Can Goats Eat Wet Hay? (Importance of Feeding)

• Do NOT ever feed wet or moldy hay or grain to goats.
• Wet grain must be thrown out, but wet bales of hay can be broken and aired out until thoroughly dry, then used as goat feed, IF the bales are lightly wet and all mold and mildew has disappeared.
• Baled wet or bales sitting out in the rain is not okay. That is not the hay you want to feed your goats.
• Sometimes goats will eat wet hay, but they have been known to refuse it. If it’s freshly wet hay, and the goats will have it, it’s okay to feed.
• If you spread it out to dry quickly, it shouldn’t go moldy and can be fed.
• If it was baled with high moisture but has not yet molded, feed it.
• Wet hay can be dangerous for goats as it can contain harmful bacteria that can make them sick. If you suspect that your goat has eaten wet hay, seek veterinary advice.
• Avoid wet, moldy hay and grain. Moist feeds formulated with molasses have a high incidence of mold, especially in hot weather. Do not feed grass.

Feeding goats wet or moldy hay or grain can be detrimental to their health. It is important to ensure that any wet grain is discarded, while wet hay can be salvaged if properly dried. However, the hay should only be used if it is lightly wet and free of mold and mildew. Goats may eat wet hay, but they have been known to refuse it. If the hay is freshly wet and the goats are willing to eat it, then it is acceptable to feed them. To prevent spoilage and potential harm to goats, it is recommended to consider alternatives such as feeding baleage. Baleage can be fed to goats like hay, but it should be used within a few days after unwrapping to avoid spoilage. It is important to prioritize the timely use of baleage to ensure its quality and safety for goats.

Baleage, a viable alternative to wet hay, should be used promptly to prevent spoilage. When feeding baleage, it is crucial to use it within approximately five days after unwrapping the bale, preferably within three to four days in warm weather and six days in cooler conditions. Baleage that has been stored beyond this timeframe may risk spoilage and potentially harm goats. Additionally, it is essential to avoid feeding goats wet or moldy hay and grain, as they can contain harmful bacteria that can make goats sick. If there is a suspicion that goats have consumed wet hay, it is advisable to monitor their health closely and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

Feeding wet or moldy hay or grain to goats should be avoided. Wet grain must be thrown out, while wet bales of hay can be broken and aired out until thoroughly dry, then used as goat feed, if the bales are lightly wet and all mold and mildew has disappeared. Goats should never be fed wet or moldy hay or grain, as it can be toxic and pose health risks.

Eating moldy hay can lead to an increased incidence of listeriosis in goats, which is a serious bacterial infection. Other potential illness and health issues may arise from consuming moldy hay, affecting the overall well-being of the goats. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that hay fed to goats is dry and free from mold or mildew.

It is important to take precautions and avoid feeding hay that has been rained on or bales that have been exposed to moisture. Wet hay can contain harmful bacteria that can make goats sick. If wet hay is suspected to have been consumed, it is recommended to monitor the goats for any signs of illness and contact a veterinarian if needed.