The real difference between sheep and goats

The Real Scoop on Sheep vs. Goats at Tammy and Rich's Funny Farm

Here at Tammy and Rich's Funny Farm in Livingston, TN, we often get asked, "What's the difference between a sheep and a goat?" I usually kick things off with a little joke: "A sheep says 'Baa,' and a goat says 'Maa!'" It always gets a chuckle, but there’s more to these animals than the sounds they make. Since we raise hair sheep and brush goats, we’ve got a front-row seat to their unique traits. Let’s break down the actual differences between them—beyond the barnyard symphony!

Physical Differences

Coats: Wool, Hair, and Everything In Between

When you picture a sheep, you might imagine a fluffy cloud of wool. But our hair sheep flip that script. Unlike traditional wool sheep that need shearing, hair sheep have sleek, hair-like coats—kind of like goats. Our brush goats, true to goat form, also have hair, not wool. So, at first glance, their coats might seem similar. But don’t be fooled: hair sheep are still sheep, just a low-maintenance variety that sheds naturally. Goats, meanwhile, rock their hairy coats year-round, no exceptions.

Horns and Tails: The Telltale Signs

Need a quick way to spot the difference? Check their horns and tails. Sheep horns typically curl into tight spirals—think ram horns in storybooks—while goat horns are straighter, often arching back or standing upright. Then there’s the tail test: sheep tails hang down, even in our hair sheep, while goat tails perk up, especially when they’re curious or on the move. Next time you’re at the farm, watch those tails—they’re a dead giveaway!

Behavioral Differences

Grazing Habits: Grass vs. Brush

One of the biggest differences shows up at mealtime. Our hair sheep are grazers, meaning they’re happiest munching on grass and low-lying plants. They’ll roam the pasture, keeping the lawn trimmed like living mowers. Our brush goats, on the other hand, are browsers. They prefer to stretch up and nibble on leaves, twigs, and weeds—anything they can reach. That’s why we call them brush goats: they’re champs at clearing out overgrown patches, making them the perfect cleanup crew.

Personality: Flockers vs. Free Spirits

Spend a day with these animals, and their personalities shine through. Sheep, like our hair sheep, are team players. They stick together in a flock, grazing calmly and following the group. Goats? They’re the adventurers. Our brush goats are curious, independent, and always on the lookout for something to climb or investigate. If there’s a fence to test or a tree to scale, the goats are on it—while the sheep just watch from the sidelines.

Chromosomes and Classification

For the science buffs out there, sheep and goats are distinct species. Sheep (Ovis aries) have 54 chromosomes, while goats (Capra hircus) have 60. They’re both part of the Bovidae family, but they’re not as closely related as you might think. Fun fact: while they can crossbreed, it’s super rare, and the offspring (called geep or shoats) are usually infertile. We stick to keeping our sheep and goats happily separate here at the farm!

Why We Love Having Both at Funny Farm

Raising hair sheep and brush goats together isn’t just fun—it’s practical. Their different eating habits complement each other perfectly. The sheep keep the grass under control, while the goats tackle the brush and weeds. It’s like having a dynamic duo for pasture management! Plus, their contrasting vibes—laid-back sheep and lively goats—keep life on the farm entertaining. Whether it’s the goats’ antics or the sheep’s quiet charm, there’s never a dull moment.

Wrapping It Up

So, the next time someone asks, “What’s the difference between a sheep and a goat?” you can tell them it’s more than just "Baa" versus "Maa." It’s about their coats (wool or hair), their horns (curly or straight), their tails (down or up), and how they eat (grazing or browsing). Here at Tammy and Rich’s Funny Farm in Livingston, TN, our hair sheep and brush goats show off these differences every day—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Come visit us sometime, and hear that "Baa-Maa" chorus for yourself!