Goat Thread!

[sweitzerA2]

Do any of you have pygmys, or closely related breeds? If so, what do you feed them, or let them have access to? (Minerals, food, etc. brands and prices would be nice as well) I want to get into having goats and I would like to know what others are doing? Thanks

 

[waddles99]

Do any of you have pygmys, or closely related breeds? If so, what do you feed them, or let them have access to? (Minerals, food, etc. brands and prices would be nice as well) I want to get into having goats and I would like to know what others are doing? Thanks

Well, I have boers. Its not so much how "closely related" the breed is, but rather the purpose. I.e. if you have goats that are lactating, you will feed them a milking ration, or goats for show, feeding them a show ration. I am going to assume you are feeding your pygmys as pets. That is how I feed mine, too. This is basically what you should offer:

-Feed grain 2x a day, amount depends on goat weight, i feed this: http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-goat-chow-goat-feed-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005
-Access to hay or forage 24/7
-Fresh clean water 24/7
-Baking soda accesible 24/7
-Mineral block or loose mineral, whichever you prefer accessible 24/7 http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dumor-goat-block-333-lb?cm_vc=-10005 or http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/manna-pro-goat-mineral-supplement-8-lb?cm_vc=-10005

 

[henny1129]

Do any of you have pygmys, or closely related breeds? If so, what do you feed them, or let them have access to? (Minerals, food, etc. brands and prices would be nice as well) I want to get into having goats and I would like to know what others are doing? Thanks

Well, I have boers. Its not so much how "closely related" the breed is, but rather the purpose. I.e. if you have goats that are lactating, you will feed them a milking ration, or goats for show, feeding them a show ration. I am going to assume you are feeding your pygmys as pets. That is how I feed mine, too. This is basically what you should offer:

-Feed grain 2x a day, amount depends on goat weight, i feed this: http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-goat-chow-goat-feed-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005
-Access to hay or forage 24/7
-Fresh clean water 24/7
-Baking soda accesible 24/7
-Mineral block or loose mineral, whichever you prefer accessible 24/7 http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dumor-goat-block-333-lb?cm_vc=-10005 or http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/manna-pro-goat-mineral-supplement-8-lb?cm_vc=-10005

I agree with what @waddles99 said. Good luck with your goat adventures if you get some and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask!

 

[sweitzerA2]

I've gotten a few replies saying have baking soda available 24/7, how do you give it to them? Is it in a tub?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The best way is in a open fence feeder out of the elements. I have mine in a PVC tube feeder but it needs daily poking.

 

[evanicole]

I'm getting 2-3 goat in a few weeks when there weaned

 

[henny1129]

I've gotten a few replies saying have baking soda available 24/7, how do you give it to them? Is it in a tub?

The best way is in a open fence feeder out of the elements. I have mine in a PVC tube feeder but it needs daily poking.

I'd say the same thing @oldhenlikesdogs said.

I'm getting 2-3 goat in a few weeks when there weaned

How exciting! What breed are you getting?

 

[CrazyHenLady386]

Here is My Dry Yearling, Pure Bred Canadian Alpine Goat "Silversteeg Broadway's Rose" Can't wait to show her in 4H and at our provincial goat show!!!!

 

[Allyoope]

Hi everyone!! I have been researching dairy goats for some time. I plan to milk the girls, not use them for show. We don't have a lot of land, 3.5 acres, so I've been seriously looking at Nigerian Dwarf Goats. I plan to get 2 doelings in the Spring. I plan to breed them the following year, hopefully 2-3 months apart. The idea of having both kid at the time.........let's just say I'm not ready for that! Next month we are building our Goat House, and the fenced area about 1200 sq ft. With that being said, here are a few questions I have:

is there anyone living in Northern New York or Vermont who has registered clean goats they are planning to breed and sell the kids?

what are the opinions regarding block vs loose minerals?

where is a good place to get clover and mixed grasses to plant a good pasture?

Thanks for all your help...........

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always choose a loose mineral over a block as goats will use their teeth on a block and you risk them breaking their teeth. Make sure it's a goat mineral.