My Nigerian Does are kidding and I am unsure what to do next!

[natyvidal]

Hi everyone! Thank you for all your previous help. It’s been very good in helping me understand my ladies.

To refresh the story my two Nigerian Dwarf does gave birth each to a baby in the last 48 hours. I have been reading information what to do next and really I am confused. I never planned to remove the babies from the mother until they weaned them. But, from my readings of professionals they remove the babies after they drink the colostrum and bottle feed them to wean them faster? Why would I want to do that? Can’t they stay with their moms until weaning naturally and then separate or sell babies? (I don’t have the space to keep them all.)

Also, the babies seem to favor one side of the udder. Will it be ok for me to milk the does at the same time they feed the babies?

Even after they are weaned, will I be able to continue milking them?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Babies are removed if you want to milk the doe. Generally kids will drink most of the milk throughout the day that the doe produces, so if you want to keep the milk for yourself than you need to remove the kids, or restrict their nursing. I believe I read some people remove kids at night, and return them in the morning after the doe is milked.

I personally haven't milked goats. I always just let the doe raise them. I think if you wish to continue milking after the kids are weaned you will need to be milking the doe on a regular basis before.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Babies are removed if you want to milk the doe. Generally kids will drink most of the milk throughout the day that the doe produces, so if you want to keep the milk for yourself than you need to remove the kids, or restrict their nursing. I believe I read some people remove kids at night, and return them in the morning after the doe is milked.

I personally haven't milked goats. I always just let the doe raise them. I think if you wish to continue milking after the kids are weaned you will need to be milking the doe on a regular basis before.

I think she wants mom to raise them and if so does she need to wean. I let mom raise them and started offering grain as they got older and weaned themselves pretty much. Well those 2

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Than definitely let them nurse. Mom will wean them eventually or you can sell them anytime after 8 weeks. They should be eating well by than.

 

[cassie]

Yes, you can milk the doe even though the kids are nursing. Yes, you can milk the doe once the kids are weaned. However if the kids are favoring one side the doe is going to end up with a lopsided udder. You could take the kids away and then put them with the doe to nurse. Make sure they nurse on the least favored side. When they are finished, milk the doe out. Once they get the idea of nursing both sides of the udder you can probably leave them with her.