~ Goat Fodder ~

The girls have found a new play toy , each afternoon I let the chickens and goats out for about an hour to free range while I keep an eye on them. One day last week I let the chickens out to free range for the day , that afternoon I realized I had a hen missing , Buttercup was gone. I think we have a fox sneaking around , about three weeks ago there was another guinea attack. It was the first night she stayed on her nest , whatever got her , also took all the eggs. The nest had about 50 eggs in it , there wasn't a shell or anything left. It's hard to believe a fox would take all those eggs , but from what I've read they're the only animal that would carry their kill back to the den , so I believe that's what happen.

A part of trying to be self -sufficient not only includes growing your own food , but providing food for the animals that provide food for you. I've been busy gathering red clover and other fodder for the goats. I had red clover dried from last year that I had dried for the rabbit , the goats loved it. I just gather bundles and hang it to dry.

The goats enjoy following me around when I'm gathering clover. I only gather the red clover , Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats says white clover is toxic to them , although I wonder why.

This burlap bag contains dried turnip green stalks , the goats love them. When hubby plowed the greens down and they dried out , the goats would munch on them when I let them out in the evenings.

I have comfrey starting to grow , it will be part of the winter feed and used for its medicinal purposes. Living the Frugal Life has a great post about drying comfrey , you can click here to read ~ http://livingthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2010/05/drying-comfrey.html .

What wild forages do you feed your goats ?

~ Many Blessings ~

JoyceAnn