Lots of browse, how much hay?

[willowgem]

I will be picking up my two ND wethers the last week of June, so I'm trying to figure out how much hay to get in preparation for them.
I live on 7 acres, but only two acres are maintained, the rest is covered in weeds, grape vines, blackberry bushes and Autumn Olive trees. So there is pleny of browse for them.
Will they need much hay in the summer months? I've read that it should always be available, especially for kids.
They will be nine weeks old when I bring them home, I'm guessing they won't be eating huge quantities for a while.

Also, should I feed them grain or not? I've heard so much about grain and UC.

 

[SheepGirl]

We only offer hay to our sheep when there is no pasture available to them. I say with browse, your goats will do fine. I wouldn't worry about getting hay unless you go through a drought or if it snows.

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

Personally I am in favor of allowing goats to have access to hay all the time. I know some who don't agree and feed it only in winter, but I give it to my goats all the time. NO,do not feed them grain!! I am so against feeding goats grain, unless it is in their reg feed already. People do it to fatten them up and make them look pretty, but it causes so many issues. You should not give grain to bucks or wethers as it can cause Urinary Calculi which will will kill them.

 

[hcppam]

I have 2 NDG they don't have that much browse, they get a half a flake a day with a cup of pellets. So less than a 3 string bale a month.

 

[Teeah3612]

I only give my two pet bucks hay in the winter when there is no pasture. This time of year they have grass in their pen and I throw in any weeds I cut down around the yard. They actually love to hear me fire up the weedeater because they know what is coming next

I do give them a 1/3 cup of grain each with a top coat of minerals for dinner. Otherwise they drive me nuts. I don't do free choice minerals, because they make a mess of it.

 

[sawfish99]

I would start without hay and monitor their condition. From your description, they should have plenty to eat. I have 5 dry does out on only browse.

 

[willowgem]

Thanks for all the replies.

Because they're just babies, I was wondering if I should have hay available to them too.
I'm probably going to do that, but at least I know I'm not going to need a HUGE amount of it right now.