Reader Letters July/August 2025
In response to William Windsor the Royal Goat.
Aww, I love this story about William! Thank you for sharing it with us!
— Cynthia Mascolo
Best Minerals
What is the best mineral mix for goats?
— Teshuvah Smith
For goats, a loose mineral is best because their tongues aren’t rough enough to get adequate amounts most blocks. Of the loose minerals, Sweetlix Meat Maker (you don’t have to have meat goats; it’s good for all types) and Redmond are probably two of the most used. I’ve heard good things about Kalmbach. Many people also use Manna Pro. There are several brands on the market that I’m sure are also good minerals, but I didn’t list them because I have no personal experience with them or haven’t heard enough about them. Some veterinarians and nutritionists make formulations specific to their areas.
Keep in mind that what brand works best for one herd might not be the one that works best for another herd. There are a lot of factors that determine the best option, and these can vary depending on location, whether the goats have access to pasture and browse, or if they’re kept on a dry lot, as well as the type of hay and grain offered. You do want to ensure the mineral is high in copper, which means if you’re running other animals in the same pens as your goats, you’ll need to keep the goat minerals away from the other animals. Minerals made for other animals, such as all-stock or specific to horses or sheep, aren’t going to have the proper balances for a goat. There’s also the option of the mineral buffet, but the science is mixed on whether the buffet is beneficial in the long term.
— Audra, Lead Editor
Potty Training in the Barn
Is it possible to teach my goats to pee in one part of their house so it’s easier to clean the urine out?
— Irene Duff
It’s possible by having mats down and only placing shavings in one area, such as in a baby pool or even just keeping it in one corner. They prefer the area with the shavings over the mats because the urine tends to splatter on them when they pee on the mats, and they don’t like that. Then you just change out the bedding in the pool. Goats being goats, though, there’s no guarantee they won’t paw a bunch of the shavings out on the floor and then pee in it.
— Audra, Lead Editor
Keeping Goats Warm
What’s the best way to keep my goats warm once the cold weather gets here?
— Richelle Maddox
Plenty of hay, a good place out of the wind and drafts, thick bedding, and a buddy or two to snuggle with. An electric bucket to keep the water from freezing is a good idea if you have the setup for it. Make sure there’s no way for them to get hold of or chew on the cord. Heat lamps are dangerous in a barn environment, so avoid those.
— Audra, Lead Editor
