How many bales of hay should a goat have a day?

Each goat needs about two to four pounds of hay per day (3-4% of body weight in pounds), which can be fed free choice or twice a day. If good range isn't available, dry grass forage of a horse quality is acceptable. Goats require additional hay, which is roughage, for their rumen to function properly.

How many bales of hay does a goat eat per month?

One rule of thumb says 1 square bale per goat per week. Again, there are a lot of factors, but if you have absolutely no idea how much hay you need, start there and keep track. I've said it before, write it all down, because you will forget how many bales you had and how long they lasted.

How many bales of hay does a goat need for winter?

6.25 animal units X 50 lbs. hay per day X 100 days = 31,250 lbs. or 15.6 tons or 625 square bales (50 lbs each).

How long will a bale of hay last for a goat?

A bale of hay will last 10 days for one goat

The quick answer is around 10 days.

Can goats overeat hay?

Goats can get something called bloat if overfed, and it can kill a goat in less than 24 hours. Another problem goats can get from being overfed is scours, or diarrhea.

How Much Hay Do Goats and Sheep Need?

Should goats have access to hay all day?

Each goat needs about two to four pounds of hay per day (3-4% of body weight in pounds), which can be fed free choice or twice a day.

Should goats have hay at night?

Goats will need hay at night especially during cold nights because they usually munch on their hay to generate their own heat and stay warm. They also need constant access to hay during rainy nights.

Which hay is best for goats?

Grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, brome, and bluegrass, is a suitable maintenance hay for goats. The leaves of grasses change as the plant matures, making grass hays more digestible when the plant is fine-stemmed and immature.

Can goats get sick from hay?

Circling Disease and Silage Sickness are other names for listeriosis in goats, commonly associated with feeding moldy hay. Listeriosis is a life-threatening disease primarily caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes; however, ruminants may also get listeriosis from Listeria ivanovii.

What is the best way to feed goats hay?

Balance is Key, Even with the Best Hay for Goats

Alfalfa should not be fed free-choice. Instead, portion it out in flakes. A combination of alfalfa and grass hays, as well as a proper grain mix, will provide caprines with the necessary protein and roughage to stimulate the digestive action of the rumen.

Can goats survive on hay only?

Grain – (0-10% of their diet) – Goats don't need grain to survive, in fact, they can live happily on pasture or hay, or a combination of both.

How can I feed my goats cheaply?

Hay is another important source of goat nutrition, especially in winter seasons. Feed your goats mold free qualified grasses based hay. You can also feed your goats weedy hay because it is very cheap and contain a large amount of necessary nutrition. There are various types of hays are available.

Is first or second cut hay better for goats?

Since most goats prefer the second cut to first cut hay this will encourage them to eat more and help them to establish a better weight.

What should I feed my goats daily?

Pasture grass, plant leaves, grass and alfalfa long-stemmed forage or pellets, and grain are great sources of calories for goats. Since goats are anatomically designed to digest fiber, forages such as pasture, leaves and long-stemmed forage or pellets are always the best starting point for feeding goats.

How much should I feed my goat a day?

The daily feed intake of goats ranges from 3-4% of body weight as expressed in pounds (dry matter/head/day).

Do goats need salt blocks?

Goats need salt. However, offering salt as the only mineral available to your herd won't meet all their needs. It's not uncommon in some pastures to see goats only receiving a salt block.

Can goats eat hay that has been rained on?

Do NOT ever feed wet or moldy hay or grain to goats. Wet grain must be thrown out, but wet bales of hay can be broken and aired out until thoroughly dry, then used as goat feed . . . . IF the bales are lightly wet and all mold and mildew has disappeared.

What hay can goats not eat?

Never feed moldy hay to goats! It can cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things. Grass hay may contain a blend of different grasses. You may hear of types such as timothy hay, orchard grass, canary grass, fescue, etc.

Can goats eat just grass hay?

As long as your goats are eating some long-stemmed hay, either in the form of pasture, browse or baled hay, they can eat as much as they want of hay pellets. It is simply ground up hay.

Is timothy or alfalfa better for goats?

In general, you'll find that leafier hays tend to have much more nutrition than “stemmier” ones. Alfalfa is one of the most nutritious options for goats. Clover is another option, as is timothy, meadow grass, and fescue.

Do goats need hay in the winter?

During the winter, goats need more energy to help maintain body temperature. They will also need roughage which can be supplied in grass, alfalfa, or mixed hay. Alfalfa hay can be a great source of both energy and protein, although care should be taken when feeding bucks and wethers because of urinary calculi.

Is corn good for goats?

Corn is safe for goats in small amounts. While corn is relatively low in protein (8% CP), it does contain a certain amount of calcium, which, in excess, can contribute to the onset of urinary calculi in bucks.

What do you do with goats at night?

Provide Your Goats with Shelter at Night

Goats need access to shelter to hide from rain, and to sleep at night. Closing your goats up in a barn or shed is the best way to protect them from nocturnal predators, however, many people successfully raise goats with simple 3-sided shelters.

Do goats get cold at night?

Adult Goats Handle Cold – If Not Wet or Windy

Even in the coldest US areas, goats tolerate the cold winter temperatures if they're dry and protected from the wind. We have Maine friends that don't provide additional heat in their barns, and they've successfully kept goats for many years.

What do goats like to play with?

Different sizes and colors of balls make great toys for goats, and they will kick, butt and push them around. Choose balls with different levels of firmness as well, and goats may even try to climb or balance on larger balls. Tunnels, nooks and hideaways are fun for goats to explore.