After hearing about this stuff for about 2 years, and seeing it work in other herds we have finally entered into our very own 'Chaffhaye Trial.' I am happy to report that there is a feed store that actually carries this stuff, so we do not have to drive a ridiculous distance to get it! How this is gonna work: We are going to keep a sort of 'Log' to track our experience with this product, and for us to of course share our experience with it... from a Goat Keepers perspective. I have read tons of reviews by folks in the horse world, but not so many goat reviews. So, I feel it is important for us to share our new adventure with those of you who may be looking for a alternative feed source for your goats. Why Chaffhaye?
Week 1: January 7th:After bringing home my first bag and opening it, I have to say I'm a bit unsure! It's a light brown/ dark army green color... and smells like a fruity wine cooler mixed with Nutrena Goat Chow. Hm? Did some internet searching, most folks get bright green colored Chaffhaye-- one person with brown Chaffhaye says its an older batch. But the 'true' critics are a bit more important... Day 1: The Duke dove right in-- shocking, he won't eat a carrot, an apple, or anything 'new,' but he will scarf Chaffhaye! The girls.. were skeptical, but at least everyone tried it. Day 2: Everyone ate their Chaffhaye, and alfalfa pellets, so far no complaints... Day 3: KitKat is rallying for mutiny. Apparently she thinks she can boycott the Chaffhaye in favor of pellets for breakfast. Everyone else is still doing fine, but still seem hungry after eating; thinking I might have to give them a bit more? Perhaps I am not measuring it out accurately enough?? Day 7: Bought a scale to weigh the portions. NOW everyone seems happy.. KitKat is still not totally hooked, but everyone else seems satisfied with the feed now that they are full switched over. Even our baby goats enjoy nibbling the Chaffhaye with their mommas. Month 1:February 7th:It's been 1 month! SO, here's what we've discovered/ changed/ observed: Changes: We were feeding our goats 2x daily, and giving them all 2lbs each feeding. This was NOT going to work for us. We were flying through a bag every 2-3 days! We don't have the finances to pull that off. So, we have started to give our goats 1.4-2lbs 1x a day, and feed pellets or hay at night. Now we last 4 days per bag... much better! Observations/ Discoveries: Our goats look fabulous1 I was a hair away from quitting this product, I was just not convinced it was going to work. But this is worth it to us. They don't have bloated hay bellies, their rough winter coats are looking shiny, and everyone loves it! Cassie turns her nose up to their regular hay, and holds out for her Chaffhaye (this is probably not such a good thing, but worth mentioning). Month 3:So, we are a few weeks ahead for this update... But, I am happy to report that everyone LOVES Chaffhaye. All the goats are pleased with it, and I am pleased as well. We have THREE does in milk, and the 'creamy' factor has definitely increased! Production seems to be a little bit better too, not in a PROFOUND WAY, but a few does that I was struggling to keep in milk are doing very well! Also our kids birth weights have increased! Impressive since we have had mostly doelings this year, and the does seem to be smaller than the buckllings anyway. I have yet to open a bag of Chaffhaye and find a white clump of yeast, but the product has lasted through freezing temps, and now is holding up to our unusually warm (70 degree) warm weather under a tarp. Our goats are also no longer 'struggling' to keep their weight on. A problem I experienced when we first switched. They seemed to be constantly hungry! But now they are happy, fat, and content with their portions of Chaffhaye in the morning, and Equidyne pellets in the evening. Once the pasture gets going, I'm certain there will be super fat goats loafing in the shade this year! Month 6:Six months of Chaffhaye-- coming up!
1 Comment
Cheyanne Gastelum
5/29/2018 09:10:39 pm
How is the Chaffhaye going?
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