How To Stop Goats From Wasting Hay

If you have goats, then you know that they can be pretty pesky when it comes to eating their hay. They often times rip the hay out of the feeder and then proceed to lay down and play with it, wasting a lot of hay in the process.

Other times, they’ll pull out a mouthful of hay, take a couple of bites, then let the rest fall out and trampled.

While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually end up costing you a lot of money if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do in order to stop your goats from wasting hay.

Stop goats from wasting hay

Let’s look at some of the tips you can use to stop your goats from wasting hay:

  1. Install a better hay feeder – One of the main reasons that goats waste so much hay is that the feeders that you are using are not sturdy enough to prevent them from pulling it out and playing with it. Investing in a sturdier feeder can help prevent this issue, and will also keep rodents from getting into the hay and making a mess of it.
  2. Feed smaller amounts more frequently – Instead of giving your goats large piles of hay at once, try feeding them smaller portions throughout the day instead. This will reduce the amount that they are able to waste at one time, and will also help to keep their digestive systems healthy.
  3. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water – In addition to feeding your goats hay, it is also important to make sure that they are getting enough water as well. This means providing them with a clean, unchlorinated source of drinking water on an ongoing basis. This can help keep their digestive systems running smoothly and prevent them from over eating.
  4. Use a salt block – Consider using a salt block or mineral supplement instead of feeding your goats hay. While hay is an important part of a healthy diet for goats, you may also want to look into providing them with other supplements as well. For example, providing them with a mineral lick
  5. Experiment with different hay – If your goats are wasting hay because they don’t like the type of hay you’re giving them, try offering a variety of different types of hay. Alfalfa, timothy, or Bermuda grass are all good options. You can also offer hay cubes or pellets as an alternative to loose hay. Some goats prefer these options because they’re easier to eat and don’t require as much chewing. Experiment with different types of hay until you find one that your goats like and will actually eat.
  6. Give them toys – Finally, you can try giving your goats treats or toys that will occupy their time and keep them from getting bored. This can help reduce the amount of hay that they waste since they will have something else to focus on instead. Some good options include chewing toys, foliage and branches from trees, or even small treats like apples or banana slices.

If you implement these tips, you should be able to stop your goats from wasting so much hay and save yourself some money in the process.

How much hay should you feed a goat?

The amount of hay a goat needs per day varies depending on the size of the goat, with larger goats requiring more hay. On average, though, goats need 2-4 pounds or 2-3% of their body weight in hay per day.

Most goats will fall into this weight range, though some may be larger or smaller. Obviously, you can feed them more than the per day amount suggested, but they may not eat all of it or they may end up wasting some of it.

To determine how much hay to feed your goat, you should consult with your vet or a trusted source on animal nutrition. They will be able to help you calculate the proper amount for your specific animal and make any recommendations about different types of hay or supplements, such as mineral licks.

Final Thoughts

Hay is an important part of a goat’s diet, but it can be expensive if they’re constantly wasting it.

With a little time and effort, you can train your goats to eat more efficiently and stop wasting hay. Try slow feeders, smaller feedings throughout the day, and different types of hay.

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