They are adorable fluffballs of everything that is good in the world.
And you want one!
Holding squishy, soft, sleepy baby goats is pure joy. And if you’re hoping for the some goaty, cuddly goodness in the future, here’s where you’ll learn how to care for them so they stay nice and fluffy and jumpy for ya.’
No matter how many times baby goats are born here on our little farm, it never gets old!
But before you run to the nearest farm to snatch one up, there are a few things you need to know. Let’s get started!
1. Baby goats are either mother-raised or bottle fed, and it’s important to know which yours is.
If a baby goat has been raised by its mother, then it will nurse from her until about 6-8 weeks of age. If it’s been bottle-fed, then it will drink from a bottle until 6-8 weeks of age. It’s important to know which your baby goat is, because that can determine a few different things in taking care of her early on.
Which is best, bottle-fed or mother-raised goat babies?
You’ll find that bottle-fed babies are more attached to humans because they associate them with food. People can take babies away from their mother as soon as it’s born and bottle feed it, but it’s recommended that if at all possible, the baby should drink from the mother for AT LEAST a few days to obtain that early milk (called colostrum) which can provide a high source of nutrients and immunity for the newborn goat.
How to feed a bottle-fed baby
If your baby goat has never drank from a bottle before, it’s going to need a few days of patience to learn how to do it. A baby goat might refuse the bottle even if it’s time to feed.
The way we’ve been successful at getting a baby goat to drink from a bottle is to try MULTIPLE times a day (8-10 times) by holding the goat and having a helper hold the baby goat’s mouth open while you squirt a little in its mouth for him to realize that all that yummy goodness is on the other side if he can just start suckling. It will take a few tries, but eventually you’ll have a baby draining that bottle in minutes:)
*NOTE* If your baby goat is under 6 weeks and refuses a bottle for more than a day, I’d take her to the vet or call the farm where you bought her from. The biggest concern would be dehydration.
How to feed a mother-raised baby
If your baby goat has been raised from mom and is used to drinking milk directly from her, then you’ll have to decide whether or not you’re going to move her straight to adult goat hay and grain, or if you’re going to try to bottle feed.
My advice is that if the goat is younger than 6 weeks, go ahead and try to bottle feed (along with offering some hay), but if your baby goat is older than that, then go straight to hay, and be sure to incorporate my practices below to encourage a happy tummy during the transition.
*NOTE* Baby goats who have been raised by their mother can be skittish if the mother is skittish around humans. It’s a learned behavior from the mother or if they’ve been abused or chased around by humans. It’s important to spend your first days with a lot of cuddling and feeding so they bond with you!
Supplies you’ll need for bottle-feeding a baby goat
- Baby bottle
- Lamb/Kid nipple
- Goat milk replacement
- Colostrum replacement (If your baby didn’t drink from mom for at least a few days)
2. Baby goats need help in transitioning from milk to hay.
You’d think it would be easy and that baby goats can go straight from milk to hay, but in my experience, baby goats can develop bloating and digestive problems if the transition is made too fast or if they weren’t properly introduced to it early on.
Most likely the baby has been around grass and hay, but it’s probably only nibbled at it here and there. They love their mama’s milk and their bellies are used to it.
What we like to do is be sure to provide probiotics (this is our favorite probiotic for goats) every day for 2 weeks during the transition, and then after that, we give it every week for a month. It really helps with bloating and encourages their rumen to get going with good bacteria production.
3. If you don’t feed your baby goat correctly, it could get very sick or die.
The biggest mistake most new goat owners make is that they go to a local feed store and purchase “goat feed,” thinking that is all the goat needs to survive.
I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH THAT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!
Goats aren’t like dogs. You can’t just go to a feed store, purchase a bag of goat feed and think that will supply your goat with all it needs.
Goat feed is primarily grain, meant to be fed in VERY SMALL AMOUNTS, about a handful a day. Not as a 100% goat food source.
Goat primarily eat hay. There are a few types of hay, namely alfalfa hay, timothy hay, bermuda hay, or sometimes you’ll find a mix of a couple of those in the bale. There are also hay pellets options.
Goats should eat the following:
- 80% hay, goats prefer straight alfalfa hay or a blend of alfalfa & bermuda or alfalfa & timothy (comes in bales, check your local feed stores)
- 15% pasture/weeds/grassy area or hay pellets (comes in 80 lb. bags, check your local feed stores)
- 5% grain (comes in 40 lb. bags, check your local feed stores or order here.)
- Goats also need minerals. You can either purchase loose minerals here and put a spoonful when you feed them grain, or you can purchase a mineral block here.
- Goats also need fresh, clean water, available to them at all times.
4. Goats are great at tolerating heat and cold.
Goats are great at tolerating the heat and cold, but if the weather in your area gets below 30 degrees, you need to be sure you’re providing a shelter for them to go into to keep warm. A dogloo works well for little goats. If the temperature gets above 90 degrees, then you need to be sure you provide shade and cool water.
6. Goats like friends.
If you just bought one goat, now’s the perfect time to turn right around go get another! But seriously, goats need other four-legged companions to be happy, and that doesn’t include dogs or cats. Goats need to bond with a horse, cow, sheep, or another goat to feel that all’s right with the world. And let’s face it, any reason to get another goat is a GOOD ONE!
