The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: FarmWheller on August 27, 2020, 05:26:31 pm

Title: Goat minerals
Post by: FarmWheller on August 27, 2020, 05:26:31 pm
Hello all,
I was wondering what mineral mixes/licks you would recommend? I have one soon-to-be-milker and a young whether.
I'd prefer organic if possible but am open to hearing about anything that anyone has found helpful and more suited to the UK - most of the information I seem to find online seems to be based in the USA (very low selenium) or Australia (low in everything - based off of Pat Coleby's work)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Goat minerals
Post by: Lesley Silvester on August 28, 2020, 12:26:08 am
I found Caprivite had the best results. Just a little added to their feeds.
Title: Re: Goat minerals
Post by: Anke on August 28, 2020, 07:29:31 am
What used to be Red Rockies as a lick in their pen (Mini size), they are white now (but still Rockies). I also offer seaweed, just a handful every so often, I now know some of mine who will always polish it off and others never... You will struggle to get organic seaweed though, I just use the NAF ones now.


I also have some baking soda, again offer every so often, more in spring and early summer as then grass is fresh and more likely to cause mild bloat.
Title: Re: Goat minerals
Post by: Mummyhen on November 10, 2020, 07:06:35 pm
Hi,
I've just registered, to hopefully get some help, as Iam a new goat mum.
Just had two 5 month old Pygmy goats for 8 days.
Getting on Fine, but bought a mineral block, my vet said it had too much sugar in, bad for their teeth.
So been told to get Himalayan salt lick, do I let the kids have it available 24/7? as worried too much salt is bad. Sorry to bother you, but I fret about my little babies.
Thank you
Title: Re: Goat minerals
Post by: Anke on November 10, 2020, 08:40:05 pm
Hi,
I've just registered, to hopefully get some help, as Iam a new goat mum.
Just had two 5 month old Pygmy goats for 8 days.
Getting on Fine, but bought a mineral block, my vet said it had too much sugar in, bad for their teeth.
So been told to get Himalayan salt lick, do I let the kids have it available 24/7? as worried too much salt is bad. Sorry to bother you, but I fret about my little babies.
Thank you


The (what used to be) Red Rockies are pure salt licks, no sugar. The "Red" ones are the ones for goats, as they are higher in copper, which goats need. Your vet is right, they definitely will not need those kind of licks (usually horse ones). The himalayan is good as well. They will only take what they need, not more.


Enjoy your goaties!


Are they girls, boys or wethers?