Goat kids are obnoxious when it comes to feeding time. x.x And I'm having issues letting them outside. I want them to spend some time outside with momma to learn how to be goats and get some fresh air. Tea's still perfectly happy to visit her babies and let them nurse.
Originally I milked her out, fed them, and then let them out. However despite being fed to the brim they would still chase and hound down her udder.
So I tried feeding them more. Until they wouldn't drink from the bottle anymore. I thought, for sure, they wouldn't try it this time. But again. They were ruthless. Head butting and headbutting and pulling and being absolute BRATS with her.
So I thought, alright. Maybe I'll let them drink from her and then milk what was left. Tea's putting out about four cups per milking, they each drink about one cup. That should work, right? I come out five minutes later, Tea's udder is empty and the babies have to be PAINFULLY full but they are still hounding at her. They got taken away and didn't eat again that night since they'd drank their full days worth.
Even Tea's gotten to the point where she'd annoyed with them. When I let them out they simply spend the entire time chasing her around as she walks away from them. Her teats getting rough and I KNOW she's getting sore because she's become a bit of a difficult milker.
The babies need to go outside to nibble grass and dirt, but Tea's at the end of her rope and I'M at the end of mine. Should I tie a towel around her and keep her udder up and hidden? Or are the babies just going to have to not get mommy time anymore?