Skinny

ShyAnne · #1 01/09/12, 06:08 PM

Nana kidded 4 days ago. The kid that went to my GF to bottle feed is doing great!

He is on whole milk.
The one I kept, and am letting Nana raise is skinny. I am wondering if I should pull him or give it a few days. He seems fine, healthy and active, not sluggish at all. But I dont want to risk him not reaching his potential. Nana is CAE neg...
But I cant help but wonder if she just isnt producing quality milk? She is eating ok, has her alfalfa and goat feed. She is just a very old goat.

Not really sure what to do... Shes never had a kid look so skinny before, and when compared to her others he looks like he is much thinner.
I have the time to bottle feed, Ive done it before. Just wanted to let her raise him. But if I need to I will....
Just needing opinions...

Thanks in advance...

nehimama · #2 01/09/12, 06:20 PM

You can let her raise him, and supplement with a bottle several times a day. I've done exactly that before. Just get him on it soon, or it will be a huge fight. Good Luck!

ShyAnne · #3 01/09/12, 06:23 PM

I didnt know if that would work... but I am going to try! Thanks, can I start by mixing half Nana milk half whole milk?

nehimama · #4 01/09/12, 06:30 PM

That should work fine. Let us know how it goes, okay?

ShyAnne · #5 01/09/12, 06:47 PM

I will... I am heading out now to try....

mpete · #6 01/09/12, 07:24 PM

Try milking her out.... it may be that her teats are plugging up and the little one is not getting enough...

ShyAnne · #7 01/09/12, 07:26 PM

I had been milking her from the left side... and I think I may have figured out the problem. The side he nurses on ( right)has a very small opening in the teat, much harder to get milk from. The side Ive been milking is very easy, opening is much bigger. But he wont nurse on that side. SO I am taking the milk from the left side, adding whole milk too it and will supplement him several times a day. He was very eager to take the bottle so I know he is hungry

Good news I think

Maybe he will find the "good side"...

mpete · #8 01/09/12, 07:39 PM

Try "hiding" "HIS" teat... maybe wrap a bandage around it so he can get used to the good teat. Or rub "his" teat on the other teat so it has his sent on it... poor guy... glad you caught it!

ShyAnne · #9 01/09/12, 07:47 PM

Thats a thought too....
Although it was quite nice getting to take a few minutes to sit and hold him.....

Ive also heard there is a way to stretch the opening...Not sure if its a good idea or not right now. Or if its going to be worth it...

nehimama · #10 01/09/12, 11:50 PM

So glad you figured out the problem. Who knew?

Backfourty,MI. · #11 01/10/12, 06:54 AM

Stay with them while he starts to nurse & keep nudging him to the good side & he'll eventually get it. Although you'll want to try & keep her even.