Brush clearing goats

[Eckielady]

We have four goats. 2 Nubians (8 weeks), 1 Nubian/Saanen (8-10 weeks) and a Nigerian Dward (14 months). We will use them for milking some day but for now we've got them clearing some brush for us. Should we still be giving them hay?

 

[dan26552]

That depends on your brush. If you've got lots of it and it's lush and growing I see no need to supplement. I have 21 goats clearing brush on 38 acres and they haven't had hay or grain since march. When it's raining then we do cut brush for them but that's it. If you think they look skinny then you could give them hay.

 

[Eckielady]

That depends on your brush. If you've got lots of it and it's lush and growing I see no need to supplement. I have 21 goats clearing brush on 38 acres and they haven't had hay or grain since march. When it's raining then we do cut brush for them but that's it. If you think they look skinny then you could give them hay.

Thanks, it seemed strange to feed them hay when I desperately need them on the brush.
May I ask what you DO feed them? I know minerals need to be out there. I've also heard free choice baking soda (or powder. Can't remember which right now).

 

[dan26552]

We just give them a scoop of multi-species, some hay and their salt block. It's baking soda.