Can goats overfeed on alfalfa hay?

[junkprospector]

my goats pretty much have access to alfalfa hay free choice. they're 2 little Nigerian Dwarf goats, born in June, so not full grown yet. In two weeks, they've gone through a bale of Hay. I'm wondering if this is a normal consumption rate or if they are gluttonous pigs and need to be rationed. They seem to just love eating. Should i cut them off, of keep it free choice for them?

 

[SheepGirl]

How much does the bale weigh? If it is a 40 lb bale, that is 2.85 lbs of hay each day, which is almost 1.5 lbs of hay per goat. That is a normal amount if your goats are 40-50 lbs.

 

[ksalvagno]

Do they get any forage or grain? If the only thing they have is hay, that will make a difference too.

 

[OneFineAcre]

How much does the bale weigh? If it is a 40 lb bale, that is 2.85 lbs of hay each day, which is almost 1.5 lbs of hay per goat. That is a normal amount if your goats are 40-50 lbs.

An ND born in June does not weigh 40-50 lbs. Probably half that. Of course these may weigh that much if they are eating that much alfalfa

 

[junkprospector]

yeah, the goats weigh maybe 20 lbs a piece. no substancial forage or grain... should i add some grain into their feed mix? its probably a 40 lb bale, 48" x 24" x 24" are the dimensions.

maybe 5 lbs to waste i bet..
(35 lbs of hay/14 days = 2.5 lbs of hay eaten a day)
/2 goats =

1.25 lbs of hay a day per goat (20-25 pound goat)
does that sound about right? I can't remember what percentage of their weight they are supposed to be eating per day...

 

[elevan]

A non working / producing goat doesn't need grain.

My goats were fed unlimited alfalfa pellets and unlimited hay in the winter. In spring thru fall they existed on forage alone.

 

[junkprospector]

Yeah, our Doe won't be bred until January, so i think we're OK. I guess i'll just keep an eye on them. Does 1.25 lbs per 20 pound Nigerian Dwarf goat seem about right?

 

[OneFineAcre]

Do you think they are too fat?

Show us some pictures

We love pics.

With no substantial forage, you may be feeding them just right.

 

[Moonshine]

I know you guys know more than I do about this kind of thing but if they were just born in June and aren't getting any forage, just the hay, wouldn't they need some grain?

 

[elevan]

If it's good quality hay then, no they don't need grain.