Good Grains

[Chirpy]

I thought chicken feed was bad for goats

The other issue with goats eating chicken feed is that it's like candy to them and they will quickly overeat and can end up with bloat. Bloat will kill a goat really quickly. So, I never let my goats near the chicken feed (and boy that's been a challenge at times...).

 

[helmstead]

Oh gosh, not the "chicken feed + goats" thing again!

 

[bheila]

Oh gosh, not the "chicken feed + goats" thing again!

I was wondering how long it would take you to see this

 

[kstaven]

As I have experienced this topic on several other threads I will REQUEST in advance that people keep this a very civil discussion.

 

[pattyjean73]

So what is a good grain? I've been told not to use sheep/goat feed because something is in it that sheep need but are bad for goats. Some say they use sweet feed. I saw at TSC that there is feed for just goats. I'm assuming that would be good? It was $12 for 50# which is 1/3 the price of dog food (and dog food only comes in 40# bags now)... but was wondering if there was something even less expensive yet still good for my goats.

I've also read that black oil sunflower seeds were good for the goats' coat and skin (and good for rabbits too). Would it be ok to mix 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds in with my grains every few days?

 

[Chirpy]

BOSS - Black oiled sunflower seeds - is great for goats. So, yes mix some in with their regular feed.

 

[helmstead]

Pattyjean, you got it backwards. Sheep/Goat feed has copper in it, which is bad for sheep (but it doesn't have ENOUGH copper to be GOOD for the goats :/ )

You want a 16-18% PELLETED goat feed, like Purina Goat Chow for instance.

And yes, BOSS is great stuff.

 

[Kindred farm]

I use purina goat chow w/ 2-3 handfuls of BOSS and my goats skin condition and weight have greatly improved . They also have free choice minerals, pasture and hay.

Off topic but, kstaven--love the blue cow!

 

[freemotion]

OK, I'm a bit of a rebel, but I feed only whole grains to all my grain-eaters, chickens, turkeys, and goats.

The lactating goat and growing baby get slightly sprouted grain. In winter, it was sprouted to the grass blade stage. I built a set of growlight shelves and scrounged some trays this spring so I am ready next winter to hopefully grow some serious greens, too.

Barley and oats for the goats. Barley's protein skyrockets when sprouted. Some whole corn added for the chickens and turkeys. BOSS for everyone. BOSS is the only reason the guineas come when called, little wild things.

Alfalfa for dairy girls, grass hay for loafers, no grain for loafers. More alfalfa pellets on the milking stand.

Free choice minerals, salt, and baking soda for everyone.

Lots of good pasture in season. Lots of veggies in winter, mostly for producers.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Off topic but, kstaven--love the blue cow!

Actually, his cow is purple (photoshop) and is a holstein/jersey cross.
Mine is a blue and white holstein (naturally), a little on the dark side but, the only one I have. All the rest that come blue and white seem to be bulls.