Feeding Your Goat

Contrary to popular belief goats do not just eat anything and can actually be fussy eaters. Goats are inquisitive so will try most things, sometimes though those things can make them very sick and some can even kill so if in doubt - don't feed it to them.
Goats are foragers/browsers and require a balanced diet of:

pasture
woody weeds
good quality lucerne/oaten/grass hay and
a small amount of grain.

Native tree branches, fruit and vegetables are also welcome.

Goats have a high mineral requirement so will need a mineral block, loose or added minerals to their balanced diet. Depending on State and circumstance each breeder feeds a little differently so it is always best to ask the breeder you buy from what they feed their animals.

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Some branches from trees like natives ie: wattle, acacia, grevillea and melaleuca trees; others like willow, mulberry, olive, pear, apple and tea tree as well as some garden prunings such as roses, day lilies and geranium are also good. Goats will eat young gorse and love blackberry.

Silver beet and/or spinach, pumpkin, apple, pear, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, parsley, beetroot tops and grated beet, corn (in small quantities but no cob or it can get stuck) watermelon (minus too much of white part), grated carrot, banana skins, sultanas, muesli, and bread (all in moderation of course) will be enjoyed by your goat.

When changing your goat’s diet do it slowly over a day or two – most things in moderation are good. Lucerne hay can also be fed during winter and times of poor pasture growth or when you need to add a bit extra to their feed.

Always feed your goat/s off the ground. A motor bike tyre makes a good bucket holder. Hay should also be kept up off the ground DO NOT use horse string type hay feeders as goats can become tangled and choke themselves to death.

In winter soaked barley will keep help keep your goat in good condition. Don't over feed grain, 1/2 cup every second day is a good rule of thumb.

Seaweed meal, dolomite and cider vinegar are also very good for Does when they are in kid or if a goat needs a higher plain of nutrition. Molasses is a good source of energy, especially in warm water after a Doe kids but ensure you don't over do it or your goat can scour.