bottle baby goat feeding schedule
Baby goats are undeniably adorable, and if you’ve been around them, you know firsthand how true this is. While mother goats often handle feeding their little ones, there are times when the responsibility falls on us. If you’re new to caring for goat kids, this bottle baby goat feeding schedule will help you to set up a routine that will have everyone thriving.
Goat breeding and goat kidding tips will help you set up a feeding routine for the youngest members of your herd.
When we started raising goats, I was set on letting my does handle raising their babies. From the moment the kids were born, I made it a priority to ensure the bond between mom and baby was strong. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, that bond just doesn’t form. For whatever reason, a doe may reject one or, in rare cases, all of her kids, leaving you to step in and take over feeding.
One year, we had the sweetest little doeling who needed us to step in and take over her feedings. It felt a bit like caring for a newborn baby—I suddenly found myself on a feeding schedule I hadn’t really planned for.
Though it was tough in the beginning, those daily feedings built a bond between us that stayed strong the whole time she was with us.
This guide on how to raise dairy goats from the start, is a collection of everything I learned during my first experience stepping in to care for a baby goat. Hopefully, it’ll help you feel ready for whenever you need to step into the role of goat mom
Why should you bottle-feed goat kids?
Bottle-feeding baby goats might not be your first plan, but there are times when it becomes the best option for their care. Don’t worry—even if it feels a bit daunting in the beginning, you’ll get the hang of it. Here are some common reasons why goat owners decide to bottle-feed their little ones.
- People-friendly goats – Many times, goat owners will choose to hand-feed kids. The reason is that bottle-fed babies often grow up to be much friendlier around people.
- Too many mouths to feed – If a doe has triplets or more, she might not be able to provide enough milk for all her kids. You can help by supplementing with bottles or raising one or more of the kids on bottles to give mom and her body a break.
- Rejection issues – As mentioned above, occasionally, a doe will reject her kids and refuse to nurse them. This is when you’ll need to step in with a bottle and take charge of their care.
- Loss of the mother – Though rare, it’s possible for a mother goat to pass away during delivery, leaving you to care for and feed the orphaned kids.
At first, bottle feeding might feel a bit overwhelming, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
The Importance of Colostrum and Baby Goats
Before we get into feeding schedules, let’s talk about colostrum and why it’s so important for a newborn goat’s health.
Colostrum is the very first milk a doe produces within hours after giving birth. It’s packed with essential antibodies and nutrients that help protect newborn kids from infections and give them the energy they need to thrive. That’s why it’s so crucial for baby goats to get their dose of colostrum within the first few hours of life.
Depending on how many kids your does deliver, you might need to step in and supplement with store-bought colostrum. A good rule of thumb is to give about 10% of the baby’s body weight in colostrum during their first 24 hours, spread out over multiple feedings.
For instance, if a goat kid weighs 5 pounds, they’ll need around half a pound of colostrum total, divided into several feedings throughout the day.
Once the kids have had their colostrum, you can move on to feeding them milk replacer formula. Milk replacer is specially made for baby goats and contains all the protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics they need to grow healthy and strong. Be sure to choose a high-quality milk replacer specifically designed for goats, as cow’s milk or other substitutes just won’t have the right balance of nutrients.
Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum | for Healthy Immune System, Gut, and Athletic Performance | Grass-Fed, High in Immunoglobulins | 30 Servings – 120 Capsules
Manna Pro Goat Kid Colostrum Supplement – Feed for First 24 Hours of Life – Helps Promote Healthy Development – Fortified with Vitamins & Minerals – 8 OuncesKaeco Colostrum Powder F/Goats – 9 Oz
How Often Do You Need to Bottle Feed Goat Kids?
At first, you’ll be feeding goat kids pretty frequently, but as they grow, you can gradually cut back on the number of bottles they get each day.
Week 1 – During the first week, kids will eat small amounts. Plan to feed them 4-6 ounces per bottle, 4-5 times a day. This works out to about every 3-4 hours around the clock.
Weeks 2-3 – By week two, you can start spacing feedings out to every 6-8 hours. You’ll also want to increase the milk amount to 7-12 ounces per feeding.
Week 4 – Now, you can stretch feedings to every 8-12 hours, with about 12-16 ounces per bottle.
Week 5 – This is a good time to start weaning your kids, letting them transition to a diet that includes more hay and grain.
Keep in mind, that every goat kid is unique. It’s important to watch their growth and adjust their feeding schedule as needed.
How many ounces of milk should a baby goat drink?
There really is no exact science when feeding goat kids. Typically, a newborn goat kid needs about 16 ounces of milk a day. This comes out to be about 4-6 ounces at each feeding which is 5-6 times a day.
How do you know a goat is full when bottle feeding?
You will know when the goat is full because its stomach becomes taut and round. If the baby goat doesn’t finish the whole bottle, take a break for about 15-20 minutes, then try again. You’ll know that your kid is getting enough milk when it starts to gain weight and becomes more active.
