-edged metal
- Human kids’ toys, they’re often too fragile or coated with unsafe finishes
- Unstable objects: Avoid items that tip easily in wind or when goats jump
