In Need of Information about Goats

[sunnychooks]

I use a good Timothy/Alfalfa mix. I've never had a problem giving alfalfa hay as long as the goats are not overfed. They love the stuff and will gorge themselves. That may be why some people have a problem with bloat. It is very rich and if you switch to alfalfa you must do so gradually. I give alfalfa to my goats after they kid. You must also remember to supply a free-choice mineral block. When I dry my goats off I use a lesser quality hay or orchard grass. The quality of the hay will effect your milk yield. Some people use alfalfa pellets or alfalfa blocks, but I've never tried them.

 

[GloriaH]

Holistic Horse sells all natural wormers for all kinds of animals. I get my chicken wormer there. They have good products.

 

[hsm5grls]

I did a Google search on alfalfa pellets and blocks. I really didn't find good reviews on them unless it was manufacturer's sight. Most goat sight did not recommend them so I think I'll use a good grassy hay.

 

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

I was thinking about throwing a goat
( maybe 2 ) in the same big pen as the chickens will be in.

-Would goats ever mess with the baby chics?

-Will goats raid the nest and eat the chicken eggs?

-Wold goats chew up the wooden chicken perches?

-Goats dont bother chickens do they?

 

[helmstead]

Goats and chickens get along great. They won't eat the eggs, but they might break them playing with them LOL. You have to be sure the goats can't eat the chicken feed, though, as it will cause UC which can be deadly.

 

[Nupine]

I didn't read the whole thread, but here are my answers to your questions. If you don't care about milking, then get wethers. They are much cheaper, eat less, and tend to be more friendly. I have 8 dairy goats. 7 does, 1 awesome wether.