learning curve, from 2 day and up

[oweirdo]

So I did lots of reading about goats. Got lots of advice from my MIL, who ran a goat farm for a long time. But I never expected to be raising 2 day old babies with no mom. We have them in a box in the house over night. We take them outside a few times a day. How old should they be before we let them outside with the herd, when can they stay outside over night?

 

[Pioneer Chicken]

I'd say it depends on several factors. What's the weather like in your area? If it's cold out, they're not old enough to where they can regulate their body temperature themselves.

IMO, they are too young yet to be with the herd. I'd give 'em a few weeks at least till they can learn to hold their own (if you could wait till weaning, that'd be even better). Do you have any other kids? If so, I'd just wait a week or two and then get them used to each other, that aways during the day, your little ones can have buddies and then they just stay inside/ in their stall overnight.

Do you have a stall or something like it for them to stay in? If it's cold outside, I'd suggest deeply bedding it with hay. Find some sweaters for the kids to wear to help them keep in their body heat. Keep an eye on them if they are acting cold(hunched up). If they are, I'd suggest bringing them inside till it gets warm enough or they get old enough to regulate their own temps.

 

[oweirdo]

I put them in the brooder barn for today, with the chicks and the heat lamps... Durning the night I bring them in.

 

[Pioneer Chicken]

I put them in the brooder barn for today, with the chicks and the heat lamps... Durning the night I bring them in.

I'd just be careful about them nibbling on chick feed. It could make them bloat and give you a problem on your hands.

 

[oweirdo]

we left them there while we were at a b-day party. We came home to them sleeping, covered with chicks! Talk about a cute fest!
Tomorrow they will stay inside with us. Not sure how long they will be happy in this box. Are they ok on the pine shavings?

 

[oweirdo]

What is normal 3-4 day old kid poop supposed to look like?

 

[oweirdo]

Should I keep their rears cleaned with a warm wash cloth?

 

[alsea1]

yes you should. Doing that helps to stimulate them to go. the moms do this for them.
If you don't then they could get stopped up. And dirty.

 

[alsea1]

Also, I have noted that the mom's nurse them a little at a time. I guess that way they don't over eat. The mom's gradually lengthen nursing times as the babies get bigger. I have no idea how they know how much is enough.

 

[oweirdo]

4 days old