Some producers have made mineral feeders from old tires, PVC pipe and plastic garbage cans. If fed outside, a lid is needed is needed to keep the mineral dry. Building plans for feeders are available at most county extension offices. Water Clean, fresh water is a daily necessity for goats. As a general rule of thumb, goats will consume anywhere from to 4 gallons of water per day, depending on their physiological state.
Requirements increase greatly during late gestation and lactation.
Feed intake is positively correlated with water intake. Water can be free flowing or provided in buckets, troughs, tubs, stock tanks or automatic waterers. It goes without saying that water sources should be kept clean and free from hay, straw, and fecal matter. Smaller troughs are easier to drain and clean. Water will be more readily consumed during cold weather if the water is ice-free and during hot, humid weather if the water trough is in the shade.