I Don't Think Our Nanny Is Nursing

[DrinkTheRainbow]

How can you tell if she is actually nursing?

 

[Haviris2]

Do the babies cry alot? Are they constantly trying to eat? Do they look thin? How does her udder look? Is it overly full and tight?

 

[DrinkTheRainbow]

Umm...they seem pretty full. The one kid looks fine, but whenever she tries feeding the nanny kinda walks away.

 

[glenolam]

How old are the kids? We're talking about a goat, right? (Sorry - just wanted to be sure!)

Is this her first kidding? How many kids does she have?

Kids will usually get quite a bit in just a few seconds so, assuming the kids are older and know what they're doing, they could be nursing very quickly and you just don't see it. If you can give us more information that would help.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

The kids will look skinny and thin since they have not developed a rumen at this point. As long as they are not crying a lot, feel cold, or are weak, they are most likely getting all they need. They won't eat a whole lot at one feeding.

Also, as someone else mentioned, if her udder is hot and tight, she is probably engorged and it probably hurts of the kids to nurse. If that's the case, you'll have to milk out a little so it will be less painful for her.