Collars, halters or harness...help!!!

Harmony_Meadows · #1 07/14/08, 03:11 PM

Hey all. My girl broke her collar the other day. Silly goat!! We keep one on so we can lead her out of the rose bush when she thinks we aren't watching, LOL! We are wondering what those of you with more experience suggest. I was thinking of getting her a goat halter. I don't really like collars for leading and that really is the main purpose. What about a harness like my dog wears? Any suggestions?? Also place to order or buy one would be helpful. Thanks all!!

Alice In TX/MO · #2 07/14/08, 05:36 PM

http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/...6776&area=goat

Feathers-N-Fur · #3 07/14/08, 07:32 PM

I use cheap dog collars from the dollar store. I loose some in the pasture, but I would rather loose the collar than have a goat get it's collar caught and not be able to get loose.

**mygoat** · #4 07/14/08, 08:09 PM

Go to the hardware store and pick up a lightweight chain. Not so light that it easily breaks - strong enough to lead your goat, but not super heavy as to weigh her down. Also pick up a small bolt snap.

Cut the chain to fit the BASE of her neck, then bend a link to affix the bolt snap. Just snap the bolt snap to the other end of the chain and you have yourself a lightweight, cheap, durable collar that will offer SUPER control over the goat in question. Just grab her collar and lead her above the head with the collar snug under her chin - like you would if you were showing. This gives ultimate control.

Starsmom · #5 07/14/08, 09:56 PM

I prefer to use the the cheap collars that are considered breakaway types. That way if the goat gets hung up on something or if another goats horn or even their hoof gets caught in the collar, it will break away. I'd rather lose a collar than a goat. A friend of mine found their buck hanging by his one day and I personally have seen mine get hung up with horns. I usually disbud, but I had 2 bucklings that the buyer wanted the horns left on, as they began to grow, one of them caught their horn in another ones collar. The collar snapped off and all was well. If it had been a chain or a tough collar, and I had not been there, it could have been a disaster.

Harmony_Meadows · #6 07/17/08, 02:29 AM

Hi all, thanks for the great ideas. Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to everyone, I have been rather unwell. I really appreciate all the suggestions. I think we will go with another brake away collar for her main wear and probably get a goat halter for when she is outside. Once again thank you all very much for your input!!! Take care all!!