New Kid Questions - Help!

[ChickMandy]

We are new to goat birthing and our doe had twins yesterday (b/d). Mama was very jumpy about nursing, but we've been able to get the kids latched while holding her.

Here are the issues: doe kid doesn't seem interested in nursing. We've tried to get her to latch, and she will take a few sucks and then slip off. There is colostrum there. We can milk the doe and get some out, and her brother seems to have no problems. His stool has moved to the mustard colour, while hers are still black. Is this normal? She is otherwise playful and getting around. Should we just keep trying to get her to latch?

Other issue: buck kid has a wonky back leg. He's walking and playing fine, is able to get up and lay down, but the left leg is noticeably turned outward. You can see it a little here:



We have not given a BoSe injection yet (picking it up from vet tomorrow) but I spoke with the vet today and he doesn't think this is the result of a deficiency. Do you think if we splinted it, it might straighten out, or is this a genetic/birth defect?

While on the topic of injections - where is the best place to give the BoSe?? I have given med injections to an adult before, but never anything to a kid. I'm a little nervous.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cassie]

The leg will get better in a few days on its own. The doe kid's stool may be black because she hasn't yet consumed enough colostrum to clear the meconium out. Are you sure she isn't nursing when you are not around? Some kids take a while to get hungry. You could try giving her a bottle.