7. Make sure you have all the supplies you need.
Bottle feeding:
- Baby bottle
- Lamb/Kid nipple
- Goat milk replacement
- Colostrum replacement (If your baby didn’t drink from mom for at least a few days)
Regular feed:
- 80% hay available all day (comes in bales, check your local feed stores)
- 15% pasture/weeds/grassy area or hay pellets (comes in 80 lb. bags, check your local feed stores)
- 5% grain (comes in 40 lb. bags, check your local feed stores or order here.)
- Goats also need minerals. You can either purchase loose minerals here and put a spoonful when you feed them grain, or you can purchase a mineral block here.
Extra Supplies:
- Goat collar
- Hoof shears (they need to be trimmed every month – Read here to learn how to trim goat hooves.
- Goat probiotics
- The Backyard Goat: An Introductory Guide to Keeping and Enjoying Pet Goats, from Feeding and Housing to Making Your Own Cheese.
- Goat brush
Ready to go get your first goat? Read my simple guide here on buying your first goat!
Hi! I am a new goat owner for a year. I have only had weathered boys so they won’t go into rut. I’ve only ever had Pygmy Goats. We are about to get a nanny. I’m not sure about letting the male run with the female for a week but I’m wondering if that would be too long? I also wonder if she should be fed more or need to be on a diet? Thanks!
Hi Alexis-
That’s great you are getting a new doe! As long as the males are castrated they can stay in with the females.
They can be fed pretty much the same thing, unless the doe is pregnant or lactating. If she is then she will need more nutrition. Here’s an article that can help with feeding your goats: https://www.weedemandreap.com/optimal-nutritional-goat-diet/
I hope that helps!
Best of luck with your goats!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello! First off, I love your site! Second, we have never had kids before and our goat just had kids on the 13th. Its been pretty cold, staying around 30 degrees, so we put them inside with their mother. We are building a second home on the property, so we turned a unfinished bedroom into a barn stall. 😂🤦🏼♀️ My questions are: what temperatures can they handle? How old do they need to be to be out in the pasture? Should I tale them out of the “barn stall” and put them outside in a dog house/dog igloo? Any advice would be helpful! Thank you!
Hi Courtney-
Congratulations on your new kids! So exciting!
It is best to keep babies in a place where the temperature is above freezing and they can stay dry and out of the wind.
If the weather is above freezing you can turn out the babies out with their mama after a week or two as long as they are healthy and active. If temperatures drop at night it is best to bring them back in.
I hope that helps! Thank you so much the kind words and best wishes for your newly expanded herd! 🙂
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
So I have a 2 week old nigerian dwarf she weighs 6lbs I got her 3 days ago and she hasn’t eaten much the first day she ate about 1/2 to 1 oz the second day she ate about 2 oz and today she’s eaten about 4 oz I read that there supposed to be eating about 8 oz four times a day , so I’m not sure if its just because she’s new, but I’m not sure what to do. when I first stick it in her mouth she sucks pretty good for about 5 sec then she just lets it sit in her mouth
Hi Harmony-
A 2 week ND goat should be eating at least 4-6oz per feeding with 4-5 feedings per day.
If you have changed from what she was eating before or using a different nipple this may cause problems with her nursing.
If you can find out what and how she was eating before this may help. And whether or not you can feed just as she was fed before, often holding them and making them feel secure while they nurse can help them eat more and in a better fashion. As you bottle feed her also cover her eyes and stroke her tail or gently flick it (mimicking the mother licking the baby). Sometimes these little things will get a kid to nurse.
If she continues not to eat you may have to tube feed her. Try the other things first but don’t let her go to long without eating.
Also check for signs of sickness (fever, diarrhea, etc.) just to make sure that is why she is not eating. You may also want to have a vet check her to make sure she doesn’t have any mouth or tongue problems.
I do hope that helps and your little one starts eating and gaining soon.
Let us know how she’s doing.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi I’m only 11 but have a passion for animals and soon will be moving to my granny and grandpas they have a lot of room as there property used to be a farm I have done plenty of research and know a lot and family parents are willing for me to take on the responsibility what breed of goat would you recommend for me 😀🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐
Hi Kaira-
That’s so great you want to get into goats! A great breed to start with, especially if just for pets, are Nigerian Dwarfs. They are small, making them easier to handle, they have good personalities, and can be milked if you wanted to get into that. Nubians are also a very sweet breed and are fairly easy to find in order to purchase. Plus they are great milking goats. If you wanted to get into meat goats then Boers are probably your best choice.
I hope that helps!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
You may look into Kinder goats. They are very docile and easy to manage. They are a dual purpose goat so good for milk and meat.
I’m looking into getting goats and I found a mom and baby Nubian for sale together. But I was wondering besides Nigerian dwarfs what other breeds do you recommend.
