May be getting a new kid need advice

[breezy B ranch]

We have a chance to get a little buck (nubian/togg) that we would keep for breeding our own goats with when he is older, so that every season we dont have to find a buck to use. My question is can you take him from his mom after a week (that is the soonest we can pick him up) and make him a bottle baby? Will he accept the bottle after being with mom for a week? We would like to bottle him so he is more social with us. We already have a wether that we bottle raised and he is our sweet baby. As we are going to keep this buck intact for breeding we want to make sure he is a people person. Would like to know what everyone thinks? Thanks!!

 

[bjjohns]

We regularly pick up bottle babies at the local auction. Heck got two boers we gave $25 apiece for right now. We've had no trouble with them taking to a bottle so long as they got the always-needed colostrum.

 

[DonnaBelle]

See if you can get some goat milk to transition him over with. You need to do it over about 3 days. Start with 2/3 goat milk on day 1 and l/3 whole cow milk. Next day, l/2 and l/2, final day l/3 whole milk, l/3 goat milk. Also give him some Probios during the transition period.

Also, make sure the milk is warm. Don't give him cold milk.

Good luck.

DonnaBelle

 

[lilhill]

You can do it, but after a week on his dam, you will have a fight on your hands to switch him over. The most important thing is do not give up! You will have to win the fight or he may very well die from starvation.

 

[breezy B ranch]

Thanks all ! I have a goat that is freshened so he will be getting goats milk so I hope that helps also his mama is going to the neighbors so if worse comes to worse and he refuses to eat I can put him back on her. I'll keep you posted and post pics if all works out and we get the little man!