It is well known that goats can consume a wide variety of foods, including weeds, leaves, and even tin cans. But can goats live just on grass? Yes, goats can thrive solely on grass, but it relies on a number of variables, including the breed, age, weight, and quality of the grass.
As ruminants, which have a four-compartment stomach that enables them to digest difficult vegetation like grass, most goats are ruminants. Some varieties, like dairy goats, however, require more protein and nutrients than what grass alone can offer. To maintain the goats’ health in such circumstances, additional supplements like hay, grain, or plants high in protein may be required.
Furthermore, goats have a reputation for consuming unwanted flora like weeds. Goats are actually frequently employed in land management to keep unwanted species under control and the ecological balance intact. Almost anything, including thorny shrubs and poison ivy, can be consumed by goats without causing any harm. But it’s crucial to remember that not all weeds are suitable for goats, and some could even be fatal. As a result, it’s crucial to seek advice from a veterinarian or goat expert before giving unusual herbs to goats.
Electric fences are effective for containing goats as long as they are set up and maintained correctly. Given that goats have a propensity for climbing, the fence should be at least 4-5 feet high and free of any holes or frayed wires. To stop goats from climbing over or under the fence, electric wires should be positioned at the top and bottom.
Three goats need a minimum of 200 square feet of grazing space as well as a shelter or pen for rest and safety. The goats should be able to move around the enclosure without difficulty, and it should have a roof to shield them from inclement weather. For three goats, the ideal pen size is at least 8 feet by 12 feet, but the bigger the better.
To sum up, goats may live solely on grass, but it relies on a variety of variables, including breed, age, weight, and grass quality. Goats can eat weeds and other unpleasant plants, but you should use caution if you want to avoid giving them poisonous plants. The recommended space requirements for three goats are at least 200 square feet of grazing area and a pen that is at least 8 feet by 12 feet in size. Electric fences work well for goats.