Hi Zachary-
It depends a lot on what you are looking for in a goat and how much space you to have to house the goats to determine what breed is best for you. If you are looking for a small milking breed Nigerians are the best, but if you just want a small companion or meat breed Pygmy goats are best. For large milking breeds I prefer Nubians and for meat I prefer Boers. For a full listing of goats and their characteristics check out this link: https://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats//#content
I hope that helps! Best of luck and Happy Goating! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I have two toggenburg goats that are about 8 or 9 weeks old. I am currently bottle feeding a milk recipe for goats that I have found from goat owners/raisers. My goats are doing really good on this milk and I really wanted to keep them on it, but I am worried they are not getting the vitamins they need. Is there a way I can get them the vitamins they need without having to use a powdered milk replacement?
Hi Jenifer-
I am not sure exactly what the milk recipe you are using has in it, but if it is made from goat’s milk then it is nutritionally complete. Since your goats are getting older and will be moving to solid food you can offer your goats free range minerals and give them supplements and a probiotic as they transition from milk to hay/grass.
Here are some good articles on what minerals and supplements goats need
https://www.weedemandreap.com/supplements-for-goats/
https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
I hope that helps! Best of luck and Happy Goating! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello. I have 2 mother’s that are feeding their babies. They are 6 weeks old now. I plan on keeping two doelings. I was wondering what is the best way to wean them. They all share a pasture won’t it be hard to keep them away from drinking milk from the mother? If I separate them they’ll be bleating all the time. I currently put them in different pens for the night so I can milk the does in the morning. I don’t plan on weaning fully until closer to 12 weeks
Hi Marina-
As the kids get older they rely on their mommas less and less, and both the momma and kids start separating naturally. If you want them fully weaned by 12 weeks you will need to completely separate them from their mommas. Yes, they will call to each other for a day or two, but it subsides quickly and they move on to happy , healthy goats. I hope that helps. Happy Goating! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I just got a baby goat for my son who was in a major car accident lost an eye and has a traumatic brain injury we thought it would help keep him from getting so depressed. The baby we call Delilah is 9 days old today and is so very adorable. We are bottle feeding because mom and sibling passed due to a very stressful delivery. There fore being alone I think is very stressful on her can we get a stuffed animal or even a blanket to put in with her when we are not able to be out with her constantly? Any ideas or suggestions please would be helpful. She’s very happy when we can be out with her witch is a lot and eats great. Thank you
Hi Heidi-
I am very sorry to hear about your son. I think it’s great you got him a companion animal. They say animals can really help people heal in so many ways.
As for your little goat, they definitely need company. They absolutely do not like being alone. It is best if she can have another goat around. I am not sure if you have the capability to have 2 goats, but if you can, this is your best option. Look at getting a small breed of goat such as a Nigerian Dwarf or a Pygmy. They are great company and don’t take up as much space as a larger breed.
I hope that helps. I wish you the very best! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I’m am definitely looking into getting another baby goat will they both bond pretty quick or is it better to keep apart for a day or two. Thank you
That’s super you are considering getting a second goat. Young goats bond pretty quickly. I’ve usually only separated them if I thought there may be a health issue or I wasn’t confident about where the goat came from, in order to protect the goats I already had. I hope it all goes really well!
Hello,
I am picking up three baby goats (5-6 weeks) tomorrow and wondered if the owner says they are already weaned if I need to bottle feed and how much? Also I am traveling 4 1/2 hours to get them, any tips for the road trip? Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth-
At a minimum I keep goats on the bottle for 6-8 weeks, but I like to keep some on for 10-12 weeks. However, if they have been weaned, it’s best not to switch them back onto the bottle unless you see they are not growing. If you do choose to feed them a bottle I would give them 2 bottles/day. The breed will determine how much they eat. As a reference, larger goats like Nubians need about 32 ounces/day when they are 6-8 weeks old.
As for the traveling, I would make sure they have eaten before you begin your trip and haul them in a secured and comfortable location/environment. If they get restless after a couple hours it would be best to take them out and let them walk around using a collar and leash. Allow them access to water at that time too.
I hope your trip goes well! Best of Luck and Happy Goating! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Thanks! I thought about giving them a bottle to get some “bonding” time and make sure they get plenty of nourishment, but maybe not a good idea?
Elizabeth-
Yes, bottle feeding will definitely give you great bonding time! However, so will just spending time with them and petting, brushing, and holding them. If they have only been a weaned a day or so you can still put them on the bottle. It shouldn’t bother their digestive system too much. The added nutrition is nice and why I often feed beyond the 6-8 week mark. And so you know, you can give them some probiotics to help digestive system adjustments as suggested in the article. Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I have twin little boys only 24 hrs old today and have found lice on them but not ther mother im going to treat my outher adults but not the mama and babys is ther anything i can do but picking or combing them out for now? I separated mama and babys from group as soon as baby’s are born as to give her time to her baby’s she is very posesiv and dosent like the outhers near the babys any time she has kid’s. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Katrina-
Congrats on the twins! 🙂
But bummer on the lice. 🙁
This fly spray DaNelle suggests should help with the lice: https://www.weedemandreap.com/homemade-fly-spray-recipe/
You can also shave your goats if it isn’t too cold where you are or they won’t get sunburned.
Some also dust their goats with a mix of sulfur powder, tree oil, peppermint oil, & diatomaceous earth. If you do this just be sure the goats do not breathe it in, as this can cause respiratory problems.
