Loose mineral problems

[Kadjain]

I have 2 seperate yards for my buck and does. In the buck yard I have 2 wethered yard mates for him. I have tried and wasted so much loose mineral trying to have it available to them 24/7. I put it in a tub and hung it in a covered area high enough (I thought) that it wouldn't get pee'd or poo'd in or otherwise ruined and it still some how gets ruined. I don't know if they would purposely pee and back right up to it and poop in it or what but it drives me nuts. So I stopped leaving it out all the time for them. I now add it to there grain that I feed them once a day.
What other alternative do I have? And if this is a suitable way of getting them their minerals can anyone suggest what amount to add to 1/2 cup of grains?
Right now I've just been lightly dusting their grain with it.

Thanks

 

[elevan]

I find that I have to measure the rump height of my tallest goat and then hang the mineral feeder an inch or 2 above that height. Then I place a small block or log just beneath it....just large enough that they can put their front feet on it and reach up to get the minerals. Don't put a block large enough for them to stand on fully or you'll defeat the purpose.

 

[Teeah3612]

How much loose minerals should Peanut be eating each day? He is a 4 month old ND/Fainter cross that weighs between 15-20 pounds. I tried a billy block and he ignores it. I got the loose minerals and he made really strange faces when he tasted it. I think I may have to hide it in his food.

On another topic...Is it okay to give him fresh green beans as a treat? He loves them! I gave him one over the weekend when I was getting ready to cook them and he gobbled it up like it was candy. He usually turns his nose up at new foods. He doesn't like the apple/oat treats, but the rabbit loved them.

 

[20kidsonhill]

http://dragonfly.jmkarohl.com/files/Mineral feeder _PVC_.pdf

 

[marlowmanor]

How much loose minerals should Peanut be eating each day? He is a 4 month old ND/Fainter cross that weighs between 15-20 pounds. I tried a billy block and he ignores it. I got the loose minerals and he made really strange faces when he tasted it. I think I may have to hide it in his food.

On another topic...Is it okay to give him fresh green beans as a treat? He loves them! I gave him one over the weekend when I was getting ready to cook them and he gobbled it up like it was candy. He usually turns his nose up at new foods. He doesn't like the apple/oat treats, but the rabbit loved them.

Our 2 wethers love fresh apples and bananas as treats. We are introducing oranges too since we got tons of them for Christmas!