Twins question

mamajohnson · #1 02/05/08, 03:16 PM

I now have 2 sets of twins, in the past I have only had 2 single births. So, I am still pretty new to this.
My question is, What is too soon to seperate the twins from mom overnight?
I went at about 4-6 weeks before, but dont know if twins maybe dont get as much milk?
What do ya'll usually do?
I am ready to seperate my nubian twins (4 weeks old thursday), as I am getting zero milk from mom (ok, maybe 1/2 a pint!)

pookshollow · #2 02/05/08, 03:44 PM

I think it would depend on the mother's supply of milk.

For myself, if I needed the milk, I would separate at about two weeks of age. Since I generally don't need the milk, I leave the kids on longer. I still put the doe on the milkstand twice a day to be sure that they're not sucking on one side only (even with twins!).

Your two will be fine, I'm sure.

I know with my NubianX, she has plenty of milk for her kids, but she won't let me have much when they're nursing. Ever seen a goat cross her legs?

mamajohnson · #3 02/05/08, 04:28 PM

Well, then tonight those two will be separated!
My girl doesnt cross her legs, but she will CALL those two to her and nudge them to nurse before I get to her. Just as soon as she sees me coming!
I thought I was seeing stuff the other day, then she did it again today. I milked her anyway. Got all 2 squirts outta her! lol! ((just to show her I could))
I have always had ample milk before, but I think that is because I didn't have twins nursing!

Blossomgapfarm · #4 02/05/08, 04:42 PM

Last year I separated at about 3 weeks - everybody was fine. My girls would call her kids to them to nurse when they saw me coming as well. Did not take those kids long to figure out better nurse when I come in the door! Then of course I got nothing!

mamajohnson · #5 02/05/08, 06:43 PM

Sometimes goats are too smart for their own good.

dkdairygoats · #6 02/06/08, 03:31 PM

Quote:

I still put the doe on the milkstand twice a day to be sure that they're not sucking on one side only (even with twins!).

Very true. If you want to keep them even you almost have to empty the udders at least once a day. Almost all my kids perferred one side or the other last year.