I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi I acquired a 7 week old baby Alpine raised by her mother she was eating grain and hay and grass whenever I bought her should I still give her milk? So far she is doing great. I have gave her a bottle just two times, but she is eating so well I fear I may upset her.
Hi Elizabeth-
Yes, your little one still needs the milk so keep feeding her a bottle. Usually they nurse up to 10-12 weeks, gradually reducing the amount. I hope that helps. Best of luck and Happy Goating!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi Danelle!
Thanks for all of the information. I had goats when i was younger, showed in the local fair and such with our Pygmy goats. My husband and i just got three baby Nubians. Two of them are 6 weeks old and my other baby is 7 weeks old. My question for you is, ive been feeding them 8oz of milk 3x day. (gallon whole milk, 1 can sweetend condensed milk, and 1 cup of buttermilk mixed altogether, this mixture is what previous owner was feeding them) I also put small amount of hay in there pen, they have nibbled on it a little bit. Of course a bucket of water is left in their pen as well. Also have introduced grain, but cut back bc of the diarrhea.. Ever since ive brought them home, theyve had diarrhea… i dont know what to do at this point. What to cut back on or what to give them. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much!!
Hi Christie-
As for what you have been feeding them, I have never used sweetened condensed milk, so that may be your problem. Plus, I wouldn’t use cow’s milk. This is not good for their tummies and makes it hard on their digestion. Also, kids do not need grain and this can definitely cause all kinds of gut issues, from diarrhea to bloat. They may need some probiotics, DaNelle suggests some in her article. She also suggests a milk replacer formula which I think will give you better results than what you are mixing up now. If the diarrhea doesn’t clear up after switching them to the milk replacer and the probiotics, I’d give your vet a call, they may have more serious issues.
I hope this helps. Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Greetings from Paradise Farm in Clarkrange, TN!
First, thank you for all you do. I have subscribed to your youtube and love your website. We are picking up our first goats this Saturday. Very exciting! I have made all the preparations and have a headlamp ready should the temps drop below 30. These goats are only 3 weeks old and on bottle. My question and it may be a silly one but what wattage bulb should I put in the lamp? I see them at various wattages. Don’t want to roast a goat! Thanks and God Bless you and your family!
PS: I started a Youtube channel to document my adventure as well under “KM4IYQ”. Yes, I’m a ham radio operator and Storm Spotter in Fentress county.
Hi Dudley-
Congrats on your new kids! Yes, keeping them warm is important. A good wattage to use for kids (and lambs too) is 175W. And remember, since you will be using a heat lamp, protect it from the hay and straw, and make sure the kids can’t get to the cords and chew them. Best of luck! Thanks for watching, reading, and posting! Happy Goating! -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello! Me again 😂. All is good with the goats and kids. All doing great. The twins are almost a month old and the big boy is almost 2.5 weeks. Everyone is happy and active. No more bloat in mommas. Just curious of 3 things. 1) When do I stop letting the kids jump and climb all over me. They’re still small and light (NDxpygmy). 2) how much grain should mommas be eating while nursing? They get hay, we are working on the pasture area fence and it’s blocked off for a little while. 3) mommas have started turning a little rusty color in their black fur. I am assuming copper deficiency?
Hi Marlene-
We love repeat visitors! 🙂
So glad the goaty family is doing well!
As for your questions:
1. If you do not want your goats jumping on you or others as they get older, it’s best to curb that behavior now. The younger you start correcting it, the easier it will be. So no time like the present to start!
2. This article DaNelle wrote gives some great guidelines on what to feed: https://www.weedemandreap.com/what-do-goats-eat/
3. Unless your does are getting some serious sun bleaching, yes the color change is most likely due to copper deficiency. You can do a hair mineral analysis to be sure though.
Be aware that copper deficiency can mainly be caused by 2 different things. One, they could simply not be getting enough copper (this is the most common reason) and you can supplement their diet with free minerals or do copper bolusing. These articles will help you with that: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
https://hoeggerfarmyard.com/copper-deficiency-in-goats/
Or two, they may be getting enough copper, but the absorption is being blocked by other minerals such as iron, sulfur, calcium, or molybdenum. These usually are from the water the goat is drinking, except molybdenum, which can come from eating a diet high in alfalfa. You can have your water tested and/or reduce the amount of alfalfa your goats are consuming, if you think these are the culprits.
Hopefully this will help you out! Enjoy your goats! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
We have well water if that dose anything. 🤷♀️ will definately look into the copper pills
Most well water is just fine, but it never hurts to check, especially if it is your own system and not from a public water supplier.
Do you have something posted on when and what vaccinations a baby goat needs ? I am buying a male and female nigerian dwarf , and want to keep the two together, I have read that males is able to breed as early as 8 wks, when should the two be kept separate or can they be kept together until a much older age without fear that the female would be bred too soon. thanks
Hi Carolyn-
Here are the diseases to watch out for when it comes to goats: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goat-diseases-signs-symptoms/
Here is the article DaNelle wrote about vaccinations: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goat-vaccinations/
If you want more information on what vaccines are best for your area contact your local county extension office and/or veterinarian.
As for keeping male and female goats together, know that bucks can breed does as young as 7 weeks old. So, you cannot keep them together after 6 weeks of age, unless you castrate the male.
