Goats can eat chicken feed in small quantities, but it’s not ideal for their health. Chicken feed lacks the necessary nutrients for goats and can lead to deficiencies. Moreover, some chicken feeds contain additives that can be harmful to goats. It’s best to provide goats with feed formulated specifically for their dietary needs.
Difference Between Goat and Chicken Feed
- Protein Content: Goat feed generally contains higher protein levels, around 12-18%, depending on the goat’s life stage and production status (e.g., lactating does need more protein). Chicken feed, particularly layers’ feed, typically has around 16-18% protein, but starter feeds for chicks can be higher, around 20-24%.
- Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: In goat feed, the calcium to phosphorus ratio is usually around 2:1. Goats require a balanced ratio for proper bone development and maintenance. Chicken feed, especially layer feed, has a higher calcium content, about 3-4%, to support eggshell formation, leading to a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio.
- Additives and Medications: Chicken feeds often contain additives and medications specific to poultry health needs, such as coccidiostats, which are unsuitable for goats and can be harmful.
- Fiber Content: Goats, being ruminants, require a diet high in fiber for proper digestion. Goat feeds contain a significant amount of roughage, while chicken feed is lower in fiber as chickens are not ruminants.
Drawbacks of Regularly Feeding Chicken Feed to Goats
Nutritional Imbalance
Chicken feed is formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of chickens, which are significantly different from goats. Goats require a diet rich in certain nutrients like fiber, which is crucial for their rumen (a part of the goat’s stomach) to function properly. Chicken feed typically has lower fiber content and may not provide the necessary nutrients for a goat’s overall health, potentially leading to digestive issues and poor growth.
Toxicity and Health Issues
Some chicken feeds contain additives like coccidiostats, which are used to prevent coccidiosis in poultry. These additives can be toxic to goats, potentially leading to serious health issues or even death. The continuous ingestion of these additives can accumulate in the goat’s system, causing chronic health problems.
Imbalanced Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
Goats need a specific calcium to phosphorus ratio in their diet (around 2:1) for bone health and other physiological functions. Chicken feed often has a higher calcium content, especially layer feed, which is formulated for egg production. This imbalance can lead to urinary calculi (kidney stones) in goats, especially males, and other skeletal problems.
Inadequate Protein Levels
While some chicken feeds might have similar protein levels to goat feeds, the type of protein and its digestibility can differ. Goats require specific types of protein for their growth, pregnancy, lactation, and fiber production (in breeds like Angoras and Cashmeres). Regularly feeding chicken feed to goats can lead to protein deficiencies, affecting their health and productivity.
Are there any Benefits of Feeding Chicken Feed to Goats?
Feeding chicken feed to goats offers minimal benefits and is generally not recommended. While goats may find chicken feed palatable, and it can serve as a temporary food source in emergency situations, the nutritional content of chicken feed does not align with the dietary requirements of goats. It lacks essential nutrients like fiber and the correct balance of minerals necessary for a goat’s health. In the long term, relying on chicken feed can lead to nutritional imbalances and health issues in goats.
Tips to Keep Goats Away from Chicken Feed
- Use Separate Feeding Areas: Establish distinct feeding areas for chickens and goats. This physical separation helps prevent goats from accessing chicken feed.
- Elevated Chicken Feeders: Place chicken feeders at a height that chickens can reach but is inaccessible to goats. Elevated feeders leverage the height difference between these animals.
- Secure Storage: Store chicken feed in secure containers or areas where goats cannot reach. This prevents goats from accessing the feed when it’s not in use.
- Feeding Schedule Coordination: Feed goats and chickens at different times. By feeding goats first, they are less likely to seek out chicken feed out of hunger.
- Use Fencing or Barriers: Implement fencing or barriers around the chicken feeding area. This physical barrier can effectively keep goats out.
- Train Your Goats: Avoiding chicken feed areas can be effective. Consistent training and reinforcement of boundaries can teach goats where they should and shouldn’t go.
Best Feed for Goats
Balanced Commercial Goat Pellets: These are formulated to provide a balanced diet with the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, protein, and energy. They are especially useful for dairy goats or those in production.
High-Quality Hay: Goats require a lot of fiber for proper rumen function. Good quality hay, like alfalfa or clover, is rich in nutrients and should form the bulk of their diet.
Pasture and Browse: Goats naturally browse a variety of vegetation, including grass, leaves, and shrubs. Access to pasture helps meet their nutritional needs and supports digestive health.
Supplements: Depending on their needs, goats may require supplements like minerals and vitamins, especially in areas where the soil is deficient in certain minerals.
Water: Fresh, clean water is essential and should always be available.
Treats and Additional Feed: Treats like fruits, vegetables, and grains can be given in moderation but should not be the main part of the diet.
Foods Goats Must Never Eat
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Onion
- Garlic
- Potato peels
- Rhubarb
- Tomato leaves
- Azaleas
- Lilacs
- Wild cherry leaves
Chicken Scratch: Can Goats Eat It?
Chicken scratch is a mix of grains like corn, wheat, and barley, often fed to chickens as a supplement to their regular feed. While goats can eat chicken scratch in small amounts, it’s not ideal for their diet. Chicken scratch lacks essential nutrients for goats and can cause digestive issues if fed in large quantities or regularly. It’s best suited as an occasional treat rather than a staple in their diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken feed?
Chicken feed is a formulated diet created specifically for chickens. It typically contains grains, protein sources like soybean meal, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes additives for health and egg production. The composition varies based on the chicken’s age and purpose, such as layers or broilers.
Can chickens eat goat feed?
Chickens can eat goat feed in small amounts, but it’s not ideal for their dietary needs. Goat feed lacks essential nutrients required for chickens, especially for laying hens, and can lead to nutritional deficiencies if used as a primary diet.
Do goats like eating chicken feed?
Goats are known for their curiosity and tendency to taste various foods, and they may show interest in eating chicken feed. However, this doesn’t mean it’s suitable or healthy for them, as chicken feed lacks key nutrients goats need.
My goat ate some chicken feed. What should I do?
If your goat ate a small amount of chicken feed, monitor it for any signs of digestive upset or discomfort. In most cases, a small amount shouldn’t cause harm. However, if the goat consumed a large quantity or shows any health issues, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Can I keep chickens and goats together?
Chickens and goats can be kept together, as they generally coexist well. However, it’s important to monitor their interaction to ensure they don’t eat each other’s feed, which could lead to health issues. Also, maintain cleanliness to prevent disease transmission.
Can goats eat boiled chicken?
Feeding goats boiled chicken is not recommended. Goats are herbivores, and their digestive system is not designed to process meat. Consuming meat can lead to digestive disturbances and health issues in goats.
Can goats eat chicken poop?
Goats may accidentally ingest chicken poop if they are kept in close proximity to chickens. While small amounts might not cause immediate harm, chicken feces can carry pathogens and parasites that could harm goats. It’s important to maintain good hygiene practices in co-habitation areas.