newton's the goats journal

[newton the goat]

The twins were born on the 23rd of March so they are just over a month. And milking newton... I'll give it a try tomorrow, though expect me to come out with some hoof shaped bruises and potentially a stab wound from a horn lol

 

[NH homesteader]

You will likely need a milking stand for that one! You could use cow milk if she won't cooperate. I think you might know a dairy farmer... Lol milk from the grocery store is ok too, whole milk.

 

[newton the goat]

You will likely need a milking stand for that one! You could use cow milk if she won't cooperate. I think you might know a dairy farmer... Lol milk from the grocery store is ok too, whole milk.

I can always get some of the calf starter off of them, or would real cow milk be better? They have 3rd day colostrum milking that they can't put in with the rest because it still has blood in it. Or i can ask for a fresh jug and they will likely let me have some, what do you think is best?

 

[NH homesteader]

I've heard both ways... @Goat Whisperer uses cow milk if goat milk isn't available and I defer to her expertise on this matter! I wouldn't go for colostrum at her age, if you can get real milk that would be what I personally would try to get.

 

[samssimonsays]

People usually use whole cows milk if they are not I sing goat milk But it could be difficult to get her to take a bottle. I'm sorry she is rejecting her. Is there anything wrong with her udder or teats that could be causing discomfort.?

 

[newton the goat]

People usually use whole cows milk if they are not I sing goat milk But it could be difficult to get her to take a bottle. I'm sorry she is rejecting her. Is there anything wrong with her udder or teats that could be causing discomfort.?

No there isn't. .. she's letting the little boy nurse like there is no tomorrow just the little girl gets rammer hard when ever she tries...

 

[Latestarter]

Store bought "goat milk" isn't... it's pure nastiness. Use (store bought or from the neighbor) whole cow's milk or if you feel you have to, use a replacer, just make sure it doesn't have soy based protein. Sorry Newton is being a butt goat...

 

[purplequeenvt]

Check the baby's teeth. They could be sharp and hurting mom when she's trying to nurse.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

I agree with @purplequeenvt
At this age, they don't just reject kids unless there is something wrong.

Is she crying? Is her belly empty? I've seen people get worried when they see the dam kick the kid off, but in reality the kid is still eating.

Is the doeling only trying to eat off the one side of the udder?

Check the does teats again. Sometimes they get small cuts that are hard to see.

You may want to put some udder balm on the dam. Dynamint udder cream is great.

If you still think the doeling isn't getting enough to eat you can start supplementing.
You don't want to do a sudden milk change though. It is best to milk the dam and start mixing the milk, tie the dam up if needed and give her a bucket of grain to help keep her calm. When you don't transition the milk you are giving enterotoxemia an opportunity to rear its ugly head.
I have seen this several times over the last 18 months, it happens. Mix probiotics in with the milk while transporting, that should help.

Was the dam vaccinated (CDT)? Have the kids had any booster shots?

 

[newton the goat]

I agree with @purplequeenvt
At this age, they don't just reject kids unless there is something wrong.

Is she crying? Is her belly empty? I've seen people get worried when they see the dam kick the kid off, but in reality the kid is still eating.

Is the doeling only trying to eat off the one side of the udder?

Check the does teats again. Sometimes they get small cuts that are hard to see.

You may want to put some udder balm on the dam. Dynamint udder cream is great.

If you still think the doeling isn't getting enough to eat you can start supplementing.
You don't want to do a sudden milk change though. It is best to milk the dam and start mixing the milk, tie the dam up if needed and give her a bucket of grain to help keep her calm. When you don't transition the milk you are giving enterotoxemia an opportunity to rear its ugly head.
I have seen this several times over the last 18 months, it happens. Mix probiotics in with the milk while transporting, that should help.

Was the dam vaccinated (CDT)? Have the kids had any booster shots?

Well her belly isn't empty but newton still isn't letting her eat, my dad decided not to give newton her ctd shots because he wanted to go as natural as possible..... I know its not the best idea.... and I am constantly reminded of the fact that if I had the money I would be rushing out to get the vaccines.... actually admitting that they haven't is kind of embarrassing to be honest that they haven't and I feel lie a bad goat care taker (since they aren't mine).... and I've checked gruffs teeth.. they aren't sharp, we've started using udder balm but newton again is miserable everytime we put it on.... in general since having the kids she's just become mean to every living thing except her son.

To prove my point, today was moving day for the goat and her kids. The maternity area was taken apart and newton was put in the sheep field permanently. Now I wouldn't really care if she stayed in the field with the sheep... my problem is dad decided that she gets to stay in the sheep shed with the sheep... WHO ARE ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED OF HER!! As they are going in sara stays behind.. newton especially seems to hate her idk why, and she is hiding behind me absolutely terrified... newton won't let her enter. I had the physically push her out of the way to let my little girl in. Please don't let there be any injuries in the morning.... if newton has hurt one of my sheep I'm going to cry.. seriously. I swear my dad doesn't even hear what I'm saying when it comes to what I'm worried about. He keeps assuring me that they will work it out, but he didn't see how bad they all reacted tonight... I honeslty can't believe how mean newton has become, like what happened to my little cuddle buddy? *sigh*

Well to brighten things since I'm only thinking of the worst case senario up I'm going to be attempting to foster some chicks onto a broody hen soon.. wish me luck