I hope that helps! Happy Goating! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I clicked on the link for the grains through amazon and it said they didn’t have the item anymore 🙁 any other suggestions?
Hi Kacie-
I am sorry the link isn’t working (we will be checking on that). However, grain isn’t really something you need to focus on feeding your goats. Too much grain is very bad for ruminants and should really only be fed as a treat/bribe to get your doe into that milk stand or as a boost of nutrition at the end of the gestation period and when they begin lactating. Focus more on high quality forage that supplies the protein and other nutritional requirements of your goats. If you do want to add grain into your goats’ diet, look for an organic mix that supplies somewhere between 12-16% protein. Just remember, too much grain really upset the balance of a ruminant’s system. The article about what goats eat that DaNelle wrote helps detail some of the grain feeding guidelines: https://www.weedemandreap.com/what-do-goats-eat/
I hope this helps! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi Kacie-
This link for the grains: https://amzn.to/2CWr9As
Hope this helps! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi!
i will be buying pygmy goat in the next 10 days so i was wondering if she can be alone without other goats because my mom doesn`t let me have more than one goat. I also have a rabbit so i was wondering if he can be in her shelter with her?
thank you!
Hi Luna-
It’s great you are getting a goat! However, know that goats are herd animals and just getting one is not a good plan. If goats are by themselves they will constantly vocalize their loneliness. It can drive you crazy. It’s best to get 2 or more goats.
As for the rabbit, if he is in his own hutch that’s fine. As for mixing the two I’m not sure how they will react to each other. I know goats rarely bother chickens or ducks but haven’t had the chance to see rabbits and goats interact.
Here is an article about a few things you should know before getting your goats: https://www.weedemandreap.com/raising-goats-milking-goats/
I hope this helps! Best of luck and Happy Goating! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
please can you give me an example feeding plan for a kid, adult and lactating goat. Its for college. Thankyou!
Hi Amelia-
These articles cover the goats diet:
https://www.weedemandreap.com/what-do-goats-eat/
https://www.weedemandreap.com/supplements-for-goats/
https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
Good luck with school! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi, we have a now three week old pygmy doe that was a preemie, while she is now growing and getting stronger every day , I am going to start introducing hay to her in small amounts, i read several of your comments about also giving probiotics as well , my question is how much and is paste or powder for ruments better?
Thanks so much
Hi Susan-
Here is the probiotic DaNelle suggests:
https://www.amazon.com/Probios-Max-Oral-Tube-60cc/dp/B00310JIL8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1452487215&sr=8-1&keywords=goat+probiotics&linkCode=sl1&tag=weemre-20&linkId=44b03a3d28cb079a0b61e7bb1008bf67
Hope this helps! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi I have 2 ND 4 months old how much hay should I be giving daily? One is more fat after she eats. Any ideas is appreciated.
Hi Dena-
Feeding baby goats can be nerve racking since you want to provide them with the best possible nutrition. If you want to get technical when it comes to kid feed you have to break it down by the goat’s body weight (BW) and the nutrition in the feed you are giving them, including calories, protein, and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.
If you are feeding hay you can get it tested for moisture content, energy (calories), protein, and fiber content. This is only if you really want to know. Testing can get tedious and expensive and is usually not necessary, unless you have a large scale goat production or are having trouble with kids not gaining weight or becoming ill.
Simply offering your goats access to forage in pasture or hay form will suffice in feeding them. They will eat what they need unless they have some sort of disease. So if you see a drop in weight or a lack of growth you know something is wrong. If you are not graining your goats you don’t have to worry about them putting on too much weight. Just make sure your forage is of high quality and your goats are in fact eating, and growing, then you have nothing to worry about. So allow access to forage and if you notice the amount of hay you have given them is wiped out and them seem very hungry add another flake of hay to their next meal. Keep doing this until it seems they are being satisfied. I hope this helps! Happy Goating! -Bobbi
We just acquired week old twin goats. I’ve been researching like crazy and can’t find any info on providing water to our baby goats. At what point should we start offering water and what is an appropriate receptacle for the water?
Hi Farah-
Congrats on the twins! As for giving your kids water just start putting it out there ASAP. This way they get used to it, know it’s there, and when their thirst kicks in (usually when they begin chowing a little hay/pasture) they will help themselves. Just make sure to keep the water clean and fresh. As for what to put the water in, make sure it is something they can reach, a low bucket or trough works well. I do like to have the bucket/trough tall enough so they don’t get in it. Goats, if you haven’t learned already, are just plain ornery. They usually don’t like hanging out on the water, but being kids, they may somehow end up in it. This will obviously get the water dirty, but can also pose a safety risk if they can’t get out. I have found, since most of my kids were born in the cold weather, I just had a heated bucket from the farm supply store that held a few gallons. Always seemed to work well. Just keep the cord away from those little rascals though.
I hope this information helps. Best of luck and Happy Goating! -Bobbi
We bought two baby goats two days ago and they still won’t take a bottle. The people we bought them from think they are 3 weeks. But they said they can’t remember how old they are. I’ve tried feeding them every two hours but they won’t take the bottle. They love to eat grass only. Any suggestion?? Thanks.
