Fast Facts About Fainting Goats



Fainting goats have a variety of names including: scare goats, myotonic goats, stiff-legged goats, or nervous goats.

They originally came from Nova Scotia but they were first recorded in history, from Marshall County, TN, back in the 1880s.

A man named, Tinsley moved to the northern part of Marshall County, Tennessee and brought with him four goats and a cow. These goats showed nervous, strange, tendencies. When these goats became startled, their leg muscles would, temporarily, become rigid causing them to lose their balance and fall over!

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When myotonia, (stiffening of the muscles) sets in, some goats may not, completely, loose their balance and fall over, but their knees may buckle. When placed in situations of extreme stress or fear, their epinephrine and cortisol, (fight or flight hormones), cause increased muscle tension throughout the body. Myotonia, stiffening of muscles, actually helps build more muscle.

The goats do not loose conscious, are not having a seizure, and their central nervous system is fine. Their muscles just tighten up and then relax. This startled condition only lasts for about ten to fifteen seconds, then these goats are up and running again.

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These goat breeds were almost extinct by the 1980s but are now thriving throughout the world. Marshall County, Tennessee is named the “cradle” of the Myotonic goat. These goats have lived here for decades.



Keep in mind that just because a goat faints does not mean it is a Tennessee fainting goat. Know their other characteristics.

What characteristics do Fainting goats have?

Their eyes are bulgy and set wide apart. Their eyes vary in color from varying shades of brown to rare shades of deep blue or icy blue. Their eye placement gives their head a straight-forward type of profile.

The nose is wider and more rounded than other breeds, not sharp or pointed.

Their ears are medium in length. They may be straight, bend downward at the middle or bend downward and forward shading their eyes.

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Fainting goats come in varying colors, black and white or a variety of colors with different markings and pattern combinations.

These goats have bodies with increased muscle mass due to the myotonic gene! They have a sturdy framework with bold face expressions.

They are, generally, hardy, disease resistant and good mothers. Most wean their kids on their own.

They milk, generously, for about four months. They are slow to mature so extra care needs to be given when breeding these animals. They are not fully mature until four years old.

They can live twelve to fifteen years or more with the proper goat care.

Here is a fun fact about these goats. Have you ever heard of the expression, “scapegoat”?

Some scholars say, shepherds kept fainting goats with their flocks of sheep as insurance against predators. When wolves or other predatory animals would attack a flock of sheep, the fainting goats would become startled and faint. The wolves or other predators focused so much on the stunned goats, the sheep were able to flee and escape. “Scapegoat” refers to the sheep that escaped with the help of the fainting goats!

Fainting goats are farm fun animals. They are very calm, proud and easily taught. Their sweet personalities will win your heart.

Be sure to find a Myotonic Goat Registry, dairy goats and more at the, country jam, Goats, Music and More Festival, October 8th, 9th and 10th, 2010 in Lewisburg, Tennessee! This country jam, fun, festival offers great food, fun and entertainment for all! Admission is free!

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