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.
Link to video #1 - The 5 Components of Our Feed Program: • What Should I Feed My ...

[@betsyhobby-wicker4051]

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.

[@stephaniepotter5223]

Your videos are very informative! Thank you!

[@bearmatt82]

Dude this helped me alot thanks so much

[@ellenlefavour628]

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.

[@rehmankahlon253]

Nice work

[@Ethan_Lowe]

Thank you

[@Steve-ps6qw]

interesting. I am just to the northwest of you and we feed our bucklings and doelings peanut hay for the protein and reduced calcium (compared to alfalfa, lol, that is actually the name of one of our goats.) But when they are mature, we will switch them off. We give them a mix too, beat pulp with molasses (4 parts), cracked corn (2 parts), and black oil sunflower seeds (1 part). This is based on our vet's recommendation as the goats were surviving but not thriving. Oh, they are Nigerians as well but not registered.... If we lived in a cooler climate I would love an Ibex or two.

[@kbrown5218]

Nice.

[@mi_salim]

thank u

[@rehobothassembly3955]

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

[@katrinaanon1038]

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!

[@matthewfreeman127]

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

[@novellafarm9879]

We built them based on a picture of one we found on the internet. It's a great feeder!

[@matthewfreeman127]

Ok, very good. Thank you and I enjoy your videos.

[@callycharles2515]

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!

[@irenec.4086]

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.

[@haleighc1465]

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

[@finstac]

I don't think you mentioned this, so if you did I do apologize: How do you feel about giving them timothy grass?

[@peterlim3189]

Can you post different prices on those hays? Thanks

[@conniecruz880]

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

[@novellafarm9879]

I'd recommend free choice coastal hay, a once-a-day feeding of a good goat feed, plus loose minerals. That should meet their calorie needs, keep them healthy, and allow you to do a daily health check to see if anyone is not feeling up to eating (because goats are always up for eating if they aren't sick).

[@conniecruz880]

@@novellafarm9879 thank you so much.

[@atribecalledgoat6111]

How much hay should you buy at one time?

[@novellafarm9879]

We buy two week's worth at a time because we don't have a ton of storage space to keep it dry. Other folks stock a season's worth of hay. Kind of depends on your setup. The key is to make sure it is dry going into storage and stays dry while there. You don't want moldy hay.

[@atribecalledgoat6111]

@@novellafarm9879 Thanks! And how many bundles would you say is 2-weeks worth?

[@novellafarm9879]

@@atribecalledgoat6111 That depends entirely on how many goats you have. I just monitor how quickly mine go through a single bale and then extrapolate that out to how many I'll need for 2 weeks. Also, I know how many will fit in my shed, so I just order that many and it happens to be 2 weeks worth. Either way works.

[@cecillilly1858]

I have a big question. You seem to know so much. We are wanting to get 2 baby goat. Am I ok get two girls or a boy and a girl. If getting a boy we real don't want nuder the boy. We would prefer he was intact. So could I guess in asking am I ok to getting 2 females to raise to start off and later get a