Rio is a cute little African Pygmy goat who joined our farm several years ago. He was raised by an amazing Howard County 4-H family and was one of three kids born to their little mom. Rio was 2 years old when we bought him at the Howard County Fair while we were there participating in the cattle show. This is a brief story about his first years living with Happy Heritage Farm.

When we decided to add Rio to the family, we decided to try out the idea of having a “house goat”. We put together a 4 by 10 dog kennel inside our animal room at our primary residence to be used as his stall for sleeping and hanging out in when we were not home. Rio liked the idea of being a house goat and adapted to life living like a dog. Our animal room houses many types of animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and reptiles so Rio had lots of pet friends. Although he was typically quieter than a dog, we soon discovered that having a goat in the house, even though small, would be a challenge!

We should mention that our primary residence is within an established suburban neighborhood with an active homeowners association! We should also mention that you are only allowed 3 pets! Anyway, operation Rio was a bit under cover as Rio would go out to the fenced backyard on a leash and quickly learned that is where you are supposed to do your business. He liked his inside pen which looked out our big sliding door to the back. We were careful not to let him out too often during the day when neighbors were home for fear of getting a visit from the county animal control!

Rio enjoyed time living as a dog and loved to share dog beds and even human furniture. But, like the typical goat, he was mischievous and was driven to get to the food bowls of our other animals. Also in our animal room at that time were many show cavies (guinea pigs) and Rio quickly learned how to pop their cages open with his hoof and head!

Rio’s habit of stealing guinea pig food caught up with him and caused a urinary blockage. This is quite common in wethers (neutered males) as they are highly susceptible to kidney and bladder stones. Rio was rushed to our local livestock vet for an assessment where we were told his case was quite seriious. His urethra was completely blocked and would require emergency surgery. We then rushed him up to the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania where he was whisked into the ER. The surgery was performed late at night and a large stone was removed. Rio had a catheter and had to stay at the hospital for two weeks. He recovered well and we were so grateful we caught it in time. This condition can be fatal!

Rio returned home and we were extra careful to ensure he no longer had access to the guinea pig cages and was never left loose alone in the animal room! He continued to enjoy life as a house goat and never had to worry about bullying other goats or sheep for food and he never had any other health issues while living the house goat life. That would later change when we decided to move him back to farm life to live as a real goat several years later.