Newbie concerns...

silvercat76

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I just got my goat yesterday and was wondering a few things. The area she was kept in had not one green thing for her to eat, so I'm thinking she relied on hay and feed to eat. Not a problem we have plenty of green for her to eat, but I also gave her feed and hay.
Do I save my hay for the winter months?
I was told she only eats sweet feed, what's the difference between feed?
What about mineral blocks?
I also offered her some fresh carrots, but she didn't eat them Id like to get her to friendlier and trust us more.
Lead training, what's the best way to get her lead trained?
Tethering ya or nay?
 

babsbag

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Welcome to :welcome

Tethering nay...IMO. But people do it, just watch for them getting tangled and for shade and water.

Sweet feed has molasses in it and I use it only when on the milk stand. They don't need it. Goats typically don't thrive on JUST grass, they eat brushy browse, trees, berries, shrubs etc. Not saying they won't eat grass, it is just not the best full time diet for them, they aren't sheep. Mine have limited access to browse so they are on hay all of the time. If you are going to milk her she will need alfalfa in either hay form or pellets or another good source of protein. There are some good pelleted feed for goats you can give her too. But they need the long fiber roughage...hay or woody browse.

Goats tend to be shy about new feed and treats and anything you offer her do it in moderation. Mine like horse treats, oat and molasses ones. Also apples and green beans. They are very curious so just go slow and let her come up to you and check you out, it is all about their terms. :)

I use mineral blocks as well as loose minerals designed for goats. Goats need copper, sheep don't, so get goat minerals. Some people say the blocks will wear down their teeth and mine seem to lick them more than eat them.

Can't help with the lead training.

If you only have one goat you need another, they are herd animals and really really really need a buddy. And it helps with your new goat addiction; one is never enough, neither it two for that matter. ;)
 

silvercat76

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Thanks for your time. I should of said I have plenty of brush in greens along with grass. I did pick up a bag of apple treats for horses today, she did nibble a little piece from me. I plan on sitting with her and letting her come to me everyday, hoping it will break the shyness. So since I picked up sweet feed I should get regular feed and keep the sweet feed for milking. I do have a deposit on a baby that was just born last week, she will be coming home in july.
 

Latestarter

Novice; "Practicing" Animal Husbandry
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:ya:welcome I'm a bit jealous... I don't have my goats yet :hit But I have this really awesome LGD pup :celebrate

Edit to say congrats on your new goat!
 
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