How to Supplement Winter Hay for Goats With Tree Leaves

In areas where winters are cold and snowy, feeding goats in the winter can be the most challenging part of their raising. Goats are browsers, which means that they like to eat a wide variety of things, especially scrubby weeds and leaves. In places with cold winters, very little in the way of browse is available to goats. Most farmers get by feeding grain and hay, and supplementing with treats. But other options such as grass silage and dried leaves can spice up a goat's winter diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Leaf rake
  • Yard leaf collection bags
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for leaves to dry and fall in autumn. Rake dried leaves into plastic leaf bags, avoiding trees whose leaves are poisonous to goats, such as black cherry and black locust. Collect a variety of leaves to satisfy the browsing nature of your goats.

    • 2

      Store leaves in dark plastic bags, removing as much air as possible. Keep them in a dark, dry place, and they will remain nutritious much longer. Check leaves periodically for condensation or mildew, and compost any bags that have been corrupted.

    • 3

      Feed a few handfuls of leaves per goat along with their normal hay ration. Introduce the leaves into the diet of your goats carefully. Too many leaves that contain chemicals such as tannins can cause stomach upset. Continue to feed good grass hay, concentrates and minerals throughout the winter. View leaves as a supplemental feed or occasional treat, rather than a replacement for your goats' regular feed.