feed

[FairWillow]

So we are getting two goats a week from today. I know we will of course be feeding them alfalfa hay but there are different types of sweetlix mixes and bag feed. Which should we go with? I buy dumor chicken feed. Also our kids will be about 3 months old. Thanks

 

[DonnaBelle]

Go to your local feed store, if there is one, or go to a farm store (Tractor Supply, etc.) buy a good 16% protein
goat ration. Alsopurchase a good loose mineral which you keep out for them to have available to eat at all times. I use Manna Pro minerals because they are chelated and are absorbed more readily by the goats metabolism.

They need FRESH WATER DAILY. They don't have to have the most expensive hay, but it needs to be fresh and never moldy. Be careful buying hay this time of year, some of it has been rained on and not dryed properly.

Please go buy a book, Storey's guide to raising goats is good. And do some research online and get some information about goats. They may require deworming and to do that properly you must take a fecal sample to a good goat vet and have him determine the kind of worm and what dewormer to use. There are several types of goat worms, and they can kill a goat if not treated.

We have dairy goats, but all goats need proper care and vaccinations and you can't just throw them out in a field to "cut the grass" so you don't have to use a lawnmower. A lot of goats won't even eat grass. And what they eat one day they may pass up the next.

I love having goats, they are so smart, funny, sassy, loving and a pain in the arse sometimes. I cannot imagine life without them now.

DonnaBelle

 

[FairWillow]

Tractor Supply is where I have looked and usually shop. I'll check the labels for the 16%. Thank you about the heads up on the hay. I have done hours of research online but a book is probably a good idea. I know a couple people with fainting goats like we are getting. One de- worms regularly and the other not at all. I plan to ask about their de-worming and shots if any when we go to get them. I certainly want to take very good care of our goats. I am sure they will be spoiled just like the dogs and chickens.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Congrats on your entry into the goat world. I hope we get pictures.

Do keep reading and learning and you will do fine. I really like the books "Goats for Dummies" for beginners---it is very easy to follow and is surprisingly comprehensive.

As you set up your are for your goats, you will want to make sure they can't get into the chicken food at all. It can kill them.

As far as deworming, the best and most current practiced is to only treat after testing. It is important that you not worm on a schedule or without knowing what you need to treat for because it has caused problems with resistant parasites and it s otherwise a guessing game as to what if any type of parasite you need to be treating for (different parasites require different medications).

The only vaccine we give here is called CD&T and is something that nearly all goat owners give.