Need help weaning 4 month old

Bedste

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I am separating the doeling and doe 24/7 but I do not want my doe to dry up. She is a milking goat and we need the milk. Do I have to keep them separated forever? Baby cries so much she is hoarse. We are on day 4 of weaning. I usually bottle feed my babies but this year we let nature take its course and now I don't know how to get the baby to stop nursing. HELP
 

Rebbetzin

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We "tape" up the teats. Using paper type surgical type tape. The kids don't like the feel of the tape in their mouth, and soon stop trying to nurse. That way the kids are with their moms, and they are happy except they are unable to nurse.
 

Bedste

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Is it difficult to keep it on?
 

Rebbetzin

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Bedste said:
Is it difficult to keep it on?
Not at all... it is harder to get off at milking time... It stays on very well. It takes about an 6 to 8 inch piece of tape. Start about 2 to 3 inches up the teat, cover the end, go up the other side, then wind the end of the tape around the teat, make sure you cover the entire end of the teat, then press the tape to seal it completely.

To remove for milking, moisten the tape and carefully pull it down from the top to the end of the teat.
 

OneFineAcre

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Do you have the means to keep them seperated? They quit crying after a few days if they are with other goats. I have some seperated now.

Some does will let them start nursing again, no matter how long you seperate.
 

Bedste

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Thanks everyone...... I guess it really is worth it making them all bottle babies for 8-10 weeks. It was so much easier to wean them .
 
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