Pygmy questions! Need advice!

[IL BrosterGoats]

Hello everyone! I just started my account on here and I just started raising baby Pygmy goats. I got them at an auction (not many people raise pygmies around me so I had to go somewhere else to get them) so I have no information about them other than age and that they're weaned. and I've never had goats before. I'm definitely a novice, and need some advice. I have 2 bucks and a ninnie. They are very young. I would say 3-4 weeks.

I tried to see if they will take a bottle of milk replacer but they just won't have it. All they want is grass, alfalfa, and grain.Everyone I've asked says that I don't need to force milk replacer in them since they are weaned. Is this true? Still, my hands are full. I'm nervous about their diet and if they'll survive the cold winter when it's below freezing. (Although I have loaded up their bed with tons of straw plus there's 3 of them) Right now I give them a little over a cup of horse/goat feed, twice a day. And all the alfalfa hay they want. They can also pick grass since there is some that's grown up where I'm keeping them. Is it okay to extend the pen into the yard where they can pick grass all day? I don't see them drink much water. Is this normal? Should I be syringe feeding them milk replacer or will they be okay? I don't see why I need to give them milk replacer if they don't want it and if they are eating solid foods.

I have more questions, but I feel like I've asked too many for now. I hope a lot of people reply because I would like to hear people's opinions and I really need some help!!! Please help this worried mom! Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If they are eating solid foods don't worry about feeding replacer. They are probably older, like 8 weeks if they are eating hay.

Be very careful feeding grains, go lightly as grains can kill. Focus more on a good grass hay mix and maybe a small handful of grains. Always make any dietary changes slowly with goats.

Goats don't drink a lot of water so that's normal. Are you planning on neutering at least one of the males?

You will also need a good loose goat mineral and baking soda, both offered free choice.

 

[IL BrosterGoats]

@oldhenlikesdogs
I bought them a mineral block. I'm working on a feeder to put baking soda in. Does any baking soda work? I don't know if they are brother and sister unfortunately, I never got to talk to the previous owner. Although I went to the same auction 2 weekends ago and they had a crate of 4 baby pygmies the same size as mine. That exact same crate was what mine were in at the last auction when I bought them. So I believe they can't all be brother and sister.

I don't know if you know much about breeding Pygmys, but I have some questions. I'm going to start a new thread with some questions about that.
Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I buy the big boxes of baking soda found in the baking aisle. It can help keep their rumen from becoming too acidic and prevents bloat. Mine consume more baking soda in summer while on pasture and less during winter while eating hay.

It's better to use a loose mineral because goats will scrape the blocks with their teeth and could break or wear their teeth down. They don't seem to have to patience to lick them. Also make sure it's a goat mineral which contains copper which goats need.