Post by kawynne on Feb 10, 2010 9:54:44 GMT -5
I am new to owning goats and my nubian just had her first doe kid two nights ago. It was close to zero outside and the doe was trying to get away from the kid every time she tried to nurse. Since I was pretty sure I wanted to bottle feed (mostly because with my cow the calves I have kept on her always steal my milk and I didn't want the same thing to happen with the goats) I milked the doe and brought the baby into the garage, which is still cold but not bitter, and fed it her mom's colostrum with a bottle. I since have been feeding the kid only her mom's milk, about 5 ounces every 3-4 hours during the day with a 10 hour break at night. She seems to be doing great.
Now, for my questions. The doe out in the barn is still bellowing and I don't think she is eating enough. When I milked her this morning she was shivering. I did get her to eat her grain after coaxing, and afterward I took her some warm molasses water and she drank that down. How long will it take her to get used to being separated from the kid? I do have another goat out there with her. If I put the baby back out there, will it nurse now?How long would I have to wait to be sure it won't nurse? Will the mom and the other goat accept it?
We are due for some more really cold weather and our barn is not wind proof, though it does provide shelter. Will the baby be too cold?
Any input on what I am doing, and how I could do it better, will be greatly appreciated. It seem such a huge responsibility taking the baby away and I just want to do the right thing.
Karen Wynne
Now, for my questions. The doe out in the barn is still bellowing and I don't think she is eating enough. When I milked her this morning she was shivering. I did get her to eat her grain after coaxing, and afterward I took her some warm molasses water and she drank that down. How long will it take her to get used to being separated from the kid? I do have another goat out there with her. If I put the baby back out there, will it nurse now?How long would I have to wait to be sure it won't nurse? Will the mom and the other goat accept it?
We are due for some more really cold weather and our barn is not wind proof, though it does provide shelter. Will the baby be too cold?
Any input on what I am doing, and how I could do it better, will be greatly appreciated. It seem such a huge responsibility taking the baby away and I just want to do the right thing.
Karen Wynne