What Kind of Hay Is Best for Nigerian Dwarf Goats?

In this video - the 2nd in a series on our feed program - I show the different types of hay we use here at Novella Farm and the benefits of each. There are differences in the amount of protein, calcium, etc. between legume hay (alfalfa, peanut hay) and grass hay (orchard, tiffany, coastal) and this is a closer look at how we take advantage of the benefits of both.

Note: This program won’t work for full-size goats. They need more calories and protein than our wonderfully efficient little dairy goats.

[betsyhobby-wicker]

We have had goats since the 70s and have always fed the bucks alfalfa and never had a problem with stones. Maybe we are just lucky but it has always worked well for us.

[steelarrowY]

Very useful info in this video as I am about to have my very first goat in a week!

[ellenlefavour]

Mine won’t eat the straight alfalfa. They love peanut and will eat Timothy/Alfalfa blend. Coastal is what they sleep on and can eat during the night if they want, but I put it down for bedding. Straw is cheaper but they and the ducks prefer the hay. I love your hay feeder. Mine just go in the feed room and take what they want. There is a mat on the floor so it doesn’t get dirty, but I leave a 5 gallon bucket filled for them to eat from, which they usually do and leave the bales alone. Nice set up and beautiful, healthy looking goats.

[rehobothassembly]

God bless you. Starting goat farm soon. Any idea on goat house design

[tanyaburch]

I can’t get peanut hay or coastal hay in my area.. only alfalfa and orchard grass is available

[kimrutledge]

What kind of grain do you feed your bucks?

[haleighc]

Hey we are gonna get goats soon I need help with them I need to know basic things for a goat

[matthewfreeman]

Hey Chad. I’m curious to know if you have a building plan for your goat feeder? I’m looking to build a portable feeder to move around in my pastures and I like the feeder you are using. Thank you

[peterlim]

Can you post different prices on those hays? Thanks

[katrinaanon]

Alfalfa is one of the more expensive bales at $20 vs $9 for Bermuda Rye. The amount of hay per pound of goat is what most videos lack so an owner knows how much they might need. I am hearing Kikos might need 1.5 pounds daily per goat.

Also goats are intended to eat ruffage to keep their digestion normal. I have noticed breeding males get very focused on breeding females and food can be far from their minds...unless you have a very interesting grain or treat!

[irenec.]

Just to clarify, a buck or whether should have unlimited grass hay. Is that right? Where I live, there is no coastal hay so I'm assuming that unlimited orchard or Timothy is ok with pellet feed once a day. Please let me know if I have it right because I don't want to kill my nigerian dwarf buck when he comes home.

[callycharles]

I have a question about Nigerian Dwarf wethers. They're going to be 8 years old soon and all along, I've been feeding a blend of timothy and orchard 2nd cutting. My goats are fat (and cute LOL) so my vet told me to get 1st cutting. They don't like it.... should I have stuck with the 2nd cutting? I'm concerned about the nutrition level of 1st cutting too. Fat or not, which is the best cutting for them? Both 1st and 2nd are mixed bales of timothy and orchard hay. Thanks!

[conniecruz]

Dear sir. What type of hay for drawf female goats. I have two they are pets only. No breeding or milking.