[georgiagirl98]

Do yall use rolls or square bales? Say one goat got one square bale, about how long would it last? We always get a roll and leave it with the horses in there field, then fill up 3, 5 gallon buckets with hay and leave it under the goat shelter for them.

But of course them being goats they like to tip it over. And I've heard of them getting their necks caught in some hay feeders so i thought about just making my own. I was thinking 1ft off the ground, plywood bottom and top with a door on top, with little bars about an inch or 2 apart around the sides, with bigger posts in the corners? I might put plywood on one or two of the sides so i can push it up against the wall and hay wont fall out. How do yall think that would work before i attempt to build it? Lol. Anything i should change? It would stay under the shelter so it won't need to be rain resistant.

 

[georgiagirl98]

Thanks, i think ill make one kinda like that pic but with a lid and smaller holes. I dont think i put it earlier but i only have 7 goats. 4 does, 2 doe kids, and a buckling, and i might be selling 2 so i won't need very much.

What kind of hay would be best? Alfalfa here is $17 for a square bale which is a little crazy and only tractor supply sales it. Then some local farmers sale it but we have to switch up a lot because they keep most of it for their horses and only sale a few bales, and its regular grass horse quality hay for $40 for a round bale. The round bales are alot cheaper and easier to feed both the horses and the goats with. But I've read on here a lot about alfalfa being the best for them. What is yalls opinion? Is there that big of a difference between the 2? Thank you for the help.

 

[georgiagirl98]

Ok im feeding alfalfa with their feed anyway but wasn't really sure if it had the same stuff in it. If their isn't a big difference ill stick with grass hay. Thank you.

 

[georgiagirl98]

Thank you guys

I have 2 does that wont eat hay? If i put them in a dry lot for a few days and leave hay in there with them will they learn to eat it. Or should i not worry about it and just let them graze? I thought if i cut down on their grazing then the worms will go down and it will be easier to feed them in winter when they have to eat hay.

 

[georgiagirl98]

Ok so next problem.... How do you feed yalls loose minerals? I have it in one of those hanging troughs on the gate but its too big and i have to change it out if it rains and i forget to bring it in. So i thought about putting it in there barn but they are in there so much they will probably get bored and stand in it haha. Im thinking of making a little box or something so they can't waist it. Any ideas? How do yall do it?