Baby goat, Scours?

[bjm266]

Hello
I have 3 baby goats who are all 12 or 13 days old (born either the 15th or 16th), they have been eating well but I noticed the other day that they were producing a softer poo. This sometimes looked like some firmer poo surrounded by a softer almost puddle, but the poo was on a towel that they had also peed on. But mostly I am seeing the more puddle like formation, not completely water but does not hold a turd, or pellet poop shape. I cannot for the life of me find images of scours in goats versus the "pudding poo" I keep seeing referenced. I have no idea if I should be worried or if this is normal. Any help is appreciated

I did realize that I was feeding the baby's to much as they were drinking nearly 16 oz. 4 times a day (I read in a few places to let them eat as much as they want but found out after this was wrong)
Following the new knowledge 3 days ago I restricted their feed to 10-12 oz. a feeding with 4 feedings a day.
I am feeding DUMOR goat kid milk replacer as I do not have any way to access fresh goats milk for the kids.
I bought electrolyte mix for goats and fed about 5 oz once per goat between milk feedings on 3/27 (this is about what was recommended) but I worry from reading others that maybe this isn't the right thing?
They have had access to alfalfa pellets, and free choice minerals since coming home on March 17th
I gave them alfalfa hay, and a water bucket starting 5 days or so ago.

 

[caprines.n.me]

Sorry you're having that problem. I've had goats for decades but haven't had many bottle babies. When I did I used whole milk. Straight whole cows milk from the grocery store. I know some folks mix it up with buttermilk and such, but I never did that. Just plain cows milk from your local grocery store.

Electrolytes are probably a good idea. I would guess that they aren't real interested in the pellets yet. Hopefully they'll figure it out soon.

 

[Alaskan]

I would try to introduce regular (not alfalfa) hay.

Pellet poo is because of the roughage and dry matter that is eaten.

Also, I would give them a tiny handful of grain every day... just a few bites...

Kids out with the herd start picking at other stuff pretty early on. The tiny bit of grain, and the regular hay will help with rumen development.

 

[Ridgetop]

Grain at this age will be too rich. Overfeeding can definitely lead to scours Have you vaccinated for Clostridia - "over eater's disease" yet? Feeding too much and feeding a diet too rich can cause scours and clostridia.

I would restrict them to the formula. You can dilute it with more water for a day or so to see if you can get the poop to thicken up. Pudding poo is normal at this age on a milk diet. Watch out for watery poop though since that can mean a problem.