Can you bottle feed after a week old?

[ValAnger]

So I have a herd of very skittish goats. I am trying to be around and hand feed them more, which is making them less skittish. However one of my mamas just kidded and she is not only being skittish herself, but now her kids are too. When is too late to bottle feed? They are now a week and I'm just wondering if it's already too late to take from mama.

 

[9chickenwhisperer]

The longer wait the worst it gets. I would separate them now. The dam might be loud for a couple of days but the kids shouldn't be to attached yet. If you wait until they are weaned to separate the the kids will be wild and loud because the got attached.

 

[cassie]

It depends on your kids. I have had some that easily switched from teat to bottle and others that starved themselves to death rather than take a bottle.

 

[cassie]

One thing you can do if you can't get them to take a bottle is to separate the kids and does. Put the kids on the does just to nurse and then separate them again. It goes without saying that you need to handle and play with the kids every day.

 

[Peckadoodle]

Most of the time, yes, but change them quickly. Dip that nipple in honey, hold the baby's head slightly tilted and be patient. Usually takes several sessions.