Every aspiring Nigerian Dwarf goat owner needs to know how and what to feed their beloved future goats. That's why this article is designed to help you figure out your routine and the cost of feeding your goats. Ensuring proper nutrition is crucial for their health and well-being.
Hay for Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Hay forms the foundation of a Nigerian Dwarf goat's diet. Here's a breakdown of different hay types and how to use them:
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is a high-protein hay at 17%, and your girls will need a high-protein hay if they will be in milk. Since it is so high in protein, they should not strictly eat it. You can do 50% alfalfa and 50% brome or timothy.
Many owners use half alfalfa and half brome timothy mix. However, despite what you've been told, alfalfa is the perfect standalone diet for wethers. Alfalfa is the perfect feed for wethers it won't cause problems. We feed alfalfa hay only.
Hay Consumption
A niggie doe in milk will consume around 1 flake per day. A flake is a 3-4 inch thick "slice" of hay.
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Example of a Hay Flake
If you feed grain - do not feed grass hay. What is the rationale behind that? I've never heard that before and it seems to me that since alfalfa and grain can both cause problems it wouldn't make any sense to feed them together.
Grain for Goats
Pregnant and nursing goats also need grain. You can just buy goat grain, which is a special formulated mix for goats, or c.o.b., which is a mix of corn, oats, and barley that is just as effective, at the feed store.
I would love for him to be able to have some grain....he was so sad when i took it away. I will look for the pelleted goat feed containing ammonium chloride.
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Loose Minerals
Loose minerals are a must! These have all the things your goats need to live a long, happy, healthy life. You can free feed these as well because goats know how much to eat. You may read elsewhere that goats love salt mineral blocks, but the truth is they will either not touch it because it does not have what they are looking for, or they won't leave it alone because they just can't get enough minerals from it.
Additional Supplements:
- Selenium paste: Will aid your goats in growing hair to protect areas from sunburn and growing a thick winter coat.
- Vitamin B: Is for stressful occasions only, such as traveling or birthing.
Water and Feeders
All animals should have full-time access to fresh water. Little giant 5-gallon rubber bowls are a great option. For grain, pretty much any container is sufficient. I use a shallow 2-gallon rubber bowl I had lying around.
Goats will not eat off the ground, but the good news is, there are lots of different feeder options for your girls or boys! I use a metal cage feeder (picture below).
Example of a Metal Cage Feeder
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Feeding Specific Groups
Bucks (Wethers)
Bucks are bigger; therefore, will eat more.
Despite what you've been told, alfalfa is the perfect standalone diet for wethers. We add the ammonium chloride to the loose Golden Blend mineral salt.
Kids (Baby Goats)
Baby must have colostrum for the first 2-3 days. If you don't have the mother's milk, you can buy powdered replacement.
Feeding Schedule:
- First Week: 1-2 ounces when hungry approximately every 2-3 hours. You can increase the amount by an ounce at a time if needed and let them drink all they want.
- Week 2: 2-4 ounces approx. every 3-4 hours. (Example schedule: 6am-9am-12noon-3pm-6pm-9pm) Gradually increase the amount and let them drink all they want.
- Week 4: 6-8 ounces approx. Reduce the amount of feedings to 4 times a day. (Example schedule: 8am-12noon-4pm-8pm)
- Week 6: 6-8 ounces at least.
Additional Tips
- Avoid sudden diet changes to prevent digestive upset.
- Ensure a balanced diet with proper forage and mineral supplements.
I hope that this helped you and wish you the best of luck on your goat journey.
