Goats are known for their diverse and adaptable diet, as they are natural foragers and can consume a wide range of plant material.
However, when it comes to non-vegetative food items like eggs, there is some debate regarding their suitability for goats.
In this article, we will explore the question of whether goats can eat eggs, their ability to digest them, eggshells for goats, and our own experience offering eggs to our goats.
Eggs For Goats: Can Goats Digest Eggs Properly
Bottom line: Technically, goats can eat eggs, but they really shouldn’t!
As ruminants, goats have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down and extract nutrients from a variety of plant foods.
They are specifically adapted to digesting very coarse, densely fibrous plant material, relying on the bacteria within their four-stomach digestive system to help them metabolize this cellulose rich diet.
As animal protein, eggs contain a different type of protein and fat than what goats typically consume. And while goats possess the necessary enzymes to digest proteins and fats, there is limited evidence on their ability to effectively digest eggs.
This doesn’t mean that if your goat gobbles down an egg they will suffer from indigestion, rather, your goat will probably be able to pass the egg, but the nutrients within the egg may be lost.
Furthermore, because eggs are outside of a goat’s natural diet, be aware that ingesting many eggs would surely cause serious indigestion and potential bloating.
Do Goats Eat Chicken Eggs
In some cases, goats may consume chicken eggs if they find them accessible.
A good friend of ours houses her goats and chickens together and has reported some mysteriously missing eggs. She guessed that her goats got curious and gobbled a few down, which may be the case.
Note: if you are thinking of housing your goats and chickens together, first read our post on why goats cannot eat chicken feed!
However, we generally recommended discouraging your goats from eating eggs, as it may lead to undesirable habits, digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and can be a waste of valuable resources.
Eggshells For Goats: Calcium Boost!
If you have both chickens and goats on your homestead or hobby farm, and want to make great use of your egg shells, we recommend offering some to your goats!
Egg shells contain 98.2% calcium that is readily available upon consumption. Even better, eggshells can be ground and crunched into an easily mixable powder, or left whole along with other veggie treats for quick ingestion by your goats.
Remember, calcium is a macronutrient needed by goats for proper growth and bone strength. Pregnant and lactating nannies can greatly benefit from a few supplemental eggshells as well, as their calcium needs can increase to over 6 grams a day.
Here at Hobby Farm Heaven, we always mix in our chicken eggshells with the grains and other feed for our pregnant and lactating nannies!
What Foods Do Goats Love The Most
Goats are notorious for their selective eating habits, and their preferences can vary from one individual to another.
For example, we have some goats that love mint herb while others go crazy over pungent sage!
Overall, our goats enjoy browsing on various types of vegetation such as grass, leaves, shrubs, and tree bark found within the rotating paddock we offer them throughout the spring, summer and fall.
They also have a particular fondness for treats like veggies and fruits in moderation, as well as a bit of grain (especially during winter months).
One of the best parts about raising goats is learning their specific food stuff likes and dislikes and keeping their diet fun and varied through appropriate treat foods!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Eggs
Can Goats Eat Boiled Eggs?
Cooked eggs, including boiled eggs and scrambled eggs, undergo a structural and chemical transformation during the cooking process. Therefore, we advise to limit or avoid feeding cooked eggs to your goats altogether.
Can Goats Eat Raw Eggs?
Raw eggs are the most likely egg form your goats will have, and if you want to offer your goat an egg or two, make sure they are raw.
But never offer a rotten egg to your goat! Raw and rotten eggs can harbor bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause infections in goats, leading to digestive issues, diarrhea, and other health problems.
For more ideas of how to cycle your eggshells check out this great homesteading video!
Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Eggs
While goats have a versatile digestive system, eggs are not a natural part of their diet.
While they may consume eggs if given the opportunity, we recommend to discourage this behavior. Instead, goats should be provided with a well-balanced diet consisting primarily of unlimited hay, fresh forage, and suitable goat feed.
Eggshells, on the other hand, can be crushed and used as a calcium supplement, benefiting your goat trip’s overall health.
Finally, remember to always consult with a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist for specific dietary recommendations for your goats!