Goat kids suddenly skinny?!

[buddhabrahma905]

Why did the kids suddenly get skinnier despite adequate same hay? Loss of winter subcutaneous fat?

 

[cassie]

You are not giving enough information. How old are these kids? What breed are they? What all are they being fed? Do they get any grain? Do they have scours? Are their coats rough?

 

[buddhabrahma905]

Sorry my mom wrote this and she's new to the forum. They're 7 month old nigerian dwarf doelings being fed 2 flakes of alfalfa hay a day with access to green pasture. No grain yet, no scouts, and smooth sleek coats.

 

[enola]

I would suspect worms

 

[cassie]

Pull down the lower eyelid and check the color. It should be a bright dark pink. If it is a pale pink or white they are anemic and that is a symptom of internal parasites (worms).

 

[Stacykins]

Also, what are you giving for mineral? A deficiency wouldn't cause them to be thin, but it can lead to them being unthrifty.

Absolutely vet a fecal sample to the vet to check for worms and coccidia. Have they ever been wormed? Ever been giving a coccidia prevenative? Yes, they're older than the age in which a coccidia preventative is given, but if they never got one and have a high load, it can cause severe problems, specifically with nutrient absorption.

If they're still smooth and sleek, a fecal clears them of worms and coccidia, then they just aren't getting enough calories. Increase their alfalfa, add grain or beet pulp, something to help them to increase their body condition.