Do I Wean OnTo Forage?

[pridegoethb4thefall]

I am putting up new fencing so my preg doe (currently alone, but friends for her coming in a few days! YAY!) can forage a bit in some pasture area. She has been on good hay and goat chow for a few weeks (dont know about her past eating situation), but I want to get her on pasture as soon as I can. Fencing goes up today and tomorrow.

Do I need to wean her onto it? I know horses can colic when feeding changes, do goats have any of those issues? Anything I need to watch for?

The pasture is mostly just short grass (horses shaved it down) weeds, lots of dead leaves from oak trees. I will continue hay and grain, just want to make sure getting into pasture doesnt upset her tummy. Anything I should watch for? No toxic plants I am aware of.

Also, if the horses used to use the area, do I need to worm my goat again after being in that area? Horses wont have access to the area once its fenced, but chickens do and will. Sophie is pregnant and due sometime in the next few weeks, if that makes a difference.

 

[jodief100]

I would introduce her to the pasture slowly. Allow her 30 mins for a few days, then 1 hour, etc.. This time of the year it isn't really an issue, mostly spring when everything is very lush and green but I wouldn't take chances.

No need to worm her unless she looks like she needs it. the horses wouldn't leave anything that can hurt her. Some people do worm a few days after kidding due to the post partrition worm bloom.

 

[20kidsonhill]

I would think as long as she has a choice of hay or pasture she would be okay, but it wouldn't be a bad Idea to give her a few days to adjust and not just be out there all the time.

I brought home 5 goats this summer that had never seen pasture, and they wouldn't even touch the grass with their delicate lips, They did seem to enjoy the dried leaves. It took them a couple months to actually start grazing.