Feeding goat question

[skipper]

I Got my first goat yesterday she’s a Nubian dwarf I’m pretty excited she’s only 5 days old
She was with her mom until we picked her up so now I’m trying to get her to take a bottle but no luck
I’m using some powder from tractor supply called kid milk
I have her inside today and she’s pretty upset calling for her mom
My question is how do I get her to take the bottle? She’s pretty stressed out and I’m having no luck

 

[Latestarter]

It's probably a couple of issues. First, the seller did you a disservice by selling you a "bottle baby" that wasn't trained to the bottle. Second, the seller should have provided you some goats milk to ease the transition. Third, the kid won't recognize the smell or taste of formula and to her it's not edible. Fourth, were it me, I'd return the formula and try feeding straight whole cows milk from the store. Not 2% or lower... whole milk. You can add a little Karo syrup or molasses to it for quick energy for the baby. You can also add heavy cream or 1/2 & 1/2 to "richen" it, add more fat.

Try covering her eyes so she can't see as you present the nipple to her. Place the bottle under your forearm so she can butt her head up against your arm as she would her mom's udder. It's gonna take patience and persistence to get her to eat/take the bottle. just keep trying. Make sure the milk is warmed and make sure the kid is warmed before feeding. Feeding a cold kid can make it sick.

 

[skipper]

Thank you so much

 

[B&B Happy goats]

Hello Skipper, i know you have your hands full with a bottle baby, @Latestarter is so correct about previous owner doing you a dis service..., first of all , they should of told you goats are social animals and need a companion goat. I personally would not sell a goat that young for many reasons. This is in no way a criticism of you ! I have "rescued" a three day old goat, almost lost her three times.....but she is now almost a year old and is a joy. If you can get her another female (you can bottle feed two as easy as one) she will stay warmer and won't be lonley.....please keep posting on her progress, and would love a picture of your new kids...best of luck to you

 

[skipper]

 

[skipper]

I got her to take the bottle but the nipple doesn’t have a hole in it
There’s a hole on the lid that leaks everywhere though
I’m going to upload a pic please tell me if I need a different nipple style for her or if this nipple needs to be altered

 

[skipper]

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Cut the tip off.

 

[rachels.haven]

That's a pritchard nipple. I don't feel qualified to officially answer you, but I believe you are supposed to poke or cut a tiny hole in the end. Google is your friend. I'd look up "how to use a pritchard nipple" quick and get some groceries in that baby.

I found this.
https://www.backyardherds.com/threads/do-you-cut-the-end-of-a-pritchard-nipple.18645/

 

[skipper]

Yup it said to poke or slice a hole in the end