sodium bicarbonate

[breezy B ranch]

As I am fairly new to the goat thing (7 mo.) I try and read a lot to learn about what my herd needs, but so much is conflicting. Right now I'm trying to find out do I need to have free choice sodium bicarbonate? I have free choice Manna pro loose minerals, but I have read they need the SB also. Do you just get the amen hammer from the store or is that not the same thing? I would love to have all your thoughts as you have provided me great advice before!! Thanks!

 

[that's*satyrical]

I do not offer it free choice & have not had a problem. I do, however, keep it on hand just in case. It IS the arm & hammer.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Same here. I don't offer it free choice.

 

[breezy B ranch]

Thanks guys!!!!! It's so hard to figure this stuff out when you read 4 different books and get 4 differing answers!! I really appreciate being able to come here and get answers straight from people who have been doing this for a while!!

 

[hcppam]

Thanks guys!!!!! It's so hard to figure this stuff out when you read 4 different books and get 4 differing answers!! I really appreciate being able to come here and get answers straight from people who have been doing this for a while!!

Boy that's true I read in one book Storey's that oak leaves were poisonous, I thought well I can't have a goat then all I have is oak and pine trees, doing more digging and all sorts of goat owners have oaks with no problem...That's where these forums come in so great.

 

[elevan]

Keep it in mind that there are very few absolutes when it comes to goats (and farming in general). You'll need to figure out what works best for you and for your farm.

That said...here we do not offer sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) unless it is needed for treatment. We feel that offering it free choice would encourage the goats to eat it instead of their minerals.

 

[lilhill]

Keep it in mind that there are very few absolutes when it comes to goats (and farming in general). You'll need to figure out what works best for you and for your farm.

That said...here we do not offer sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) unless it is needed for treatment. We feel that offering it free choice would encourage the goats to eat it instead of their minerals.