Milking/Weaning Questions

[huminbird]

I have two nubian does. Both kidded on April 1st (thats a fun story). One rejected her babies and the other took all four of them. Knowing that she couldn't feed all four I have been putting the (bad) mother in the milking stand and letting the babies feed off of her, first four times a day, then twice and now that they are a month old I have reduced it to once a day.

My question is if they are getting enough milk. They all feed off of the good mother all day and all night and the bad mother is giving me almost 1/2 gallon in the morning and then in the evenings I have the babies on her. Is this enough milk for four babies?

Also, when can I have them completely off the bad mother? Should I let them dry her in the evenings for another month or so?

They are all eating grass (but not much grain) and I think they are drinking water but have never actually seen them drink. Any ideas on how to get them to drink water if they aren't already?

Thanks!