Hi Ginger, now’s the time to force feed. They can be stubborn as hell, but if you keep at it, soon they’ll be sucking away!
Our yard has 10 goats. 2 male and 8 females. One of the female just gave birth about 30 hours ago and we’ve not been able to know which one it is. The kid is left alone and has been crying since morning. So you think the mother abandoned the baby?
Hi Foluso-
I am assuming yes, the mother has abandoned it. You may be able to pick out the doe as she may still have some vaginal discharge from birth and her udder should be quite full from not nursing her baby. Plus a doe that looked pregnant before, but now is much thinner, may give her away too. Hopefully you can find the doe and help the baby to nurse off of her. If not, the kid will be a bottle baby. Best of luck! Happy Goating! -Bobbi
I am totally new to this whole world of goats! We had a momma just kid last week and I’m wondering about baby goat poo…I know poo is probably not a topic of choice. Our kids are 4 days old and their poo is runny and orange, they are nursing from their momma is this normal? I’m wondering if it’s like human babies that have that nasty orange poo from breast milk?
Yep, exactly! It’s normal!
Hi,I give my baby goat whole cow’s milk from the store,I read that it’s better then goat kid replacement,and she seems to like it a lot.I really like your website.
Interesting!
I have a baby born about 30 hours ago, nursing and walking around, this is a first time for me! I just don’t feel like the baby is nursing enough. So far she’s been a good mother and I don’t want to step in an bottle feed unless it need too. How do I know if he’s getting enough? She doesn’t seem to let him nurse unless he’s whining and if he’s sleeping then she’s laying down about 5 feet from him. She is a first time mother as well.
You’ll know by how the baby is acting. If he’s crying — she’s not feeding him. If he’s quiet, walking around and being active, then sleeping — he’s getting enough:)
We have successfully used a mixture of buttermilk, evaporated milk and whole milk to nurse kids who were rejected or otherwise did not have a mommy.
I have a two-day old kid who was rejected by its mother & used whole cow’s milk to feed until I am able to obtain its formula & supplements tomorrow. Have you mixed in goat milk powder yet?
I have a 2 week old goat. How much should I feed it from the bottle? Is it old enough stay outside by himself? It whines a lot and doesn’t want to eat much.
Goats will cry if they are left alone (even adult goats) because they are herd animals and will not be happy alone. I would feed him as much as he wants (probably 8 oz.) about 4 times a day.
My daughter has a 5 week old nanny on the bottle and she just st in the last few days will not open her mouth very much. She still takes her bottle n nibbles on feed. We have tried looking in it but she gets very agitated but we don’t see anything in there. Do you have any ides
Hi Teri,
Usually when bottlefeeding a baby goat, you need to force feed. So you need to pry open their mouths and put the nipple in, then squeeze so they get a taste of milk. It takes trying again and again until they get it.
Just curious where you sell your goats? We bought a hobby farm in Queen Creek about a year ago. We are hoping to start a small heard by buying a couple registered Nigerian doelings this Spring. Any suggestions on where to look?
BTW-I love your blog! I’m living the farm-girl dream too and your blog is helping me get there. 🙂
Hi Mary! One of my favorite farms is Miller’s Fairywood Dairy Goats: https://fairywood.roadtojoy.com/home/ They have a bunch of goats I’m actually looking to buy a couple more this year from them!
When should I give my baby goats water or is nursing from their mother enough.
They should always have access to water, but won’t drink it probably till about a week old.
I have three bottle fed goats and they don’t seem interested in water at all. They are about 7 weeks old…eat hay, pasture brush really well, and have access to grain and water. I bottle feed twice a day, and try to get them to “drink” from the water bucket but just don’t want it. Don’t seem to eat much grain at all either, however they have nibbled at the grain. They absolutely love being in the pasture with all the brush and are doing well with that. Just worried about water consumption.
As long as they have access, they’re fine — nature will take it’s course and their thirst will bring them to drink the water:)
Thank you for your blog. It’s been a great help. We’ve learned a great deal from you and your reader’s comments. But I’d like to share a bit of advice to your readers.
There are hundreds of sites out there about raising and caring for goats. And there are hundreds of differing opinions on the proper care of your new found family members.
If you find yourself having questions about an animal’s health, or if you are pursuing a method of treating an issue and are not 100% certain, ask a vet!
Our 8 day old “Chewie” passed an hour ago at the University of Tennessee vet school because we followed the advice of a dozen websites, Co-Op and Tractor Supply “experts”.
The Internet can be a great resource, but ask a vet! An educated answer is almost always free of charge.
Tony,
I think following a vets advice over a non vet is great; however the vets that specialize in livestock is not common anymore. Vets that specialize in goats is even more uncommon.
We are 4 hours away from the closest vet (in any direction) and we are pure ranch/farm/rural. The vet southwest recommends I talk to breeders, as he doesn’t get many goats. The vet 4 hours east claims to be slammed all the time and I can’t get an appointment unless I wait 6 weeks. The vet west of us has 6 vets and they also claim that goats are not common and have to “call me back.”
So, I research. Research. Research. When I need medicine from a vet, I call the one I trust the most and he writes the prescription without me bringing the goat in.
