The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: jameslindsay on May 30, 2010, 07:23:34 am
-
I think my Pygmy goats are now way too fat. They get a very little concentrate morning and evening but must be feasting big time now they have access to the whole fields. What is the best way to cut down their feed without starving them or would it be easier restricting their movement?
-
Sorry was going to reply last night, but way too tired...
I think your only option is to restrict grass and cut out concentrates and make sure they have loads of hay. Difficult to do, but have you got an area without much grass where they can still be outside, but only really eat hay that would be ideal?
-
If you cut out the concentrates, James, have the goats got access to a mineral block? Some of my male castrated goats never have any concentrates, but I always make sure they have a mineral block in their shed. The goat mix has vitamins and minerals already mixed in, so if we are cutting that out, it does need to be replaced somehow.
Pygmy goats do not need a vast amount of food - wish my big Billy goat was pygmy sized. He has an enormous appetite!!!
-
Thanks Roxy they do have mineral licks. To be honest I have cut out their second feed in the evening and it doesn't seem to be doing them any harm. Infact they don't appear at the gate at the usual time even looking for tea these days which shows they cannot be hungry.