Hello, first time poster here. I was wondering if it would be possible to train a goat to avoid poisonous plants - by feeding/introducing small quantities of poisonous plants (like mtn. laurel). If deer in the wild can learn it, maybe goats can too with my help?
Most animals know what is poisonous. They will not normally eat it (as long as there is a sufficient supply of non-poisonous plants around). What is poisonous to one species, may be a gormet's delight to another species. Everything is edible to something.
Goats will avoid MOST poisonous plants. However, there are a few that they will eat with relish, including anything in the rhododendron/azalea family. And it doesn't take much of these to kill them. People who use pack goats in areas where wild rhodies or azaleas are prevalent often put muzzles on their goats while they are passing through areas with the poisonous plants. I don't know if they like Mountain Laurel that much -- check on a goat forum and see if someone in an area with the stuff can help you.
Never count on any animal not eating something toxic. There is no born- with kind of knowledge domestic animals in a manmade environment have. Think of them as a two year old child. You can never trust them not to eat something, even after training. Just keep them away from toxins to be safe.
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