Feeding Baby Goats

[New2This]

I have a 2 week old and a 4 week old dairy goat. My 4 week old must have had a stomach ache yesterday and didn't eat much, she is eating well again today. My 2 week old seems hungry all the time. Is it ok to start giving them a little goat feed or is it too soon? I am having a hard time finding alfalfa hay is it ok to give them regular hay until the alfalfa hay is available?

Thank you for your responses!! These are my first goats!

New2This

 

[20kidsonhill]

I would for sure start them on regular hay.

 

[New2This]

What about goat feed / pellets is it too soon?

 

[redtailgal]

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=149874#p149874

Goto post 4 for some wonderful info.

Also this page has links to tons of info: (with a whole section for goats)

http://www.backyardherds.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2952-important-links

 

[20kidsonhill]

yes you can start on pelleted feed, they wont show much interest at first, so just a small sprinkle is all they need so you can keep it fresh each day. I find at around 3 weeks they will start mouthing it and by 5 to 6 weeks they are starting to eat it and showing a lot more interest, but I have also heard that dam raised kids are quicker to get on pelleted feed, because they do what their mom is doing.

If they are males, make sure you have ammonia chloride in the ingredients label. Or research ammonia chloride and add some on your own.