No one is making you listen to others. And PS – the truth is, your goat died and the vets that saw your baby goat AFTER you made decisions, cannot truly see the shape the goat was in before your decisions. The outcome could have been the same if you went straight to the vet.
Sorry your goat died. These guys are particular and effected by a multitude of things.
My doe just gave birth to two kids on Wed night. She did it all on her own, when we came out in the morning two cleaned kids were in the pen with momma. They are nigerian drawf milking goats. The mom is a yr an half old. The babies are now jumping around, kicking, and butting at each other in play. I believe I have have one male and one female kid. The female, seemed to be eating well at first and much more active. Now they are both very active, however the female kid looks thin. I did some reading and it says these types of goats can look thin. She is tall. They are both peeing but sleeping alot. When then are feeding, their tales are wagging and I can see them swallowing. However, they dont feed for very long. This is the first time I have had kid goats and am worried they are not getting enough. The dad is mine as well, and we have separated him. How do I know for sure they are latching on to mom and getting enough milk? I have checked the mom and know the milk is coming out. I had to show the male how to feed and now his belly looks fuller.
I got the dad at three weeks old an bottle fed him, so I knew he was eating. It’s the mom feeding I am not sure of.
Just worried and don’t want to lose them. I appreciate any guidance you can provide. My dad says not to worry they are active and look good.
Hi Julie,
Congrats! I would say if they are nursing, they are getting enough from mama. One way you’ll know if they aren’t is if they cry a lot and follow mama around. You can put mama on the stand and then let the babies nurse for longer to make sure they are getting enough.
How much should a 2 week old fainting goat eat? He’s a bottle baby and I’ve seena lot of different amounts to feed and i don’t want to over feed him but I don’t want to under feed him. Right now he’s getting about 4 ounces 3 times a day. I’ve seen some things say he should get up to 8 and other things say only 3 ounces.
You can’t overfeed a baby goat, they will simply stop eating once they’re full:) So keep offering it and when he’s done, he won’t be interested.
Thank you for this post, it is very helpful. I brought home two doelings and one wether on Saturday- all 6 weeks old. They were dam raised, and then put on the bottle a week before we brought them home, they do not want their bottle. I have tried everything!
They are eating very well, they have constant bermuda, a handful of grain with probios and balancer, loose minerals, water with electrolytes, and I am slowly introducing them to alfalfa. Their bellies are always full and they are settled in now.
However, I am worried that they won’t take the bottle and everywhere else I have read that you should wait to wean them until 8-12 weeks old. Have you raised goats that were weaned at 6 weeks? Did they mature okay? Can I give them any supplements or add calcium into their diet in any way if they do not start taking their bottle?
Also, one of the doelings has a bit of diarrhea (dark greenish to dark brown), her behavior is normal, and she eats and drinks water, is this due to stress or change in diet from her sudden weaning? I want to get her some nutridrench today and hopefully it will get better. She isn’t displaying any symptoms of coccidiosis, should I still give her a treatment? Sorry for loading you up with two very long questions, your advice is greatly appreciated!
It’s normal for a 6 week old not taking a bottle because at that age, they are eating hay and are getting nutrition elsewhere. Every goat that is switched from mom to bottle fights it (just like human babies), but I would say 3 weeks and under are the only ones likely to be successfully switched:)
6 weeks old is a fine time to wean goats:)
I would not give them grain though, it’s just too early and causes bloat.
Hi, first time with baby goats, I received the dad, mom and 2 babies, one boy one girl, 3 days old, look good, but the female is very playful and nurses well, the boy stands or lays there and haven’t seen him nurse, im worried, he felt cold, rectal temp was 100.8, I have him 4 ml of vitamins and milked her and with a syringe have him 6 ml. He pooped and it looked good. But I’m worried about him, why is he acting slow and not moving or nursing, when do I fully intervene?
Hi Lauren,
There are many reasons, sometimes they are born with something genetically wrong or sometimes they have fluid in their lungs and don’t feel well. I would probably bring him inside and keep him warm while bottle feeding to see if he perks up. Bring him outside multiple times a day to mom so she won’t refuse him. If he doesn’t get better within a day or two I’d call the vet. Let me know how it goes!
Help! I just bought 3 Dwarf Nigerian wethers. They are 3 months old, but were just weaned when I took them yesterday. I have alfalfa, grass hay, and goat pellets. They don’t seem to like anything. Should I get some sweet feed (grain)?
Hi Nancy, you definitely shouldn’t feed them any grain, it will make them bloat:) When animals are moved to a new location it’s common for them to not eat anything for 1-2 days. They should start eating soon!
Hi DaNelle! This article really help me out with raising my baby goats! I just have one question. I was wondering if I could feed my 2 two month old’s cows milk? Thanks again!
It’s possible, but for a 2 month old, I would choose to wean them off milk completely instead of try to introduce cow’s milk:)
Am getting at 2.5 month old goat tomorrow….first time goat owner…want to be on track and do things right…what do we need to prepare? Feed recommended & also what type of hay?
Stacy
Hi Stacy, goats prefer straight alfalfa hay or a blend of alfalfa & bermuda or alfalfa & timothy.
