How to Care for a Newborn Goat

Your nanny goat has just successfully given birth to a kid and you have observed and possibly assisted in the process. Congratulations! However, your work is not done. In fact, it is only beginning. The newly born goat will be covered in goo, soaking wet and cold. The head will more than likely be enveloped in a membrane that will prevent it from breathing. In fact, the kid may show no signs of life at all. Do not panic, this is normal. To properly care for your newborn baby goat stay calm and follow these guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths
• Towels
• Bulb syringe
• Clean hay
• Iodine
• Feeding bottle
• Colostrum
• Milk
• Corn syrup

Instructions

1. Take a clean cloth or towel and use it to clear away any membranes that may be covering the newborn's head and nose.

2. Wrap another cloth around your hand and insert it into the kid's mouth, removing any mucous or debris from the oral cavity.

3. Stroke the kid's sides robustly with the cloth to stimulate it and to help promote blood circulation. By now, you should be able to observe signs of voluntary respiration. Cover the kid with clean towels to keep him dry and warm.

4. Insert the bulb syringe into the kid's throat and gently, but quickly, suction out any remaining secretions or tissues.

5. Pinch one nostril closed and insert the bulb syringe into the open part of the nose. Suction away as much mucous and fluid as possible. Repeat this procedure with the other nostril. If no bulb syringe is available, you can insert a strand of clean hay into the kid's nose. Jiggle the hay until the newborn sneezes, expelling any remaining debris from the nasal cavities.

6. Place the end of the umbilical cord into a container filled with 7 percent iodine solution. Press the open end of the container against the kid's stomach, ensuring the entire area is well covered in medication, but keeping the idoine solution away from the genitalia.

7. Grab the teats of the mother and give them a strong squeeze to clear out any blockages and stimulate the flow of the milk. Position the kid near the mother and try to interest the baby in taking its first meal by dabbing a bit of milk on the lips. If your efforts are unsuccessful, offer the kid a bottle instead. She can always go back to mom once she gets the hang of suckling.

8. Milk the doe and collect the fluid in a small container. This first milk contains a substance known as colostrum which is very important to the overall health of the baby. Through this first milk the mother's immunities are passed on to the offspring. The antibodies conveyed to the baby will last for approximately 5 weeks. Colostrum can also be purchased at a farm supply store and if you're anticipating any difficulties here, it might be a good idea to have some on hand.

9. Feed the baby 6 to 8 ounces of milk within the first hour of its life, if possible, and then leave the baby to the care of his mother.

10. Watch to be certain the kid has learned how to nurse. If the baby is unable to obtain adequate nutrition from mom, you will have to feed her from a bottle at least 4 times each day. Use fresh goat's milk, if possible, but if goat milk is not available, use cow's milk. To make the cow's milk more palatable, mix 1 tbsp. of corn syrup into each quart.

Tips & Warnings

• If the cord did not break during the birthing process, you will have to do it yourself. Take two pieces of thread and knot around the cord, approximately 1 inch apart. Then cut between the knots with a pair of sharp scissors.

References

• Goat Kidding

Resources

• Caring for Weak Kids