Can Fainting goats use a Ritchie type horse waterer?

[kayla_sayswa]

We sold the horses a few years back and am now getting some fainting goats. We have a Franklin automatic waterer, similar to the ritchie waterers except ours is poly, not metal, and the trough has a poly block that floats. The horses just put there muzzle on it, it would move out of the way, and they'd drink. The insulated block keeps it from growing algae, keeps it cooler and, helps decrease the heating costs in the winter. All wins.

But...we're not sure if the goats will use it.

First - do we need to build them a ramp or deck so they can easily reach the trough?

Second - will the poly block be an issue? We can remove it, but it is nice to have.

Third - the waterer is positioned about 50' away from the shelter. Will this be an issue when winter comes?

I know it's nice to see how much water they are drinking. For me, it's a trade off and my vote lands on the automatic waterer that is easily cleaned, stays cool, and doesn't freeze.

Here's the waterer we have: The trough is empty in this picture. Once it fills, the block is nearly level with the top of the trough.

 

[glenolam]

I wouldn't see why they couldn't use it. How high off the ground is it going to be? If it's higher than mouth level then you'll want to put a step or something for them to get up to the level of the water.

Having the trough that far away from the shelter during winter may cause a problem but only if you get a good snowfall/ice storm in your area. My goats drink from a stream that runs through their pen and it's a good 50 yards away. In the winter I bring two 5 gal buckets out to them because we sometimes get dumped on with feet of snow - the goats refuse to walk to the stream then.

Give it a try - the worst that can happen is it doesn't work and you have to find another solution.

 

[kayla_sayswa]

Thanks for the reply.

We live in wisconsin which equals snow, snow , snow and more snow. I'd plan on snow-blowing a path to waterer in the winter if necessary.

You're right..I'll give it a try and see if it works out!

I was just hoping to learn of another person using a waterer like this for their goats - successfully.