It’s that time of year again when we either start to plant or have perennials popping back up after a long dormant winter. However, whether you have a large or small homestead or farm, there is a list of plants to avoid having in order to avoid disasters for your livestock.
In particular, there are some that can be quite deadly for goats. You do have to learn what to feed goats because even plants that are good can become toxic creating enterotoxemia if goats over eat on any plant they are not use to. Generally speaking and contrary to what we’ve all heard….goats do not eat everything. Especially if a goat is well fed and on a well balanced diet, they don’t eat everything. But they are curious creatures and sometimes something just may look appealing to them and that’s when there can be problems.
Eliminating toxic plants is an important step to take for your goats’ safety, but also make sure they are kept well fed and always have plenty of fresh water. I feed our little Pygmy babies, Larkin and Spencer every morning and evening, while I cannot speak for every goat breed, I can say that as babies, you cannot overfeed a Pygmy kid. They are growing and need to eat for their growing bodies. Once they get to be a year old, then you can start backing off a bit. Always provide their salt mineral as well.
There may be specific plants in your area that are also poisonous to goats, it’s best to check with your county extension office, local vet either of these can also guide you as to what not to have around goats (and many other animals as well.
I hope this has been a little bit of a help and here’s to happy homesteading!
As always….keep smiling it makes people wonder what you’re up to. Have an outstanding day, ~Cindy~
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