The best thing to do is feed your wethers a grassy alfalfa hay (this is a mix or orchard grass and alfalfa), a loose goat mineral (we like Sweetlix Meat Maker) and NO GRAIN. If you must give snacks, try raisins, carrots or apples, instead of grain and flour-based snacks. Symptoms of Urinary Calculi
Full Answer
What should I Feed my goats?
To maintain good condition and avoid issues with urinary calculi (where the urinary tract becomes blocked by stones that have formed), bucks and wethers should be fed a diet low in protein with a specific ratio of calcium to phosphorus. To do this, they should get (free choice) good quality hay, goat mineral supplement, and water.
What kind of mineral water do you give Your goats?
Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to the water. As long as the wethers will drink it, some breeders feel the ACV helps dissolve developing urinary stones before they become an issue. Goats without good minerals will not thrive and are more prone to wormloads and illnesses. We currently use Southern States Top Choice Goat Mineral.
What do you feed a wether?
Hay, and/or grass and roughage should make up the majority of a wether's diet. The hay will keep their rumen healthy and functioning properly. Fat is stored on the rump, along the spine, and on the chest.
Can goats eat alfalfa pellets?
When goats eat pellets instead, there isn't so much waste. Just keep in mind that goats need a certain amount of long grains like regular hays, so never feed them just pellets alone. Alfalfa pellets are great because alfalfa is healthy for the goats and being pelletized means less gets wasted.
What can I feed my picky goat?
I don't know if they'd like cinnamon rolls and potato chips, but our goats do seem to prefer variety. So that's what we're giving them: a regular diet of hay (both grass and alfalfa) along with different kinds of grain. (And they do get kitchen scraps.)
What Should I feed My wether goat?
The best thing to do is feed your wethers a grassy alfalfa hay (this is a mix or orchard grass and alfalfa), a loose goat mineral (we like Sweetlix Meat Maker) and NO GRAIN. If you must give snacks, try raisins, carrots or apples, instead of grain and flour-based snacks.
Can you feed wether goats grain?
Bucks and wethers should not be fed any type of grain or goat feed routinely because it can wind up causing urinary stones, which can kill them. Some people are quick to say that if you feed them alfalfa, the calcium will balance the phosphorus in the grain so that you are not as likely to wind up with stones.
Do male goats Need grain?
As a rule, bucks and wethers (castrated males) should not have grain because it can cause urinary stones. (Goat “feeds” are made of grain.) During breeding season, however, some bucks may lose quite a bit of weight because they are fighting with each other, breeding does, and not taking the time to eat much.
Are wether goats good eating?
Wether goats are good for slaughter and you don't have to worry about their behavior before it is time to harvest their meat. Wether goats are also particularly useful if you are looking for pet goats. They are calm, docile animals that are great for smaller hobby farms.
What grain is best for goats?
One cup of grain is sufficient for adult goats, while ½ cup of grain is ideal for kids (baby goats). However, pregnant goats and those kept for milking can eat up to 2 cups a day, as they need the extra protein and fat. The best type of grain to feed goats is wheat, barley, and oats.
Can wether goats eat sunflower seeds?
Goats Can Eat Sunflower Seeds. First up, the good news is that, just like people, goats can eat sunflower seeds. In fact, many goat owners feed their animals the seeds as a dietary supplement, as they are a good source of both fiber and protein.
Are timothy pellets good for goats?
This all-natural hay pellet is made from 100% pure sun-cured timothy. This highly digestible pellet can be used to completely replace loose hay or supplement pasture for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, etc. Our pellets are very palatable, and no molasses is utilized in this product.
Is peanut hay good for goats?
Goats. Just like horses and cattle, Perennial Peanut Hay is a great alternative compared to alfalfa. Farmers have noticed a greater feed consumption as well as a greater weight gain and feed efficiency when they switched to perennial peanut. Its high Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) makes it a great option for pastures.
Are alfalfa cubes good for goats?
Alfalfa is about 16 percent protein, sometimes more, so it has as much protein in it as most commercial goat feeds. It is also very high in calcium, which is great for milk production. Alfalfa has a 15:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, which makes it a perfect complement to grain, which is high in phosphorus.
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.
Is sweet feed good for goats?
Sweet feed is fine for goats but there are sweet feeds that are specifically formulated for goats. Certain micronutrients in horse feeds are just not adequate for goats and some are excessive.
What should you not feed goats?
What Should You Not Feed Your Goats?Avocado.Azaleas.Chocolate.Plants with oxalates such as kale.Any nightshade vegetable.Holly trees or bushes.Lilacs.Lily of the valley.More items...
Do goats need hay all the time?
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.
Do goats Need grain?
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. When they are pregnant or lactating, grains can help provide extra vitamins & minerals, as well as 12-16% extra protein.
Do goats need 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.
Why are goat wethers not market wethers?
However, dairy goat wethers are not market wethers because they are not going to be butchered six months after birth. Dairy goat wethers are often pets and they need to be fed a special diet to help them live a long and happy life.
How to reduce urinary calculi in goats?
DIET: The best thing you can do to decrease your goat's chance of having urinary calculi is to ensure you are feeding your goats a proper diets. Goats need a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 up to 4:1. The overall diet, which includes hay, feed, minerals, and snacks, should have twice the calcium of phosphorous.
What is the urethra process of a goat called?
They have a long, narrow urethra which ends in a very narrow opening called the urethra process or "pizzle". Their urethra also bends in the middle. Calculi, also called stones or crystals, are caused by high levels of minerals.
Why do goats have calculi?
Calculi, also called stones or crystals, are caused by high levels of minerals. The calculi are usually small and the goat is able to pass them without problem. However, if large calculi form, the goat may not be able to pass them through the urethra. This is a disease called Urolithiasis or urinary calculi.
Do dairy goats take special food?
Dairy goat wethers take special food and care. There are many misconceptions about caring for wethers. I believe this is because meat breed wethers are often sent to market at your local fairs. Likely, when you go into a feed store, they are going to give you their market wether advice. However, dairy goat wethers are not market wethers ...
Can goats drink apple cider vinegar?
Not only access but easy access. Consider the weather; if your waterer is out in the weather, your goat may not go to it. We like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar to encourage the goats to drink. The more they drink, the less likely the are to have stones because they are constantly flushing their system.
What should I feed my goat buck?
To maintain good condition and avoid issues with urinary calculi(where the urinary tract becomes blocked by stones that have formed), bucks and wethers should be fed a die t low in protein with a specific ratio of calcium to phosphorus.
What is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in goats?
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in the goat mineral should be at least two to one, with some recommending ratios as high as four to one .
Do goat buckers need water?
Goat Bucks & Wethers Need Fresh Water. Access to a continuous source of clean, fresh water is also very important. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush excess minerals from their systems and discourage the formation of any stones that could cause a blockage.
