The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: mojocafa on April 24, 2017, 06:23:02 am
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I am starting to think about the logistics of moving goats to our new abode?
I was at the new place at the weekend and had a walk through the paddocks. The grass is long as it hasn't been cut or grazed for 2 years and very spongy/mossy. The grass they are currently on has no moss or sponginess to it. Up until 2 years ago it was grazed by horses.
So for the safest transition does anyone have any advice. I have a herd of Pygmy goats and 6 sheep.
Getting the grass cut prior to moving is feasible.
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As with anything new gradual, make sure they have had hay first and you can put them out on small section at a time over short period of time gradually increasing time grazing and space depending on how much grazing there is they will soon munch it down but if it is a large area cutting it may be helpful, section off a bit for hay ? It's the new lush growth that can be danger of bloat but feeding hay / straw will balance the lush stuff.
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Agree with Talana
Moss will become less of a problem as they eat the longer grass and sun can dry ground out.
If its lush i would add raw cider vinegar to the water or make baking powder available
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If it's not been cut or grazed for 2 years there's likely to be a lot of long old growth, so I wouldn't have any worries about it being lush. I would just put them on it and let them pick through what they want and then top it after and let the new growth come through.