Agri-Pro Enterprises Lamb & Goat Kit Bottle with Original Pritchard Teat – 16 oz24 Pcs Lamb and Goat Kid Feeding Kit Including 3 Pcs 400ml Lamb Feeding Bottles 15 Pcs Goat Nipples 6 Pcs Feeding Tube Kit 60 ml Syringe and 16 FR Tube for Puppies Goat Feeding Baby GoatsGeneric Goat Bottles for Feeding Baby Goats – Specialized Animal Feeding Bottle, White, ABS Material, 800ml Capacity, Soft Nipple, Slow to Medium Flow
Baby Goat Feeding Schedule
Bringing home a baby goat is exciting, but figuring out their feeding schedule can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s a simple breakdown of what their feeding routine should look like during the first few weeks.
Week 1 – Frequent Feeds to Start Strong
During their first week, baby goats need to eat pretty often to get the nourishment they need. Plan to feed them every two hours during the day and every four hours at night. You’ll be feeding them 5-6 times a day, making sure they get enough to grow healthy and strong.
Week 2 – Spreading Out Feedings
By the second week, you can start spreading out their feedings a bit. Aim to feed them every three hours during the day, with longer breaks of about six hours at night. This gives you a little more breathing room while still keeping up with their needs.
Week 3 – Longer Breaks Between Meals
Once the third week rolls around, their feeding schedule can stretch even further. They should be able to go about four hours between meals during the day and up to eight hours at night. Just make sure each feeding session provides enough milk to keep them satisfied and growing steadily.
Gradual Weaning
Around the time they reach three months of age, you can start to wean your goat kids off milk by slowly decreasing their intake.
- Reduce Milk Slowly – Cut one feeding every few days, ensuring they’re eating hay and grain.
- Increase Time Between Feeds – Gradually extend intervals between bottle feedings.
- Wean Fully by 12 Weeks – Transition completely to solid food by 12 weeks of age.
- Provide Essentials – Keep fresh water and goat minerals available at all times.
This gradual process will help prevent stomach upset and make the transition easier for the baby goat.
Goat Kids and Adult Food
A question I hear a lot from new goat owners is, “When do baby goats start eating grain and hay?” Let’s break it down so you’ll know what to expect.
When do baby goats start eating grain?
Grain is great for jump-starting a baby goat’s rumen development. You can put out a small amount of grain as early as one week old to get them familiar with the feeder. At this stage, they’ll mostly nibble or play with it, but they might not actually eat much until a few weeks later.
When do baby goats start eating hay?
As baby goats grow, they develop their rumen, which helps them digest hay and other plants. This usually kicks in around 4–6 weeks, though some curious kids might start nibbling on hay as early as 2–3 weeks. Make sure to offer high-quality hay to support their nutrition as they explore and grow.
Once goat kids are weaned, you can begin a baby goat feeding schedule that covers grain, minerals, and hay.
More Bottle Feeding Tips
While bottle feeding can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to remember that goats are social animals and thrive in herds. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
#1. We found that plastic soda bottles, particularly Mountain Dew, fit the Pritchard nipple perfectly and will save you from having to purchase bottles.
#2. If you’re raising a single goat, make sure to provide them with plenty of interaction and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
#3. Make sure to use proper hygiene practices when handling milk and bottle-feeding equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria.
#4. As your baby goat grows, you may need to switch to a larger bottle and nipple size to accommodate their increasing appetite.
#5. Always monitor the amount of milk your goat is consuming and make adjustments as needed to ensure they are getting enough nutrition without overfeeding.
How to Feed Multiple Goat Kids
Bottle-feeding multiple goat kids might seem overwhelming, but once you have a routine and a setup, you can get everyone fed without all the chaos.
- Get Your Supplies Ready – Prepare enough bottles or use a multi-nipple feeder to make feeding more efficient. Warm the milk to the right temperature before you begin.
- Organize the Kids – Line the kids up or separate them into smaller groups for an easier process. Feeding smaller or weaker kids first ensures they get the attention they need.
- Start Feeding in Batches – If using bottles, feed a few kids at a time while keeping the others secure to prevent chaos. Rotate through until all the kids are fed.
- Stick to a Routine – Feeding at the same times each day helps the kids learn what to expect and keeps you organized.
- Stay Calm and Observant – Stay patient, and if any kid struggles, give them extra care afterward. Adjust your routine as needed to make things smoother.
Baby Goat Bottle Feeding FAQ
1. How much milk should I feed my baby goat at each feeding?
For newborns, aim to feed about 4–6 ounces per session and gradually increase as they grow. By 2–3 weeks, they can handle 8–12 ounces per feeding. Adjust based on their appetite and size.
2. What temperature should the milk be?
Always warm the milk to body temperature, around 102°F (38.8°C). Cold milk can upset their digestion, so test it on your wrist before feeding to ensure it’s just right.
3. What if my baby goat refuses the bottle?
Don’t worry, it happens! The biggest key here is patience. Try adjusting the angle of the bottle to see what works best. You can also gently open their mouth and place the nipple inside to encourage them. If that doesn’t do the trick, try giving the bottle a little squeeze so they can taste the milk and hopefully start sucking. If things aren’t going well, it’s okay to pause, take a breather, and try again later.
Bottle feeding can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your goat kids. It’s important to remember that every kid is different and may require individual attention and care. By following these guidelines and seeking advice from experienced goat owners, you can successfully raise healthy, happy bottle-fed goats.
