Should I bring in the kids??

[dk_40207]

Well, if you read the thread on new goat questions...you know why.
My concern is that they aren't getting much off momma, cause her udder is so low. We've spent the better part of the day w/ them, and they aren't nursing well.

Thinking of milking momma goat, and bottle feeding them every four hours, till they bulk up a bit. Hopfully it will help resolve a few of the health issues, as well.
Nanny is being patient with me
they will take the bottle....although they aren't really thrilled with it.
I just figure that I can keep them warm, dry(the air has been foggy/moist), and I'll know exactly how much they will be getting.

Should I add anything to the milk?

Whada think?

God Bless,
The Kelleys

[mpillow]

If it means leaving momma by herself....I wouldnt. All they know is each other right now....you'll have to go out to milk mom anyway...make sure the bottles are good and warm (100-105).

[ozark_jewels]

I believe I would leave them out with their mother. Especially if you have no other goats, she will be terribly lonely by herself. If they are with their mother but being bottle fed, they will be friendly towards you, but still learn to be a goat.....best of both worlds.

[HilltopDaisy]

Can you set up a small platform that you can put Nanny on to allow them to nurse? I'm thinking that it sounds like you have time to bottle feed 4 times a day, you could maybe put her up on something so they can reach her teats more easily? After all, you'd put her on a stand to milk for yourself, right? Maybe take a few concrete blocks with a piece of scrap wood on it, just 6-8 inches off the ground. I wouldn't take them away.

Is the area they are in enclosed enough? Are they dry? Maybe you need to shrink down their stall area to help keep them warmer?