Quads - Feeding Problem

[nehimama]

I guess I already know what the solution is to this problem, but I thought I'd see what other opinions/ideas are out there among the experts.

Lalaith's quads are five weeks old. They are all fat and stocky; growing well. They are eating hay and snitching mama's grain, and nibbling off the goat block. They cud, and graze and browse along with the adults.

I had planned on letting mama raise them 'til weaning, then continue milking her myself. I get her up on the milkstand periodically, to keep her tuned up, and to check things out.

This morning I found that one of her teats is raw and scabby. The kids' teeth are tearing her up.

I think I need to bottle them (the two doelings are already used to a supplemental bottle, and the two bucklings are always trying to steal a sip). And separate them from mama.

I'm guessing now that bitten-up teats are yet another reason that dairy folk bottle raise the kids from their best milking does.

Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

NeHi

[ozark_jewels]

Yep, you've got the right idea. I have never had a problem with a doe who is feeding twins. One teat for each and no fighting. I have had that problem with one doe raising triplets. They were always fighting over the teats and ripping her up. Now, I have another doe who raises triplets on two teats just fine. What makes the difference?? I don't know. Both are raising two does and a wether. I think the one doe has tougher teats than the other.
Anyway, I've never left quads on a doe, but I have had your problems with triplets.

[nehimama]

Thanks for the reply, Emily. I've separated them as of yesterday. They are all five unhappy. I have Lalaith crying up at the red barn, and four babies screaming themselves hoarse down at the silver barn. Sigh! We'll all get over it, and all will be well; I have no doubt.

All four are taking the bottle just fine.

NeHi

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by nehimama

Thanks for the reply, Emily. I've separated them as of yesterday. They are all five unhappy. I have Lalaith crying up at the red barn, and four babies screaming themselves hoarse down at the silver barn. Sigh! We'll all get over it, and all will be well; I have no doubt.

All four are taking the bottle just fine.

NeHi

Good to hear that all is going well.

[Milk n' Honey]

I always heard that the bucks are harder on the doe's teats. Maybe you could have left the does on?? Good luck to you!!