Loose minerals and treats?

[gavin]

I am interested is hearing opinions/experiences on loose minerals and treats for goats. My 6 week old wethers are eating oat hay and Manna Pro loose minerals in a trough feeder. They are also being bottle fed which is making them much more interested in following us around. I’d like keep them interested by offering some treats after they’re done with the milk. What would be some good things to give them? I see products on the store such as licorice treats, goat blocks and protein buckets with molasses. The buckets are attractive to me since I’d be left with a useful bucket after they finished it. Opinions?

[Backfourty,MI.]

I wouldn't give the protein buckets from the store. The loose mineral is the way to go. Manna Pro is in the small bags right? If you want something more cost prohibative I'd find a 25 or 50 pound bag of a good loose mineral, much cheaper to buy them that way.
I really Like the Cargill Brand Right Now Onyx, a lot of folks use that here but I can no longer get that so I switched to an ADM Alliance mineral called Goat Power mineral. Sweetlix Meatmaker is also another good loose mineral & I believe that one comes in a 25 pound bag.

For treats I'd start out keeping a few animal crackers in my pocket or some raisins. At 6 weeks they should maybe start to nibble on some but usually my babies aren't interested in treats until much older. Mine all also Love apples, I cut them into thin slices for them.

If you have a Sam's Club or Costco close by & need buckets I'd check with their Bakery department since their frostings come in different size buckets with handles. That's where got a bunch of different size buckets.

[CaliannG]

For treats, mine will KILL you for a cheap, peppermint candy.

[oz in SC V2.0]

We bought some sort of horse snacks,you would think it was cocaine...they all seem addicted to it...LOL.These came in a container shaped like a boot from Tractor Supply.

We use Manna pro loose minerals.

[Goat Servant]

banana peels

[oz in SC V2.0]

Originally Posted by Goat Servant

banana peels

Really???
Ours seem to not like any fruit or veggies,spoiled rotten goats.

[bwanaswan]

Carrots. I've been mugged for carrots.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Originally Posted by oz in SC V2.0

Really???
Ours seem to not like any fruit or veggies,spoiled rotten goats.

Mine like all kinds of fruit but I haven't tried the bana peels, I'm always afraid they'll choke or something.

They also love those baby carrots.

[BethW]

I also use the Manna Pro minerals. My goats will beg for apple slices, raisins and Manna Pro goat treats (the licorice flavored ones). They also looove roasted peanuts in the shell.

[Shygal]

Oh now I know what to do with my leftover peanuts!
Mine thinks raisins = goat crack. He HATES carrots though. Celery he will eat right down, apples not so much.

Its funny how different goats prefer different things.

[Minelson]

Every night I take out six peanuts in the shell...one for each.
They LIVE for that ritual.
Mine also like frosted (or reg) mini wheats and tortilla chips. Gretta is the only one who really likes fruits. Flossie is more picky...no fruit or marshmellos for her, she spits them out then runs away lol!

[PaulNKS]

Just keep in mind that mineral and protein are NOT the same thing and mineral does not include protein. If you think they need a protein source, then supply the protein in addition to the mineral. If you're only feeding oat hay/straw, then they most likely need some additional protein...

As far as coccidiosis control, when I wean kids, I introduce them to Purina's Kid Grower. It is medicated to control coccidiosis.

[coso]

Mineral=Right Now Onyx
Treats= Animal Crackers

[farfel]

Mine will buck and chase each other away over Cheetos. The 10 week olds aren't interested yet,

farfel