Pregnant Does allowing other babies to nurse

[jodief100]

This is a new one for me.

I have 3 does who could kid any day now, but haven't yet. They are allowing every baby in the barn to nurse on them. I had them penned them up but I really don't want to pen them constantly, they need to get out and enjoy the few sunshiny days we have. I let them out yesterday because it was the first nice day in weeks.

I have concerns that this means there will not be any colostrum for their kids when they are born.

I have had this before but only for a the few hours before they kid, this has been going on for three days.

Anyone know if this is going to be a problem for the kids when they are born? Should I keep them penned up?

 

[elevan]

I can't say with 100% certainty but I would be concerned. Colostrum production is finite, so if those kids have been nursing for days I would be concerned that they have nursed out the colostrum. You could express some milk from those does and likely be able to tell if it's milk or colostrum.

I would nip it in the bud and pen the does and be ready with colostrum when the kids are born.

It's always something with goats, isn't it?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

x2

 

[rebelINny]

Yeah same here. I would say pen them and have colostrum on hand just in case.

 

[Bucking Adoeable Fainters]

I agree also! I'm always prepared (sometimes overly prepared to the point of obnoxious) but I'd
Rather be safe then sorry. if the other Does are due anytime, I don't see an issue with penning.
Good luck! Cannot wait for the new babies!!