new nigerian dwarf goat mama...feeding & feet

[baabaa]

I have adopted 5 nigerian dwarfs, two wethers and 3 girls. I love them! They seem to be only eating the leaves off the alfalfa....leaving the stems. They have never have had goat chow, but I have started feeding them the general purina one. I am guessing how much feed... doing 2 cups a day , twice daily, each... tho they eat out of each others feeders lol. I have read older goats ( 7 years?), don't need pelleted feed , just hay? I just got them on Thursday, but have started baking soda and will get the loose minerals... they don't seem to like my salt block. Thanks so much!

And they need their hooves trimmed?? Like by a farrier? ( I have one for my horse)

They were just wormed before I got them... I transferred them from about 2 miles away, do I need to worm again due to stress?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I have so much to share... It is my bed time..
Join us at BYC's sister site-
BackYardHerds.com
Congrats on the Nigys!

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[cassie]

You trim the feet yourself. Go to www.caprinesupply.com and send for their catalog. Any good book on goats should cover hoof trimming. In fact there is a pamphlet available just on hoof trimming. I don't know if they carry it, but i assume they do. Goats will eat the leaves of alfalfa. They do not eat the tough stems. If the hay is very fine stemmed, they will usually eat them. Goats do not need grain, or at least very little, unless they are young growing stock or pregnant or milking. Be sure to vaccinate them with CD/T if you haven't already. That is for tetanus and enterotoxemia.

 

[cassie]

As for worming, your best bet is to have a fecal done. There is no point in worming them if they don't need it.