Feeding young nigerian dwarf goat wethers

[SerenityRachel]

Hi everyone!
I'm getting 4 Nigerian dwarf goat wethers on Saturday. They'll be between 2 and 3 months old. My question is, what's everyone's thoughts on feeding grain to wethers? They'll have free range of about an acre and a half of grass and weeds and we'll have hay on hand too (though I'm not sure if they'll need it during the summer, but better safe than sorry).
I've read some sources that say not to feed grain to wethers because it can cause a lot of urinary tract issues. Should I feed them grain? Should I not feed them grain? Should I feed them grain while they're growing and then not feed it once they're grown?
Thank you so much!

 

[H Diamond]

Honestly, if they have good pasture and free choice hay, chance are you will have no reason to feed grain. Your boys should have free choice hay out 24/7 even while grazing. Wethers get fat easily and mini breeds really get fat easily! You also need a free choice loose mineral out for them all the time (goat specific, cattle mineral as a second option) and clean fresh water.
You could, if you really want, feed a handful of grain a day as a treat, but that's all you should need. Keep an eye on body condition.
The problem with grain is it has a high phosphorus content, and an unbalanced calcium: phosphorus ratio leads to urinary calculi.
If they are unable to maintain condition on what you have, I would start with higher quality hay, checking fecals, etc. If that doesn't work, then consider grain, but you need to add some ammonium chloride every other day. Given every day, the body gets used to it, and it becomes ineffective.

 

[SerenityRachel]

Thanks H Diamond!