Why Do Goats Rub Their Heads On You

Headbutting is a natural behavior in goats, and they use it to play and show affection. However, goats are intelligent creatures, and they also use gentler ways of expressing their appreciation to their hornless friends.

When a goat rubs its head on you, it’s a good sign that the goat feels at ease. Why do goats rub their heads on you?

Goats rub their heads on you because they are scent marking and trying to show affection. In Autumn, during rut season, a goat will emit a strong musk smell from their scent gland located near their horns and rub it on you. Goats are very communicative and want to be in charge and mark you as theirs.

What Does It Mean When A Goat Rubs Its Head On You

There are numerous reasons a goat may rub their head against you. For example, male goats, especially during rutting season, will rub to mark you with their pungent odor.

It’s a way of claiming you. Some people prefer to discourage this behavior, but it’s up to you.

Additionally, goats will rub you when they want something. Goats are very communicative with their humans. Whether it’s a treat or some affection they want, they will tell you.

Pay attention to their personalities and habits, and you’ll quickly learn to decipher what your goats mean when they rub their heads on you.

Why Do Female Goats Rub Their Heads On You

Female goats aren’t as likely to be scent marking you. However, they are still affectionate and likely trying to get your attention.

Not only do most goats of both genders have horns, but many love having them rubbed or scratched. Contrary to popular belief, these are not unfeeling bony protrusions.

According to Mother Earth News, “… The goat’s horn is an extremely sensitive tissue composed of hair (keratin), blood vessels, and nerves. The structure is rigid and strong to prevent painful damage by accident or otherwise, and the exterior coating appears to be relatively insensitive. Nevertheless, the interior and the root area where the dense nerve matter is concentrated are as tender as the skin directly beneath the human fingernail. Anyone who has accidentally driven a splinter under his nail can attest to the pain…”

Your female goat may be asking for some scratches and pets on her horns when she rubs her head on you. With all those nerves, it probably feels nice. Plus, it’s hard to scratch an itch when you have no fingers.

How Often Will Goats Rub Their Heads On You

There is no schedule for when your goats will rub their heads on you. Each animal has its own personality, preferences, and comfort level.

As a result, some are more affectionate or possessive, others love horn scratches more, and some are a bit shy. Let the goats come to you, and they will rub you with their head when it feels right to them.

When Do Goats Rub Their Heads On You

A rutting goat can be a tough animal to deal with since its aggression levels are naturally higher during this time.

However, it’s also noteworthy that a male goat is more likely to rub you with his stinky head-glands during this season to lay claim to you.

They want to be ‘in charge’ of all they survey and express it by marking what’s theirs. He may have his tongue out and be more verbal than usual while rubbing his head and neck all over you.

According to Morning Chores, “Most breeds of goats go into rut during Autumn. They tend to do most of their breeding from August to January.”

Unfortunately, that means your male goats are more likely to be aggressive and to rub on you during the cool to cold seasons of the year.

How Do Goats Show Affection To Humans

In addition to rubbing their heads on you, goats will show affection in other ways as well. Especially when they’re young, goats will headbutt as a form of play.

When they try and include you in this, they aren’t attempting to hurt you, but rather including you in the fun.

Another way goats show their love is by cuddling. Since they like petting and scratches, they will show up often and invade your space with rubbing and cuddles to get their attention.

Plus, they will use the goats’ version of puppy dog eyes and even ‘talk’ to you as a way to express their affection toward humans.

Goats are not afraid to communicate. They yell when upset or lost or scared, or even just to get attention.

Your goat may spit to express disgust and annoyance, but most of all, it will show you how much it likes you by seeking you out and being affectionate in the same ways house pets are.

According to New Scientist, “Goats were domesticated as early as 10,000 years ago in the area around the Zagros mountains in what is now western Iran. The finding suggests goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated, with only dogs unambiguously preceding them.”

It should come as no surprise that they have learned some of the same habits and expressions as other domestic animals.

Helpful Tips To Know About Why Goats Rub Their Heads On You

Goats rub on you to mark you as part of their group and to show you affection. Moreover, these clever and affectionate creatures learn quickly that people respond to this behavior by petting and giving scratches, which they enjoy.

Here are more helpful tips to know about why goats rub their heads on you.

• Headbutting is in the same family as rubbing for younger goats. When they butt you, they’re playing and learning how to be a goat. Be patient with them.

• You should be concerned if your goat rubs against you and has flaky or peeling horns. Unlike deer, goats do not lose their horns, which means the flaking isn’t typical and can indicate discomfort or an underlying medical condition. Please take a flaky horned goat to see the vet as soon as possible for treatment.

• Not every goat enjoys having its horns scratched or rubbed. If your otherwise affectionate goat pulls their head away after rubbing on you, they probably want a treat or some other form of petting and affection instead. Pay close attention to your animal’s body language. It will tell you everything you need to know about how they feel and what they want if you learn to ‘listen.’

Final Thoughts

Goats have been companions to humans for almost as long as dogs, and probably longer than most other domesticated animals.

In the last ten thousand years of working alongside us, they have learned to feel and express their affection clearly, even though we sometimes don’t know how to interpret it.

When your goat rubs their head on you it is the same marking behavior as a dog or cat because goats also have scent glands in their heads.

Moreover, your pet is probably trying to say it wants a scratch behind the horns or a belly rub. Goats rub to show their affection and how much they want it returned.