Posted by Penny Tyler on January 29, 2001 at 13:07:22:
In Reply to: Bottle babies not eating grain posted by Tracy on January 28, 2001 at 21:09:04:
Hi,
First it depends on with type of goats you have and their size.
I raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats. They are very efficient goats and I only offer my babies high quality hay and water for the first few months, 3-4.
If you are dealing with a breed that you were looking for fast growth as in the meat type or really looking to push dairy production, then you might want them eating grain sooner.
Goats are browsers and must have roughage to digest their food. They need hay to help their rumen develope. Goats that are fed grain only are in danger of severe health problems or death.
I would have fresh hay out for them to nibble at each day.
Good luck,
Penny Tyler