Budget for Ongoing Feed Costs

Calculate monthly feed expenses based on roughly 2 lbs of hay per miniature goat per day, supplemented with grain and loose minerals. Hay costs $5-$25+ per small square bale depending on region and season. A 50 lb bag of goat grain runs $15-$30 and lasts several weeks for two goats. Loose goat minerals ($20-$40 per bag) and free-choice baking soda are also essential.

Why It Works

Feed is the largest recurring expense in goat keeping. Calculating monthly hay consumption (about 60 lbs per goat) and pairing it with local hay prices gives you an accurate monthly budget, typically $30-$80 per goat depending on your area.

Tips

• Buy hay in bulk during summer to lock in lower prices; storing 6 months of hay saves 20-40%
• Good rotational pasture in growing seasons significantly reduces hay consumption
• Avoid cattle or sheep minerals; goats require copper, which is excluded from sheep formulations