We just purchased two one month old bottle fed Nigerian doelings. They are both taking their bottles well, have access to free choice minerals and baking soda and nibbling on our pasture, but i noticed that one of our girls seems to have diarrhea. The local feed store is out of probiotics so i ordered some from Amazon but it won’t be here for at least two more days. I read that you can give them plain yogurt because of the live cultures in the yogurt and i have plain greek yogurt in the fridge but i’m not sure if that will just make the matter worse.
The lady we purchased them from gave us a small vial of Neomycin for scours. Should we go ahead and give them each a dose?
Hi Gabriella,
It’s very possible that they have coccidia, which is common in babies. I think it’s time to take her to the vet and get a fecal to be sure.
I just got a distress email from my friend in Utah (I’m in Wyoming) she purchased a baby goat that is much younger than the person she bought him from told her. She is almost in tears because she can’t get him to eat much, the person she bought him from isn’t taking her calls (that’s a surprise) and she doesn’t know what to do. I grew up on a ranch and we had cows that didn’t take to their babies once in a while and I told her pretty much what you have said in this article. Is there anything else she can do for the little bugger?
I would definitely bottle feed ASAP and if that doesn’t work, a dropper of milk. Also, if they are really little, they won’t be able to maintain their temperature so she may need to be brought into the house and put on a low-setting heating pad.
I have a 17day old bottle feed goat, she takes the bottle very well, she has been wormed, she is always hungry, and will take 8 oz at a time, at first I feed her whenever she wanted, she then got the runs, the man I got her from feels I may be over feeding, you???
Hi Tabitha,
It’s common for baby goats to get an overgrowth of coccidia which can cause, diarrhea which can lead to dehydration and possibly death. I’d suggest either going to your local feed store and getting the coccidia treatment or visiting a vet to be sure. It could also be bloat and digestive discomfort from a goat formula supplement. The best way to be sure would be a vet visit:)
It couldn’t be overfeeding, that’s not really how goats react to overfeeding. A goat who is full wouldn’t eat at all.
Hi, I’ve just been given a kid that is about 6 weeks old – my first goat! I am unable to find any probiotics for animals near where I live and so was just wondering if I could open up some of the capsules from my own probiotics and mix them into the milk before I feed?? Also, if this is possible, not sure what amount I would need to give for them to be effective – any advice you have would be much appreciated!
Hi Trish,
The probiotic blend for goats is a bit different, but human probiotics won’t hurt so definitely go for it if that’s all you have:) Just a half capsule a day should do it.
We just picked up 3 babies this last week. It’s day three and one is taking and bottle & the other two are getting the hang of it but are more resistant because they are a couple weeks older & were nursed longer. I’m hearing mixed things about how often to feed them. How often should I be feeding them and how much? They are all between 2-4 weeks. & how many weeks do i continue bottle feeding for ? my La Mancha will guzzle 16 oz in a serving multiple times a day but my two Nubians are doing 2-4 oz every couple hours. Wondering if I will ever get my life back and be able to just bottle feed morning & might or if it has to be every three hours for the next two months!
Hi Emily!
Congrats! I would try for at least 4 times a day, but if they’re not taking a full bottle, I’d do 6 feedings.
I’m about to purchase a baby goat and some people say goat milk replacement can cause health problems and cows milk is better. Should I still use the replacement?
I’ve heard conflicting info on that. I do think dehydrated goat’s milk is best, but sometimes, baby goats benefit from raw cow’s milk, too. I say, go with what’s most available to you now:)
My baby is 5 weeks old. She eats her bottle really well. She has no interest yet in hay more than just sniffing it and a nibble here and there.
When should I start introducing the minerals and probiotics? I’m thinking now, but I’m not sure.
Thank you for this post!! I am worried about not giving her enough minerals, and such. Glad I came across your post.
I think this is a good time, just understand as they move towards full hay, their rumens can struggle and get a little distended. The probiotics will definitely help!
I bought triple boys that are a week old. They where mother feed the first week. Then I bought them and am bottle feeding them. Two have taken to the bottle really well but the third one I’m having trouble getting him to eat more than 2 oz at a feeding. Any getting that 2oz in takes about 40 minutes of trying. Ive started to trying to feed him every two hours it has helped but it is still a fight. Do you have any suggestions? They are pygmy dwarf goats.
Thanks
Debbie
Hey Debbie,
I would take him to a vet, because it seems he’s not thriving well. In fact, you might want to weigh him to make sure he’s not losing any weight while you’re trying to get him to take a bottle:) Good luck!
Do you also have any methods for bottle and mother raising? Our little one was born early and couldn’t stand until day 2. Now day 3 he is starting to walk a little bit. So I’m having to hold him on her teat and then he doesn’t eat too much so he has to get a bottle afterwards. Any thoughts would be great 🙂
Hi Kaylee,
Yes, that’s a perfect situation! As long as the mother is kind, you should be fine feeding the baby as well.
THANK YOU for this post! My son has gotten into 4-H and he’s going to have a project dairy goat this year, and we’re planning to bring home 1 or 2 additional goats for the family this spring too, so we’re diving in head first. I have a copy of the book you recommended and I’m almost finished reading it, but this is SO helpful as well. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Oh my goodness I wish we had the room! How beautiful!