3 Week old kid Weened?

[DaFlockinLeader]

I have 2 baby goat kids they were on there mother when I got them so now I must bottle feed. The one has taken the bottle fine the other wants nothing to do with it he is 3 days older then the other one but is drinking water and eating grass and grain just fine. So does he NEED the milk if he is eating fine and everything?

 

[Goatgirl47]

Yes, he needs milk until he is 2-4 months old. It is my understanding that miniature breeds can be weaned as early as 2 months, but with standard-sized goats it is about 3 months.

What breed are they? I'm sure once he gets real hungry he'll take the bottle - possibly with a little urging.

 

[alsea1]

I would be concerned about rumen function and nutritional needs being met.

 

[DaFlockinLeader]

Yes, he needs milk until he is 2-4 months old. It is my understanding that miniature breeds can be weaned as early as 2 months, but with standard-sized goats it is about 3 months.

What breed are they? I'm sure once he gets real hungry he'll take the bottle - possibly with a little urging.

They are Nubian/Boer and Alpine/Boer
If I kinda force it he will take 2 sips then just try as hard as he can to get away from it

 

[Pamela]

If he won't take a bottle, but is drinking water, maybe he would drink milk from a bucket?