Everything I read seems to indicate that goats are by nature a herd animal and do much better with more than one goat. However in this circumstance the very reason we ended up with Gertrude is because she couldn't get along with any of the other goats in the herd she was in.
Therein is the conundrum. Do I get a goat or two more if the end result is disharmony? That would definitely put disharmony in our lives not to mention in the goats lives. It definitely makes that a very weighted decision. On the one hand apparently goats stay much healthier and more to the point happier in herds. But if Gertrude has already shown this is not necessarily her individual need.
So far she doesn't seem that concerned with being the only goat but truthfully who would know. The " talking " she does is occasional at best. In the afternoons she settles down on the deck and seems perfectly content.
I absolutely want this goat happy and healthy so I do realize the herd mentality, particularly the goat people and their steadfast beliefs, it's almost to the point of a steadfast religion. And ANY deviation from the beliefs is almost blasphemy. But in looking at and being around Gertrude I'm going to do what's best for her . If I begin to see her NOT being happy then I'll reevaluate the situation and go from there. It's early yet to make that decision but it needs a bit more time to evaluate GERTRUDE'S needs and not the goat people herds needs.
Not to say in the near future that very well may change and then I guess we'll reevaluate her situation and be on the hunt for her a herd but until then she is and will continue to be the top priority.
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