Hobbies And Interests
Birth Supplies
When the goat is being birthed the owner does not need to do anything, but he can intervene by gently helping the baby out of its mother to make the process easier and quicker. After the baby goat is out, you can cut and clamp the umbilical cord just as you would with a human baby. Pick the newborn goat up and place it on a clean towel to remove all the liquid from the baby goat's nostrils and mouth with a suction syringe. Wipe down the animal with a sterile cloth and place it with its mother to let her finish tending to the baby.
Shelter
Preparing a warm and safe place for the baby goat and its mother to spend the first few days of its life increases its chances of survival, especially in cold climates. Section off a space within a barn, shed or a garage and line it with hay. If possible, keep the space a comfortable temperature by either heating or cooling it. Line the area with blankets to allow a cleaner and more comfortable environment. Keep other animals away from the goats for a few days to allow them time to bond and prevent any accidental harm to the baby.
Feeding
It is essential that the newborn get some colostrum from the mother or from a bottle within the first 24 hours; you can purchase it from many farm stores. After the colostrum try to get the newborn goat to nurse or feed from the bottle within an hour of birth. You might have to encourage the animal to drink by rubbing the milk in its mouth and by repeatedly sticking the bottle's nipple in its mouth. Many goat owners choose to bottle feed newborn goats in addition to having it nurse from its mother. Use standard baby bottles with cow milk or infant formula, which provides many of the same nutrients as the goat's milk.
Veterinarian
It is critical that you schedule an appointment with a veterinarian who will give the baby a complete physical once it is over one week in age. The veterinarian can diagnose any problems, test for diseases and give vaccines to the animal. If you are worried about the delivery, many farm veterinarians provide an on-call service and make house calls for births or to treat animals in an emergency.