Raising A Fainting Goat

Raising A Fainting Goat

Raising A Fainting Goat

Raising a Fainting Goat—also known as a Myotonic Goat—can be a unique and rewarding addition to your homestead or small farm. Despite their dramatic nickname, these goats don’t actually lose consciousness; instead, they experience a harmless genetic condition called myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to temporarily stiffen when startled, making them "faint" or fall over.

1. Understanding the Breed

• Official Name: Myotonic Goat

• Origin: Tennessee, USA (developed in the 1880s)

• Temperament: Calm, quiet, docile, and less prone to jumping/climbing than other breeds

• Size: Medium—does weigh 60–80 lbs; bucks 80–100+ lbs

• Lifespan: 12–15 years (sometimes longer with good care)

• Myotonia: Not painful or dangerous—goats remain fully aware during episodes

💡 Their calm nature makes them excellent for beginners, 4-H projects, or as companion animals.

2. Why Raise Fainting Goats?

• Meat production: High muscle-to-bone ratio, lean meat, and efficient feed conversion

• Low escape risk: Less likely to jump fences due to myotonia and heavier muscling

• Quiet & gentle: Ideal for suburban or smaller homesteads

• Heritage breed conservation: Listed as "threatened" by The Livestock Conservancy—raising them helps preserve genetic diversity

• Pet or pack goat potential: Trainable and personable

❌ Not a dairy breed—milk production is very low.

3. Housing & Habitat Needs

Fainting Goats need the same basic shelter as other goats, with a few advantages:

• Fencing: Lower fences often suffice (3.5–4 ft) since they rarely jump

• Shelter: Dry, draft-free, well-ventilated—15–20 sq ft per goat

• Bedding: Straw or wood shavings; keep dry to prevent hoof rot

• Space: 200+ sq ft per goat in a dry lot; more if pasture is available

🌧️ They don’t handle wet conditions well—ensure excellent drainage and dry resting areas.

4. Nutrition

• Forage: High-quality hay (alfalfa for kids/pregnant does; grass hay for adults)

• Browse: They enjoy safe brush, leaves, and weeds—offer variety if possible

• Grain: Only as needed (e.g., late pregnancy, lactation, or winter in cold climates)

• Minerals: Loose goat-specific minerals with copper (never use sheep minerals)

• Fresh water: Always available—use heated buckets in freezing weather

5. Health & Wellness

• Vaccinations: CD&T (Clostridium C & D + Tetanus) is standard

• Deworming: Use FAMACHA scoring and fecal tests—avoid routine chemical deworming

• Hoof care: Trim every 6–8 weeks; more often in wet conditions

• Myotonia management: No treatment needed—but minimize sudden stressors (loud noises, chasing dogs)

• Predator protection: Secure shelter at night; consider guardian animals if needed

6. Breeding & Reproduction

• Breeding age: Does at 7–10 months (when they reach ~60% adult weight)

• Gestation: ~150 days

• Kidding: Usually easy; twins are common

• Mothering ability: Excellent—does are attentive and protective

• Buck behavior: Less aggressive than some meat breeds, but still requires secure housing

📝 Register your goats with the Myotonic Goat Registry (MGR) or International Fainting Goat Association (IFGA) to support breed integrity.

7. Special Considerations

• Cold hardiness: Moderate—they do well in southern and temperate zones but need extra shelter in harsh winters

• Heat tolerance: Good, but provide shade and fresh water in summer

• Social needs: Keep at least two—they’re herd animals

• Handling: Gentle and easy to train; great for children under supervision

8. Common Misconceptions

• ❌ "They pass out or get hurt when they faint" → False. They stay conscious and recover in seconds.

• ❌ "They’re disabled or unhealthy" → False. Myotonia doesn’t affect lifespan or quality of life.

• ❌ "They’re just a novelty pet" → False. They’re a functional, sustainable meat breed with historical value.

9. Getting Started

1. Source from reputable breeders (ask for health records and registration)

2. Start with 2–3 does (and borrow a buck for breeding if needed)

3. Prepare shelter and fencing before arrival

4. Quarantine new goats for 2–4 weeks

5. Join a Fainting Goat community (e.g., IFGA, online forums, Facebook groups)

Fainting Goats are more than a curiosity—they’re a practical, calm, and sustainable choice for small farms focused on meat production, conservation, or low-stress livestock. Their unique trait makes them memorable, but their hardiness and gentle nature make them truly valuable.

🐐 “Fainting” aside, they’re one of the most manageable and charming goats you can raise.

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