New Babies/Doe questions

jtdl · #1 04/06/10, 11:01 AM

The babies were born Sunday evening. When can I start letting the momma out in the yard without them and for how long can they be separated at a time? I have a nasty wether that I don't want to put the babies out with for a long time, but I'm sure momma would like to get out.

I do have a small fenced outdoor area off the barn where the mom and babies can go but when would the babies be good to go out - our daytime temps are ranging from 10-25 C (50-high 70s F) these days.

Also, I have noticed the babies already nibbling/playing with the hay and I also have a dish of grain out for mom, so they are free to get at that as well. The water is in a large pail that they can't yet reach - should I have a smaller dish out for the babies?

Thanks for the help. If you haven't read my previous post, these were completely unexpected babies and I have never had the pleasure of dealing with babies before. I'm just trying to dig up as much info as I can because I know very little when it comes to what should and shouldn't be done for them!

Wags · #2 04/06/10, 11:24 AM

If you can why not pen the wether and let mom and babies out for a romp for a few hours.

Backfourty,MI. · #3 04/06/10, 11:40 AM

After a few days, depending on the size of your penned area You may be able to let them all out together, including your wether. The little guys learn how to run fast & who to stay away from at a very young age. If they have little places to hide or something to get under they learn right where to go. Plus momma will watch out for them very closely. Believe it or not if the doe & wether are herd mates she(momma) is probly lonely for him. Even though she has her kids it's not the same as there adult buddies.
As for the weather those temp's are fine for them to go out & play in, no problem.

Be sure & keep the camera handy, your going to wanna take alot of pictures of those little one's jumping & playing.