I can't tell if our goat kid newborn is nursing

[Ana Robin]

Hi, all.

We have a new freshener who gave birth to 3 kids yesterday. They all stand just fine and wag their little tails as if they are happy. They are not super energetic and do tend to lay around a lot, but I've seen all of them latch on at least once. I never see the runt (only doe out of 3) nurse with an exception of the first time I got her to do it. It's like pulling teeth trying to get the little darling to nurse, at least, in front of me. Should I be worried? This is only our second year with our goats, so still somewhat of a newbie. I have some weak lamb serum ready to go if necessary, but don't want to do anything unnecessary.

Thanks so much!

A Robin

 

[Kiki]

You may want to check out BYC's sister site and ask for help there:
www.backyardherds.com

 

[Mrs. K]

I might pull the more aggressive and active kids away, just have her and mom together for a couple of hours. Thing is, if they don't eat, they get weak, and then can't eat. Especially if there are more aggressive and stronger goats competing for the food. I am not sure if the goat CAN raise 3 kids, she may not have enough milk. If so, I would not separate them, but get one of them to accept a bottle and supplement.

 

[chickens really]

Mrs K is right...Try supplementing the smallest one with a bottle...Congrats on the 3 kids.....

 

[cassie]

If there is any doubt at all, give the kid a bottle. You also need to watch the group. Often if a doe, particularly a young one, has three or more kids, she will reject one, usually the smallest and weakest. This may or may not happen all at once. If you watch, you will notice that when one particular kid tries to nurse, she will allow it to get just a few swallows of milk and then she will walk off. Once a doe decides to reject a particular kid, she won't change her mind so you might as well feed it yourself.