Birthing, Weaning, and Raising Young Goats – Let’s Talk Kids! 🐐💕

[BYH Project Manager]

There’s nothing quite like the excitement (and nerves) that come with kidding season. One minute, you’re anxiously checking the barn every few hours, and the next, you’re watching tiny wobbly legs take their first steps. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of keeping goats—but also one of the most unpredictable.

Every goat owner knows that birth and baby care can bring a mix of joy, stress, and sleepless nights. Sometimes things go perfectly, and other times you’re up at 2 a.m. with a towel and a bottle, trying to help a little one find its way. From making sure mama is healthy and comfortable to figuring out when and how to wean, there’s always something to learn.

Some people prefer to let their does raise the kids naturally. Others step in to bottle-feed for gentler, friendlier babies or for health reasons. Then comes the weaning stage—always a bit noisy, always a little bittersweet. And once those babies start bouncing around and testing their limits, well, you quickly realize they’re a handful!

So let’s share experiences and wisdom from the barn.

• How do you prepare your does for birthing season?
• What’s your approach to helping newborns thrive?
• Do you bottle-feed or let the moms handle it?
• How do you manage weaning time without too much stress (for you and the kids)?

Your stories and advice could make a big difference for new goat owners—or even give experienced keepers a few new ideas.

So, how do you handle birthing, weaning, and raising kids on your farm? What lessons have you learned along the way?