Give a Bottle?

[Tiss]

Our ff Alpine had kids while I was away last Thursday. She dropped the little girl, Iris, in the woods (the dog found her) and had the boy up in the barn. We got the doeling back to mama as soon as we found her, but mama is not thrilled with her. She'll only let Iris nurse if I hold her still or put her on the stand. I'm trying to do that at least 4 times a day, but Iris still seems so hungry, it's breaking my heart.

Would it make mama reject her more if I started to suppliment with a bottle?

I really didn't want any bottle babies. I have my once yearly vacation scheduled soon and was hoping the kids could take care of milking for me. I guess she'll have to be sold before I go.

 

[babsbag]

You can supplement her if she will take the bottle, it shouldn't change things with the mom unless you stop trying to get her to nurse. I have had to do this a few boers.

She is beautiful

 

[Tiss]

Thanks! She is a looker and so, so sweet. I got her to take a bottle this evening. I'll still put her under mom on the stand tonight. I just didn't want to risk any hope of mom accepting her, though that's looking bleaker and bleaker. Guess it's time to Craigslist her.