Putting weight on a pregnant doe

[2happymamas]

Please, no flaming for this. I feel horrible as it is and don't know how I did not notice it sooner.

I have posted before about our new Saanen doe being bullied by our existing herd (2 mini-nubian does and one mini-nubian wether). It's been so freaking cold here and I have not felt well (first trimester in my pregnancy). As a result, I've not spent much time with the herd and have just fed them and put them in the yard most days.

I noticed last night that the Saanen has become thin. Her hip bones are prominent and the others are obviously not letting her eat much. We put up another hay feeder last week, so there are two in the 10x15 stall they share when not in the yard.

The Saanen, Ruby Mae, is pregnant and due June 11th with 1st generation mini-Saanens. Please tell me if there's more I should be doing.

-Starting last night, I tied up the bully goats at feed time so that each goat has their own food and Ruby Mae gets her share. I am giving her a bit more. They usually get a 50/50 mix of whole oats and Standlee alfalfa pellets. In terms of weight, how much would you give the Saanen each evening?

-Like I mentioned, they have two hay feeders in the 10x15 stall. They have free access to a very good quality alfalfa/grass hay (80-90% alfalfa).

-I put Ruby Mae on the milk stand today for some extra feed. I plan to do this a couple times per day, in addition to the normal evening feed. I gave her one handful of each of the following: alfalfa pellets, whole oats, BOSS, and corn.

Any other suggestions?

[Alice In TX/MO]

For a boost, you can add a bit of a horse feed designed for elderly horses. It's easy to digest and high in carbs and fat. Ask for "Senior Horse" at the feed store.

START SLOWLY. Like 1/4 cup at a time, twice a day. Just top dress what she's getting.

[punchiepal]

Be sure to watch the balance of the grain vs alfalfa pellets to be fed. For every 1 part of "grains" give 3 parts alfalfa pellets. I would leave out the corn. If you don't have a problem with GMO then perhaps beet shreds. They did wonders with our old lady saanen.

[Alice In TX/MO]

I allow a bit of corn in very cold weather. Like this winter.

[Pony]

We grow our own field corn, so the chance of GMO is minimized. It's great in the bitter cold, and has really helped our formerly-scraggly looking ram lamb, too.

[Pony]

2HappyMamas, we won't flame you. Life happens when you make other plans, and we're all just doing our best where we are, with what we have.

You're doing what you can to straighten this out, and what more could anyone expect?

Hope YOU get to feeling better soon. I had severe nausea of pregnancy, and it stinks.

[Clovers_Clan]

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. Ditto on the beet shreds, carbs with fiber. Your feeding plan sounds good.

I know you've got a lot on your shoulders right now but take a peek at her lower eyelids (or take a fecal if you have a convenient vet). Sudden drop in weight can also signal worms, especially if she's been stressed lately. That's the first thing I do if I notice one losing weight. Its a good habit because no amount of feed will fatten a goat with worm problems.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Hope you feel better soon & we get some warm weather.
I agree clipping each goat up to eat. I do that here & then I know the piggies aren't getting most of the food & everyone's getting there share.
I have more hay feeders around than I should for the same reason but that's OK.
Sounds like your doing what you can to help her along now.