Rural Gardening: What killed my goat? Chicken feed or bad alfalfa?, 2 by terri_emory

terri_emory wrote:
I feed my Kikos even less pellets but only in the winter. They have to make up for it in hay and browse. Only a bare handfull of pellets in summer and only as a treat or to get them rounded up. The Kiko buck gets just a little more pellets in winter (he's bigger). In summer he only gets pellets in the morning if he looks like he's loosing weight (hasn't happened yet), and scant half cup in the evening. He's the best browser of the bunch. By contrast, his wether Boer buddy (to keep him company when the buck is not in with the girls) is the worst browser and must be fed a bit more. Gingersnap the Boer is on a diet right now. You really have to be careful with those pellets and protein levels. Our vet says to consult him once the girls get pregnant to see about feed. He thinks we have plenty of browse for them as is. I think a milker would need more feed for sure but the folks in my goat association who have milkers say you really have to be careful with their feed as well. I guess the point is to find a vet who knows about goats and also find someone at the farm supply store or feed store who is also into goats. Between the two plus everyone of Dave's you have a nice support group to consult. And then mistakes and life will still happen. Sometimes good and sometimes not so good. And you just keep going. I'm a goat newbie, too....

I hope you do get back into goats someday, find just the right breed for you, and that things settle in so you can really enjoy them.

Here's a couple of goat photos that might make you giggle a bit.... First the Kiko and the Boer checking out the girls. This was taken right before the toe trimming rodeo and then the buck went in with the girls. Next is a photo of my oldest doe (a Spanish) who was raised wild. She is trying to teach the Boer to browse. He was a show wether and just didn't know how. Yes, he needs to go on that diet!

Be well!

This message was edited Apr 11, 2013 12:54 PM

This message was edited Apr 11, 2013 12:59 PM