Nope. Its not a sandy beach... its loose minerals for goats!
My pal K, who knows everything about goats and even more about alpacas, suggested that I get something called Sweetlix. Just so's ya know... if you look it up on the internet, but sure to put "for goats" lest you get an eyeful.
Our feedstore knows it as "Meat Maker" so we had a bit of a mis-communication when I went looking for it. It was about $14 a bag. Its an easy way to get your goat all the minerals they need. And they love it. The goaties went wild with this crazy licking thing when I walked in with some in a scoop.
Just a little at a time is fine
K suggested to just put a little out at a time as the goats tend to prefer "fresh" minerals. I honestly don't know what the difference is between sitting out there in a feeder and sitting in my barn... but whatever. Goats = crazy so I indulge them.
I also started to give them a little BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seeds) at each feeding. From what I can tell sunflower seeds are rich in copper and they are a good source of fat and protein. I usually give some during milking season but now I'll always have it in winter also.
It worked! Debbie's coat is glossier, darker and its loosing the red tint.
Debbie, back in black
Do you have loose minerals for your goaties? If not, run right out and get some. Its easy peasy and good for them too.
Now then, is everyone ready for the ice storm? We are prepping for it today. If you don't hear from us tomorrow we are likely out of power. Good luck everyone!
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10 comments:
Yes mam, I do have loose mineral for the goats and they sure do love them! I keep my little tiny double sided feeder full and when it gets low I fill it again. The mineral has copper and selenium and all sorts of other good goatie stuff in it. Ready for the weather that's comin??
I don't have a goat , and can't seem to get any chickens either . If I ever do, I'll make sure I recheck your blog that's full of information on how to take care of them.
I noticed that I needed to swap out the loose minerals as well, if I bring them in a plastic cup and offer them a treats the goats just gobble them down.
I feed the sunflower seeds to the sheep as well. Do your goats like baking soda? I leave it out free next to the minerals, the sheep and goats both eat it right down.
We have a block of goat minerals a friend who works at a farm store gave us. Except we do not have goats. Sheep can't have goat minerals, because they'll get copper poisoning. So I have this block of goat minerals sitting in the back hall, where it has been for about two years now and will stay until I meet someone who raises goats.
We do give the sheep loose (sheep) minerals, though. And then spend a couple of days hauling a LOT of water, because it makes them thirsty.
Hi!
I use the exact same minerals as well. My goats love it too. I have a plastic 2 compartment box I have fastened into the wall out of the weather. I keep minerals in one side, and baking soda in the other. If they eat a bad weed, or get into too much of a good thing, they eat the baking soda to help their stomach. they know when they need it. Just buy some el cheapo brand at the grocery. Just a thought!
I am so happy I am not in your neck of the woods...sounds like it is going to get nasty! Good luck and stay warm!
My sheep love their loose minerals :)
Hmm, wonder if I could put those minerals in the garden. It must be true that a goat will eat just about anything if you can feed them a bag of rocks...interesting.
Hi GW! Those little double sided feeders are great. I think my goaties dont like to eat anything that another goat has licked. Near as I can figure it for the pickiness.
Hi Ginny! Yes we need to get you some chickens. My clucks are the best part of my day.
CC - my goaties just go wild for them when fresh. Arent they crazy like that? And yep baking soda also.
Clearly, Kristen, you need to get goats so you dont waste that licky block. Its the only solution!
Hi Ann! And welcome! Does everyone know about offering baking soda if you're goaties act like they have a belly ache? Its one of those things they know to eat if they dont feel well. We get ours from the Dollar Store. Easy peasy!
Kenleigh.. it currently sucks here. I'm dreamily thinking of your mud and rain....
Mr. H, Goats = crazy. There is no other explanation
;-)
I'm sure I have the only goats on the planet that are totally obsessed with mineral licks or mineral buckets. It's like goat crack to them - they won't stop eating it. And the molasses or something in it gives them extreme diarrhea. I have to give them each a chunk at a time or they will devour it all in one sitting. I'm going to look into that bag of loose minerals - it looks like something I could just add a scoop of to their grains..... thanks for posting this!
No problem B2B! Its easy peasy and they will love it.
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