Goats on a new pasture

[wmsff]

Hello all. The fencing is finally going to be finished on the pasture. It's over 3 acres and of course, by now, it's overgrown. I only have a small garden tractor and it can not handle the pasture. I am still quite new to goats and am wondering if I can just turn them on it or do I really need to have it brush hogged again. My only experience is with horses, and I know you can't just turn them on fresh pasture without horrifing consequences.

Thanks

[Heritagefarm]

We turned ours on pasture, but they weren't completely dry lotted... They had grass to eat, which they nibbled at regularly. You might want to ease them over anyways, or perhaps it is not necessary. But, don't bush hog. You'll just waste food.

[Backfourty,MI.]

If they've been getting out to browse on the fresh green stuff this spring they should do fine in the new area.
If they haven't, you could have a some end up with runny poo or bloated, if their not use to it then maybe start out limiting their time in their until they can stay all day. I'd definately make sure they have access to baking soda someplace where it will stay dry.

I wouldn't brush hog it either.

[Bearfootfarm]

Limit their time at first, and only put them on the pasture when it's dry.

No need for bushhogging unless they leave things you just don't want

[Minelson]

I would do it the same way you do with horses. Hay first, and not too early in the morning when it's wet and rich. And leave them out for maybe an hour or 2. See how their poops are and if everything is fine then let them out for little longer/earlier. Gradually increase time by a couple of hours and keep an eye on their poops. Make sure they have plenty of baking soda available 24/7
It's a pain but better than kicking yourself in the butt for impatience. BTDT.

[houndlover]

Even if you limit their time, they may have loose green poo for a few days, nothing to panic about.

[KSALguy]

Goats are natures bush hog, let them do their job, dont waist your energy