This morning I checked the goats and found two baby goats from my brown and white Nubian. The mother wasn't nursing the goats she was kicking every time one got near or I got near. So I got her into the milk stand and milked her a little and then put a kid on her and the kid suckeled well. The second kid wouldn't suck I got some milk into it by using a baster that seemed to help but that kid won't go near the mother. I am worried I will lose that kid. The mother was so sensitive that it was hard to milk her I had to use a hoble, and still there was a fight to get the milk. She is nursing the one kid now but ignoring the other.
I'll update this entry as events unfold.
Update, I have seen both kids nurse on the mother goat now so I am a bit relieved by that observation. Still a bit concerned that one got is not getting enough milk. I will keep an eye on the kid in question and take over for mom if things are not going well.
I think there are two does there, so if they stay healthy that's a going to be a real bonus. Gosh they are cute. Mother is still not thrilled to be handled by anyone. I think there is a chance she will get over the jumping and kicking stage (ya, sure :\)
5 comments:
a lot of nubian owners take the kids away from mom at birth and bottle feed them. I am sure if you bottle feed your kid he will make it. You can keep them in a stall away from mom if she is kicking them.
When I've had a calf that won't nurse, I've used a feeding tube. But never used one on a goat. I've bottle-fed many of them, though.
Things are looking better at the moment, both kids are nursing and Mother is not kicking... thank goodness.
Usually, if you resist your anxiety and leave the mother and offspring alone, they will work it out.
You goats seem to have sorted things out are on the way to becoming a happy charming unit to make your life interesting.
I admire your persistence.
pablo
www.roundrockjournal.com
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