dam weaning kids at 3 wks?

[Kristi]

My alpine doe, who had triplets 3 1/2 wks ago, is not letting them nurse. For the last couple days now, I see them trying, and she always runs away or kicks them (pushes really, not a mean kick). They have been nibbling hay and drinking water for several days now.

They seem healthy & energetic enough, but I'm kinda worried. I know it's too early for them to be weaned.

I do milk her once/day, and have separated them some nights. (sometimes I forget, and lately I don't want to prevent them from nursing esp if she's refusing them).

She might be letting them when I don't see it, but it just doesn't seem right.

I don't think she has mastitis. I can milk her fine (good size teats and openings). Well, except that she kicks when she runs out of snacks. I have hobbles on order. I also have Molly's worming herbs on order (I didn't realize she needed this after kidding). Both are due any day.

Sorry for the rambling, just kinda worried about the babies. Should I milk her and bottle feed them? Would they take it? I tried giving it to them in a bowl, but they wouldn't have it.

Is there maybe something wrong with her? She's been a great mom so far.

They share a pen with Crazy Aunt Talulah (Clementine's sister), and Granny Annie (an older doe we acquired a couple weeks ago). Talulah and Annie go at it, and both head-bump the babies away from the food sometimes, but I don't think either of them is the problem.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Everything you said sounds normal.

Once the babies start getting older the dams let them only nurse for a few seconds, they do it throughout the day. IMO I wouldn't be to concerned UNLESS the babies look empty/ crying etc.

@SheepGirl put a post up on how to tell if a lamb is nursing, same concept with goats. (Click to go to thread)

How Can I Tell if My Lamb is Nursing?

Not Nursing - The lamb will have a sunken in belly and when you squeeze it, you can feel the sharp points on the side of the spine due to how much you're able to squeeze since there's nothing there (no milk in the belly). The lamb pictured had nursed the night before but the morning the picture was taken did not nurse at all.

Nursing - The lamb will have a full belly and when you squeeze it, you won't be able to squeeze very much. Their belly will be relatively firm. The lamb pictured had nursed throughout the night.

 

[Kristi]

Thanks for that, Goat Whisperer. That was helpful. I did see her stand still for them today, only for a few seconds, and all three were going crazy trying to get a turn. They seem kinda skinny to me, but no more than they always have. They're all legs anyway. And they don't cry much, but do spend plenty of time playing or resting. I just wouldn't want something to be wrong, and I overlook it, because I know things can go downhill fast.

 

[goatboy1973]

Everything you said sounds normal.

Once the babies start getting older the dams let them only nurse for a few seconds, they do it throughout the day. IMO I wouldn't be to concerned UNLESS the babies look empty/ crying etc.

@SheepGirl put a post up on how to tell if a lamb is nursing, same concept with goats. (Click to go to thread)

I agree, sounds like all is normal. Look at how the kids act. Are they running and romping like most 3 wk old kids should or do they look depressed and just stand around with their tails and heads lowered and look sick??? This may be a case of worrying too much and misinterpreting the natural course of a newborn kid's progression. Kick back, chill, and let nature take its course. Goats have been around for several thousand years and survived famine, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, 2 Presidents named Bush , a move to the New World in the 1400's etc... As my favorite Animal Science professor at UT once said, "Don't sweat the small stuff!"

 

[Kristi]

What, ME? Overworry?

OK, maybe you're right.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Now that all the worry is over, you REALLY should put some more pics up of the little darlings!

 

[Goat Whisperer]

How are they doing @Kristi ?

 

[Kristi]

Thanks for asking, they're doing great. Only real problem we ended up with was that the dehorning didn't work. Horns ignored my efforts and are growing anyway. (the two bucklings on the right....I never did the doeling's horns) Don't seem like problematic scurs, tho, from what I can tell. But the babies are big & healthy and starting to eat up a lot of hay - time to find buyers

Mom ended up feeding all three of them plenty, and still gives us up to a gallon a day! Guess I really didn't need to worry! LOL

 

[goatboy1973]

Fine looking Alpine kiddos! Great job! Everyone who loves and raises goats or any livestock for that matter has a bit of worry inside them when kidding season rolls around and it stays there until they are weaned and are self sufficient and don't need momma as much anymore. This is when goats are the most fragile I guess. Once again good healthy lookin' kiddos! I love me some Alpine goats.