How to Get a Goat to Mate

Try to determine when your goat is in a state of estrous (in heat). Goats normally come into heat on and off several times each fall, normally when the days begin to shorten and the weather becomes cooler. A doe's behavior may also differ during this time, from changes in diet and vocalization to even mounting other female goats. A doe will normally be in heat on and off every 18 to 21 days, and her heat may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Because of this, a doe should be taken to see the buck as soon as her heat begins.

Let the doe and buck to be bred see each other through a fence partition or other divider to see if the doe shows any interest in the buck. This should be done with both animals in halters or on leashes in case either animal becomes overly excited. If no ill will is shown and the doe seems interested, she may be put into a stall or the field with the buck for a few hours so that they may breed.

Take the doe back to her stall if she shows no interest in the buck.

Create a "buck rag" by wiping a clean cloth all over the buck (to make sure it smells like him) and place it in an airtight container.

Bring the "buck rag" to the doe and let her smell it twice a day for three days or so. If she begins to show interest, she can be taken back to the buck to breed.

Wait until the doe next comes into heat if she continues to seem disinterested.

Allow the doe and buck to greet each other through the fence again, and turn the doe loose with him. Sometimes a doe will just need a little time before she comes around to his advances. Be sure to watch the pair carefully, especially during the first dew hours they are penned together, and be prepared to get the doe out if any aggression arises (most of the time the two will get along just fine after their brief introduction).

Let the doe and buck run together for at least three weeks to allow her to come back into estrous a second time, just in case the breeding didn't take in the first session.