Prevent Feed Contamination and Access

Use species-specific feeders and store all feed securely to prevent cross-access. Medicated chicken feed containing coccidiostats such as monensin is toxic to goats even in small amounts. Goat minerals, particularly copper supplements, can be lethal to chickens at doses safe for goats.

Why It Works

Chickens instinctively scratch and forage, readily contaminating goat feed and water troughs with manure. Goats are curious browsers that will eat anything accessible, including chicken feed. Physical barriers at the feeder level eliminate the most common cross-contamination pathway between the two species.

Tips

• Install goat feeders at 24-30 inches high with openings too narrow for chickens to enter (keyhole or headlock style)
• Store all medicated chicken feed in sealed metal bins; even residual dust containing monensin can harm goats
• Feed chickens inside their coop with the door sized to exclude goats (12x14 inch pop door works well)