Goats in Chicken Feed

nc_mtn · #1 12/13/07, 11:51 AM

I have been reading here for a while now and really enjoy the advice that is given. We have 3 goats 2 does, and a 7 month old nubian/toggenburge buck.
I have been really lucky when it comes to them not getting out of the pasture.... until this week. Wind blew some small limbs down on the elec fence and I didn't notice... but the goats did. Came home late one night after Chistmas Shopping and there go the goats, walking by the car. I put them up, Didn't notice the fence. Next day - out again. This time they managed to get into the chicken feed. I'm not really sure how much they ate.
Will this hurt them? I was told not to give it to them because it makes them sick. One of our goats has a little diarera. But by the way the buck is acting, I thing she's in heat. Could this be the cause?
Sorry for the long post but Thanks

Alice In TX/MO · #2 12/13/07, 11:55 AM

Did this just happen? a few days ago? How much did they eat?

Don't feed them any grain for a few days. Hay only.

Watch them closely.

nc_mtn · #3 12/13/07, 12:06 PM

Thanks, this happened Monday night/Tuesday morning.
Not exactly sure how much they ate, alot was on the ground but they ate more than I would feed (of there own feed) in the day.

Is there anything I could give them?

fishhead · #4 12/13/07, 12:32 PM

Too much can kill them. I would make sure they have baking soda and probiotics and watch them closely.

Is she still scouring?

nc_mtn · #5 12/13/07, 02:04 PM

They all seem to be ok today. The doe is still not really acting like herself. Kinda "lazy" acting. How much baking soda do i give? should I give it to all 3 (i'm sure they all ate some)?
Thank you all for you reply's so far

fishhead · #6 12/13/07, 02:26 PM

I leave it out all the time so if they get an acid stomach they can self medicate.

Alice In TX/MO · #7 12/13/07, 02:57 PM

Yes, just put out a small butter tub with some in it. They will nibble as needed.

cowgirlracer · #8 12/14/07, 08:47 AM

If it was scratch they should come out OK with a little help - baking soda, yogurt etc. I have read that if it was lay mash or "layer" formula it is toxic to goats. Thankfully, I don't have any personal experience on this topic, but Carla Emery mentions it in her book. Keep us posted.

~Anne

farm mom · #9 12/14/07, 10:54 AM

Well, my neighbors goats get in to their chicken feed all the time. She has seven and they are all fat and sassy! Now hers may be kind of used to it (not that I would recommend letting them get into the chicken food but she is lazy about her fencing) but they seem to do o.k.

nc_mtn · #10 12/14/07, 05:21 PM

thanks for the help. They seem to be doing fine today. The one doe is still not eating alot but she seems to be eating some. I'm still watching her but I think she will be fine.
It was scratch feed BTW.

Thanks again

chma4 · #11 12/14/07, 06:55 PM

I lost a doe in milk this summer to layer feed =(

havenberryfarm · #12 12/16/07, 10:50 AM

One of my friends lost her doe to chicken feed earlier this year. Do all that has been mentioned by the others and also update her C&D or CD&T shot. If you do not see her taking the baking soda, give her some yourself, just to be sure, and you can give her a calcium antacid tablet or two also. You want to get her rumen pH back up to neutral. Lots of grass hay, no grain, and check her breath. If it smells bad, give her more baking soda. If you see bloating, call the vet and get some bloat-release in her. Simethicone drops are OK too in a pinch. Be aggressive and watch her condition closely.

nc_mtn · #13 12/16/07, 07:44 PM

Thanks,
She seems to be better today (minus the snow we've finally gotten). She was acting "depressed" for the last several days, I had to just about make her eat the soda and drink some water. This morning she ran down to the feeding trough like nothing was wrong. I was careful on letting her eat too much.
Thanks again for the concern and help.