Vflowing
Chillin' with the herd
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2014
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 8
- Points
- 26
Hi, I've been busy since May setting up goat world for my 2, 4 mo old baby Kinders and DIY laearning to care for them. I've gotten a lot of good information and ideas here and am finally getting around to posting. They are 1 Nubian Pygmy/Dwarf (River Nior) and 1 Nubian Pygmy 1/4 La Macha mix, both are wethers. I love my mix-up, mix-ups and am looking for good advice/mentoring so I can be the best Goat Mama I can be for them.
So far so good, I had help building a pallet barn and setting up a outdoor area for them. I haven't been able to afford fencing yet but I keep a close eye on them when they are out.
I began a fodder system, seems to be going well. I'm sprouting Barley/Boss right now but plan to add more to the mix. At first they were like, "What!". Last night they eagerly gobbled up their portions. I'm careful to give small amounts of new food until their systems adjust.
I got my kids from 2 different herds, both are involved in Milk/Kid production. After following the advice of one breeder I got some grass hay and began mixing it with the Alfalfa. I was told they needed to be weaned off Alfalfa by 6 mo. The other breederalways feeds her herd Alfalfa. They are both milk/kidding operations. I am a pet/weeding one.
My Taller boy, River came to me dramitically underweight. His flanks looked hollow. when I got him plumped up until I mixed his hay and cut back on the Alpalfa on the advice of the larger breeder. Couple of days ago I mixed it with more Alfalfa again and he looks better.
His herd brother Sweet Solo (w La Macha ears) was pretty solid when I got him and still is. He thinks he is the enforcer and gets first picking of the food. I think he is the Alpha.
I know growing kids need different nutrition than grown ones. I don't want my boys getting physical problems because I'm a fool and ignorant. Any good advice will be helpful, I do not really have a mentor and get conflicting advice from my breeders.
I Have them on goat loose minerals, Baking Soda and add Apple Cider Vinegar to their fresh drinking water.
I do daily maintenance on barn & play area using DE. Pretty much free feeding at this time to keep the weight on River w I/2 2nd cut Alfalfa mixed in Am & Pm in their grass hay. They are on grass hay in their manger when they go to their barn at noon, free choice. Browsing on weeds and branches in between. They don't waste much and both are eating like Hobbits. First breakfast, second breakfast...etc.
They have healthy looking goat berries. Their coats are smooth and shiny, gums are pink and they are active with sweet natures.
I had some excessive repairs to do on property & car right at the time I got my babies. Money is an issue right now. I'm determined to do a great job with their health & well being anyway.
So far so good, I had help building a pallet barn and setting up a outdoor area for them. I haven't been able to afford fencing yet but I keep a close eye on them when they are out.
I began a fodder system, seems to be going well. I'm sprouting Barley/Boss right now but plan to add more to the mix. At first they were like, "What!". Last night they eagerly gobbled up their portions. I'm careful to give small amounts of new food until their systems adjust.
I got my kids from 2 different herds, both are involved in Milk/Kid production. After following the advice of one breeder I got some grass hay and began mixing it with the Alfalfa. I was told they needed to be weaned off Alfalfa by 6 mo. The other breederalways feeds her herd Alfalfa. They are both milk/kidding operations. I am a pet/weeding one.
My Taller boy, River came to me dramitically underweight. His flanks looked hollow. when I got him plumped up until I mixed his hay and cut back on the Alpalfa on the advice of the larger breeder. Couple of days ago I mixed it with more Alfalfa again and he looks better.
His herd brother Sweet Solo (w La Macha ears) was pretty solid when I got him and still is. He thinks he is the enforcer and gets first picking of the food. I think he is the Alpha.
I know growing kids need different nutrition than grown ones. I don't want my boys getting physical problems because I'm a fool and ignorant. Any good advice will be helpful, I do not really have a mentor and get conflicting advice from my breeders.
I Have them on goat loose minerals, Baking Soda and add Apple Cider Vinegar to their fresh drinking water.
I do daily maintenance on barn & play area using DE. Pretty much free feeding at this time to keep the weight on River w I/2 2nd cut Alfalfa mixed in Am & Pm in their grass hay. They are on grass hay in their manger when they go to their barn at noon, free choice. Browsing on weeds and branches in between. They don't waste much and both are eating like Hobbits. First breakfast, second breakfast...etc.
They have healthy looking goat berries. Their coats are smooth and shiny, gums are pink and they are active with sweet natures.
I had some excessive repairs to do on property & car right at the time I got my babies. Money is an issue right now. I'm determined to do a great job with their health & well being anyway.