I'm overwhelmed...

[jodief100]

A goat eats 4% of it's body weight of "something" a day. Mine also only like hay that is "fresh" (don't tell them it has been sitting in the barn since fall). I try to keep out just enough and won't refill until they are empty or close to it.

 

[wannacow]

I was wondering about that too. My hay feeders are made out of cattle panels. I know they can stick their heads thru because they stick their heads thru the fence to see me or each other all the time. I was wondering if I put out too much, but I thought they'd get hungry and eat it anyway. I think I was wrong. The last couple of days I put a couple flakes in their pens. They seem much happier.

I think I just need to have the woman that I bought the nubians from stop by some time if she is in the area to tell me they look fine. :/ I have never seen a non lactating or pregnant nubian so I really don't know what she is supposed to look like. I bought her after she kidded and learned to milk on her. Her coat looks good and she's alert and runs when I let her out. I'm sure they're doing well, I just wish I knew what I was doing. I grew up in the country, but never had animals so I have no background knowledge to build on. I really appreciate all your help and encouragement.

 

[Queen Mum]

Mine eat everything in the rack before I give them any more. But they will always delude themselves into thinking that a new bale is better than fresh hay in the rack.

 

[20kidsonhill]

I have one other piece of advice, You sound like you are keeping them in the barn a lot. livestock need sunshine. It is very important for their health. I would be less worried about the cold and more worried about getting them fresh air and sunshine. I would try to keep them out all day and only lock them in at night. If you aren't already doing this, since you added on the new fencing. Atleast give them the option to go outside all day.

 

[SmallFarmGirl]

I have one other piece of advice, You sound like you are keeping them in the barn a lot. livestock need sunshine. It is very important for their health. I would be less worried about the cold and more worried about getting them fresh air and sunshine. I would try to keep them out all day and only lock them in at night. If you aren't already doing this, since you added on the new fencing. Atleast give them the option to go outside all day.

Good advice !!!!! Sunshine is Important for livestock !!!

 

[wannacow]

Yes, they are in an "outside" barn. 3 sided. They get sunshine (when the sun shines We're on day 6 of gloomy) in their stalls but I also try to get them out during the day for exercise and sunshine. Hopefully, we can get the fence finished this wknd, so they can be out all day. If I'm not with them outside right now, they won't browse. The older nubian HAS to be with ME... We're also so dry the electric fence in their summer pasture isn't working. My young saanen, Stella! is very naughty and won't stay in. She likes the neighbor's alfalfa pasture or our new fruit trees.

 

[redtailgal]

One on mine was like that........didnt want to graze if I left. he'd just stand at the gate and wait for my return.

It took some tough love. I just left him there and did not go back until he left the gate a rejoined the herd.

 

[wannacow]

She's ok when I leave if she's left in the pasture, but since our pasture isn't fenced in yet, they will be at the house and the neighbors' houses... even though they have ACRES @ their disposal.