If you’re gonna keep a goat in St. Paul: What I learned about the mini farm animal craze

They’re adorable. They require less food and space. And without much coaxing, they might help cut the grass.

Americans are showing more interest in owning miniature cows, goats, alpacas and other diminutive farm animals. It is a trend driven by hobby farmers looking for easy-to-manage livestock and homesteaders who like the idea of having a petite pig or a scaled-down sheep as a pet.

I, Heidi Raschke, am one of those Americans. 

Animal breeders say sales of pint-sized farm animals have grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, when more people started raising backyard chickens for fun and fresh eggs. Like chickens, mini farm animals appeal to beginners who want the taste of a rugged, agrarian lifestyle.

I wouldn’t say I wanted a taste of rugged, agrarian life, but I saw those videos of mini goats during COVID and I was charmed enough to do a little research.

What I learned: 

• Yes, I could keep mini goats in St. Paul. At least that’s my understanding.

• I would need to get two — they don’t do well solo. And I wanted happy goats that jumped around like the ones in the videos.

• I would need a three-sided shelter with lots of hay and they would be fine outside all winter. Easy-peasy.

I dreamed of frolicking with adorable mini goats in my backyard and maybe hosting some goat yoga parties. I did a little more research, a little more dreaming and then set the idea aside.

Then last week I had the opportunity to visit Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo in Lindstrom to learn more about mini goats. I was stoked. 

Irene Dabill, the petting zoo’s manager, introduced the 50 or so animals that live on the farm — many of them minis. Pigs, alpacas, chickens, sheep, cows, turkeys, bunnies and the ones I was most curious about: goats. She gave me tips on shelters and hoof trimming while they tried to nibble my microphone cord.

Dabill made it clear that the two baby goats — no matter how cute they were — were not for sale.

She emphasized the importance of finding an ethical breeder.

“You need to find someone who’s actively bettering the breed of the animal you’re trying to bring home to make sure that you’re getting the best animal and the healthiest animal that you possibly can,” she said.

And she warned that goats are escape artists, so a solid fence is a must.

As I wondered if the fence that was secure enough for my dog would be secure enough for goats, she dropped a bomb.

“They hate dogs,” Dabill said. “They can’t really tell the difference between a friendly dog and a coyote or a wolf or something.”

My mini goat dream was over.

At least now I know I can get my mini goat fix the next time Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo travels to a community event near me.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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