It's been over 25 years since we've had goats, and then it was Nubians we had. Nigerians Dwarfs were our chosen breed this time and we absolutely love them. Though we're familiar with goats (in general), with the time lapse and new breed we feel very new (again).
My question is in regards to free choice loose minerals.
We have two Guernsey milk cows and offer them loose minerals in the barn.
(Trace Mineral Salt, Redmond's Salt, Kelp, and Sodium Bicarbonate. We also have available to them a mineral block and Vitalix tub.)
We'd like to offer our Nigerians loose minerals as well (just in smaller hook over feeders in their little barn). Could you all share a list of loose minerals you do and recommend?
We have some Goat Mineral, and Organic Dolomite Lime (with Magnesium and Calcium) coming. We also plan to mix in a little Diamond V yeast into either their daily feed rations (like what we do for our milk cows) or sprinkle some in with their free choice Kelp. Is there anything else we should be offering other than the Goat Mineral, Dolomite, Kelp, and Soda?
Thank you so much for your time!
Replies
I use the Fortiflex black feeder that you linked from Tractor Supply. They are not wimpy at all, and if the goats rub on them and jump on them, and one of the screw holes breaks, you can easily make your own new hole, so I don't consider that a problem at all. My goats are really rough on those mineral feeders, and they last for years before one of the holes breaks through.
With the 6-quart feeder pans that you linked, how are you keeping the goats from knocking them down?
Just wanted to share this link in the event that someone else reads this and is interested in the SweetLix loose minerals for goats. Here's it's product information and picture of what it looks like. http://www.sweetlix.com/products/C14A34/goats.aspx?load=123
I also found it in a container like that at Jeffers. http://www.jefferspet.com/products/sweetlix-goat-mineral-18lb
Thank you Deborah. I will look up the Sweetlix Meat Maker minerals. I don't think I've heard of it. Will also look at the Selenium-E. Thank you for both of those suggestions.
Appreciate your thought as well on my mixing a little of the yeast in with their Kelp. I read that on fiascofarm.com and wondered that I might do it myself. *shrug* Do understand what you mean though about perhaps not getting as much of the yeast as needed when it's mixed in something else. I can easily top dress their grain rations with it...I do that with my (cow) girls.
I couldn't find the mineral feeders here on the page. Am assuming they are similar to these http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-mf-2-mineral-fee...
Did look and consider those but they didn't have a very good rating (with the manufactured flanges/holes breaking), so went with the hook over feeders I got for their grain rations. http://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-6-Quart-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B00... They're bigger than what is really needed, but I've been pleased with their quality.
Deborah I just so very much appreciate your reply. For taking the time to respond and be a help to me. I know folks are busy so please know I don't take it lightly and I do so appreciate it. Thank you.
You ladies both have a GOOD day today!
I use Sweetlix Meat Maker loose minerals, kelp, baking soda, and selenium-E. It is important not to add things, such as yeast to another supplement because your goats need different amounts of different minerals, so if you mix things, they'll add up getting too much or too little of at least one of those items.
I use the black mineral feeder pictured in the right hand sidebar. (Page down to the bottom to see it.) The price on Amazon fluctuates a lot, but if you click on it, you can get a better view of what it looks like. You can usually find it for around $5. Amazon will show you other sellers who have it.
Thank you Julieanne, I will do that. If I'm remembering right...I think we do. I'll check. Thank you. :)
I would suggest checking to see if you are in a selenium deficient area and if you are, you could add free choice selenium.