Bottle Feeding Instructions for Baby Goats:
Bottle feeding can be a rewarding experience if you have the time and patience to commit to the process. Babies require round-the-clock feedings, and there are several important factors to consider when raising a bottle baby:
1.Always warm the milk before feeding. Baby goats can’t digest cold milk. Heat milk in the microwave or stovetop in a double broiler, and test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before feeding to ensure it isn’t too hot. If heating in the microwave, be sure to stir/shake the milk to get rid of any hot spots.
2. Use a lamb/kid bottle and nipple for feeding. Nipples designed for calves are too large.
3. A baby goat needs to have its tail stimulated when feeding to assist it with going to the bathroom. While it is nursing, use your fingers or a damp warm cloth to rub the top of the baby’s tail head.
4. A baby that is reluctant to take the bottle needs extra assistance. Gently insert the nipple into the kid’s mouth and squirt a bit of milk in. Repeat this process as necessary until the kid latches on and nurses.
5. Bottle baby goats must stay warm. A chilled kid will not nurse and will become dehydrated. Keep your baby goat in a warm environment at all times until it is old enough to be weaned and can become acclimated to the outside. It is also important to note that you should not house your bottle baby under a heat lamp or in wood chips. These sources can be eye irritants. Safe options are hay, straw, towels, and heating pads. Clean bedding regularly and keep your kid dry.
6. Never bottle feed a goat that is lying down. This can cause milk to get into its lungs. Only feed when the kid is standing.
7. Only bottle feed according to the instructions below. Overfeeding or under-feeding can be very detrimental, and even life-threatening.
8. Never feed powdered milk replacer. There are just too many problems associated with it.
This is the formula recipe that I use. Of course raw goat milk is a better option, but this recipe will provide adequate nutrition to your bottle baby. This recipe and the following directions are designed for goats, not sheep. Sheep require different formula and amounts.
Formula Recipe:
1 cup buttermilk
1 gallon whole cow milk
Pour ingredients together and stir to blend
Note: Although it can accelerate growth, sometimes this blend is too rich for baby goats. If you notice changes in your baby’s stools (runny), switch to plain whole milk.
Feeding Instructions:
1 day old
Baby should receive only colostrum for the first 24 hours. Feed 4 oz 6 times
2-3 days
Baby should preferably continue to receive colostrum. Feed 6 oz 4 times daily
4-7 days
Feed milk formula 6-8 oz 4 times daily
1-2 weeks
Feed milk formula 9-12 oz 4 times daily. Give baby access to hay, minerals, and water
3-8 weeks
Feed milk 16 oz 3 times daily. Give access to free-choice hay, minerals, and water
8-12 weeks
Baby may be weaned after 8 weeks, or continue to be bottle fed until 12 weeks. Begin weaning by cutting feedings to 1 bottle a day. Give access to free choice minerals, hay, and water
Good luck with your bottle feeding adventure!