Care Question for my pregnant Nigerian dwarf.

[natyvidal]

These are Hansel, Gretel & Glenda
The goats all get along & following the feed bag instructions how to feed them. Now Gretel, is showing signs of being very pregnant. And always seem to be hungry. I would think that because of the pregnancy I should be feeding her more?
I am feeding them the following:
For every 30 lbs goat allow about 1 C a day feed.
Total Feed 4 C. A day plus the treat
2 C in the morning and 2 C in afternoon total.

Molasses mash 1 cup in morning and in the afternoon.



I really think I should be feeding them 3 cups in the morning and 3 in the afternoon plus the molasses mash. Especially since I think the other female, Glenda, might be pregnant too.



I also give them all the hay they want.



Thank you for your help.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I never fed my pregnant pygmy much for ration. They tend to stay plump on grass and hay mostly. You don't want them fat as that can make delivery harder. Afterwards they may need a bit of extra ration to make milk if they have more than twins, but most do fine without it

Being too fat, or feeding too much ration before delivery can cause ketosis. So I personally would go easy on it. Goats will eat grains and rations until they die, so don't use that as your guide.

 

[cassie]

Just a comment. I would feed not much, but a small amount, of grain to my pregnant does. The sudden refusal to eat grain is a sign that they are developing ketosis.

 

[natyvidal]

Hi! I am back! I have more questions regarding my dwarf goats. I had to take pictures of the area to explain the concern.
Right now I have them in a fenced in area which is big enough for the three of them. Bottom picture. They have shelter, play area and their feed, hay and greens from the enclosure. They keep the fresh growth very short!

I also have a donkey for a pet, DonQ, and for protection from coyotes or wild dogs.
He is on the other side of their enclosed area. Top picture. This area is almost two full acres. There is a lot of greens and so much area for them to run around. We’ve had the donkey and the goats now since October. I believe they are already comfortable with each other and wish to let them mingle. My problem and question is what I have read about goats and especially Nigerian goats. They are supposed to have sensitive digestion. Goats are ruminants, and have the 4 different chambers. These chambers are full of microorganisms that help in their digestion of what they eat. Everything I’ve read they warn about being carefull any new food I introduce to them because the microorganisms might die and the goats will get sick. Well, I have no idea how I can slowly introduce them to two full acres of great greens without worrying when they’ve eaten enough and what is enough and when it’s time for them to get back to their enclosure. I would think that their digestive chambers have already been eating the greens from their enclosure and that they are already accustomed to the greens on the other side of the fence? Maybe feed them first the feed and hay and afterward let them out? Also, they will have more shade on the bigger area and protection from the summer heat! So that’s my dilema. I want to improve their living conditions providing more space, greens and shade, but afraid that they’ll get sick from reading the article. I am including the link of the article I read. Also, once Gretel has her babies I will need the enclosure for her and the babies. So I need to get them accustomed to being in the big area. Any suggestion of info is greatly appreciated. Thank you. https://www.betterhensandgardens.com/feeding-nigerian-dwarf-dairy-goats/

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Let them on pasture for an hour or so than lock them out the rest of the day. Slowly increase the time. All goats have a sensitive digestive system. Big changes can kill quickly.

Here my goats are on pasture always so when it starts to grow in the spring we continue to feed hay for a few weeks as they start to graze so the transition is easy.

Careful with mixing the goats with the donkey. My donkeys will go after my goats and stomp them. Some donkeys are okay and others aren't. So watch all those initial interactions, and be ready to separate.

Even if they get along, male donkeys play by grabbing each other by the top of the neck and pushing down. A donkey can still hurt goats even in play.

 

[natyvidal]

Thank you for your advice. My donkey is a mini donkey that reaches to my waist. He pastures with my hens and he seems to be very gentle. I will definitely keep an eye on him the first few times to make sure he accepts them. Thank you again.

 

[cassie]

I didn't read the whole post. Just a couple pieces of advice. Before turning your goats out on green grass, make sure they have a bellyful of dry hay first. That will prevent a lot of problems. Be cautious with the donkey and the goats. Donkeys are funny. He may be fine with adult goats but dangerous with baby kids.

 

[natyvidal]

That is why I need the goats enclosures vacated. I am sure at least one of the ladies is pregnant. And I will need to have her isolated when she has her babies. And for the first few days/weeks. So I want to make sure the other ones are settled in the big area including the donkey.

I also decided to start introducing grass and weeds cuttings from the big area and give it to them in the enclosed area. And I am first feeding them their feed so they start slowly with the cuttings. I am going out everyday and cutting them with my lawn mower.
Thank you again for all the advice. It has directed me into a plan to accomplish the goal.