Weaning Baby Goats

Sherry

Songster
12 Years
Apr 8, 2007
628
2
169
Southern WV
How early is too early to wean? I have two babies that are about 6 weeks old, both are eating well, hay and grain and I assume drinking water.

The reason I ask is tonight I discovered a Mt. Lion has moved into the neighborhood and I am worried about them being out in the pen with the big girls. I don't have room in my barn for all of them (7) and would at least like to get the babies out of harms way.
 
One thing you might try to do is milk the moms and bottle feed the babies. I have heard two differing opinions about the age in which a baby goat can
actually digest grain and hay but one is 2 months and the other is 3 months. I don't like to wean before 3 months but have a few times. Never before 2. You could also use a powdered milk. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night worrying about the mountain lion and my goats or sheep. That really stinks.
 
What got me is like an idiot I went out well after dark to investigate this strange animal noise. I have my spotlight looking around and see eyeshine about 100 yards in front of me, 2 minutes later I hear it 30 yards BEHIND me. I went straight into the house.

Last year I weaned my little ones at 8 weeks. I'm just so worried. If it will stalk me they don't stand a chance.
 
I'm assuming you mean that these are dam raised kids?

Would it be possible to put the kids in a safer pen or stall overnight or when you can't be at home but allow them back in to nurse mom daily? Or you could put the does on the milk stand and allow the kids to nurse once or twice a day until they are a few weeks older?
 
I agree with hobbyfarmer. They are def old enough to be separated at night, but they need to continue to nurse during the day. Good luck....that is so scary!
 
I agree just put the babies in the barn at night and let them out with mom in the morning. Also if a Big cat is close by all of mine would be in the barn locked in tight. We get them every once in a while and my LGD's let me know whats out there.
 
Mine go into a fairly big shed at night and are locked in just like my chickens and ducks are locked in coops at night. I would strongly recommend you get some sort of shelter you can close them in at night.

Maybe also put a couple strands of razor barbed wire on top of your goat fencing for added safety during the day time.
 
Good luck and be careful. I wouldn't say you're an idiot for going out to check. I would have done the same thing. I actually have but luckly only have run up against a fox and a skunk. Then I get DH to bring a gun out.
 
Quote:
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You said that so calmly! I would have run like the wind!
 

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