What is a good all round diet for young wether goats?

Question

Now I know how to avoid urinary stones what suggestions do you have for a good diet for them. I am feeding oaten chaff, lucerne chaff, chopped vegies and a little bread together with grass hay and natural browse. I give also apple cider vinegar, baking powder and oil (once a week) I have not given any grain as yet. They are still on one bottle of milk per day. These guys seem to be doing really well but I am wondering if I am missing anything important. I have not introduced the copper into their water as yet. They have really good shedding but it is pretty cold where we live at the moment (get snow and winds are bitter) so would like to ensure they get a good start for winter. I have looked in many books and internet sites but nothing really gives a diet as such just bits and pieces or talkes about protein ratios etc.

Answer 1

Sounds like they are doing very well. Keep them on that bottle until they are at least 10 - 12 weeks old and then you can start weaning them off of it if they are drinking water well. Rather than copper in their water, I'd suggest good goat minerals left out for them free choice. They seem to eat more of the loose minerals (they kind you buy in bags) than they do the mineral blocks. That way they will just eat what they need and not get too much or too little of their essential minerals. Goat minerals can be hard to find, but you can order them online if they are not available in your area. Sheep minerals are OK for goats and easier to find, but goat minerals are better on a regular basis due to the need for copper.

If you notice that they start having clumpy droppings instead of pellets, stop giving the oil and just leave baking soda or powder out free choice for them...they will eat it if they need it.The oil will probably keep their coats really nice, and as long as it doesn't cause mild diarrhea it won't hurt them, but do watch for signs of diarrhea because oil can cause it.

Wethers are easy to care for...mine are on pasture in the summer and hay in the winter and they do great. We give grain as a treat occasionally but wethers do not require grain unless they are underweight, so if you decide to start feeding it don't give them too much.

Goats are lots of fun and it sounds like you are doing all you can to ensure they have long happy lives!

Answer 2

Dont feed them alfalfa, to much protein.
I would just avoid anything high in carbs, protein, sugars, really high in anything at all.

I darn forgot the feed i used to use for the wethers i had.

I would go to the feed store, and mention you have wethers and they will know that name, or what to suggest.

Answer 3

I would ask teh breeder you got your goats form they should know the best. you could also ask a vet.
Good luck with your babes