NEVER AGAIN! | Hay Drama and Copper Bolus for Goats | Small Farm Winter Vlog

I'm appalled at how much money we spent on hay to feed the horses and goats this winter. Honestly, yes, we could've taken a vacation to an all inclusive resort with our family of 5 for the amount we spent. With another summer of drought, hay was hard to come by. Our regular suppliers had nothing for us, and we were forced to look elsewhere. I made probably a dozen phone calls to local farmers, all with a resounding, "no hay left". So when I finally found some organic alfalfa hay, we paid a premium, and had it delivered to our farm. I never suspected that 3 out of 12 bales would be severely moldy. Thankfully, the farmer tried to make it right and bring us 3 replacements. Sadly, there is still a fair bit of mold, and I am fighting the frustration I feel.

Goats can be tricky animals sometimes. I will never claim to know it all...but I will readily share how I learn lessons along the way. Things like copper deficiencies, bald noses, fertility issues, shot knots, and kidding difficulties are all par the course of owning and raising goats. Come along the journey as we dive into kidding season in the middle of winter.

Kidding Wishlist

Other giving links in the channel description :)

[ChinaPanda]

Bad hay again?? Ugh 😣 😱 I’m sorry, that really sucks!! I hope you’re able to get better hay, or you’re able to get enough good hay off the round!! Not cool!! Loved your camera helper!! She did a great job!! 😉 Thank you for sharing!! 💜🐼💜

[kayhenry]

You have every right to expect what you pay for! Instead of replacing it this time, have him refund you.

[weechoclatyclaire]

So disappointing that the new bales are rotten too. You paid good money for that hay so you're entitled to good hay! I'd think twice about buying from that supplier again but i understand you just had to buy what was available because of the shortage. I really hope you still have enough good hay to last. Its worrying ❤

[devenlamar]

Make sure u store them on the side not on the top or bottom ( curled sides )

[gwendolyn]

That much for alfalfa? Yikes. Regular hay around here is 45 a bale. Didn't know the rounds of alfalfa were so much! Haven't had to feed any hay eaters for the last couple of years. Had no idea.

[ritahawkins]

Just in case you didn't know, the goats are not supposed to chew those boluses. Chewing will shorten the length of time that the copper will work, so by not swallowing the capsule whole, you'll need to give boluses more often.

[devenlamar]

Call your supplier back and have him exchange it. Trust me suppliers like to keep ppl happy. Horses goats and sheep can't eat it but cattle will pick through and eat some of it., so he can sell it there

[tjjurake]

We have had a terrible time with hay. I fully understand your disappointment. One year I ordered a skid of 40 bags of hay cubes. It was expensive but there was zero waste. I know you need long stem roughage too but in a pinch it helps. We pay $50 - $80 for soft core. Always hit and miss for quality. I cannot believe what you pay!!! That bolus gun is pretty slick. Where did you find that? By the way, you did nothing wrong. The "shot knots" are caused by adjuvants (sp?) in the vaccine. It is supposed to heighten the immune response. if you show your goats they may raise an eyebrow at them during vet check but most people understand that they are not CL lumps.

[sheilawlezien]

I'd be right there with you being ticked off about the hay situation. ESPECIALLY after paying a mint for it! It's so frustrating when it feels like being backed into a corner and having no choice but to follow through with this farmer's hay. Any way to get some money back from him? Or not worth the fight? As far as those lumps from vaccinations, my dogs have gotten them. I had asked vet about them because I've heard about them abscessing. Vet said not really a concern unless they start getting bigger. Just massage and keep an eye on. Praying all goes well!!

[terrypauloregon]

This is the new bales??? That is so frustrating. I hope you call the farmer immediately. 🤮😡

[devenlamar]

Looks like it was stored on the top and then they get wet, that's where your whole round molds, vs stored on the side you have a 2 inch crust

[HonorTighe-lv]

Expose the suppliers on every platform!!!

[debbiebjorklund]

Awe, I'm sorry you've gotten such subpar quality of hay. I think you will do the next right thing for the hay scene. Take heart dear heart.!. Plz tho get your cats fixed even if only ONE.!. What does copper do.? It doesn't make sense, I thought it was an v additive in Rock salt?! Hahaha😂 i like how you give goats pills. Cool.!. Peace ✌️
Ya, I do come to see and hear abt de horses, so even tho your goats take up half the show, do SOMETHING w the horses, LIKE Just brushing them. Hahaha😂 take care folks. cheers🎉

[terrypauloregon]

That’s not good for you to breathe in either.

[richardtherrien]

Just remember how far north you are its not easy to make hay

[roseport]

Maybe the hay was wet in some sections and not totally dry. I'd want to get my money back since this is replacement anyway. I watch "Farmer Tyler Ranch" and he was very picky this year when baling time. Went out to his fields many days before it was all dry. Good luck🙏🙏 finding more. And that price is crazy high. Idea for filling the hay sacks, hand the nets between 2 hooks then fill them. Looks like you are ready for kidding season. 🙏❤‍🩹🙏