1. Colostrum:
- After birth, it's crucial for baby pygmy goats to receive colostrum from their mother. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother goat, and it is rich in nutrients and antibodies that provide essential immune protection to the kid.
- Allow the baby goat to nurse from its mother for the first few hours after birth to ensure it gets colostrum.
2. Milk:
- If the mother goat is unable to produce enough milk or the baby goat is orphaned, it will require bottle-feeding. Use goat milk or a commercial milk replacer specifically formulated for goats.
- Start with small, frequent feedings of around 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of milk every 2-3 hours. Gradually increase the amount of milk as the kid grows.
- As the baby pygmy goat gets older, you can switch to feeding it milk replacer twice a day.
3. Solid Food Introduction:
- Baby pygmy goats can start introducing solid foods around 1-2 weeks of age. Provide high-quality alfalfa or grass hay that is fresh and free from mold.
- Offer small amounts of hay several times a day to encourage nibbling. Gradually increase the amount of hay as the kid's appetite grows.
- Gradually introduce other solid foods such as grain, fresh vegetables (like carrots and leafy greens), and fresh fruits (like apples and bananas). Make sure to introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive problems.
4. Water:
- Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times. Baby pygmy goats need a lot of water to stay hydrated and support their growth.
5. Feeding Schedule:
- As a general guideline, here's a rough feeding schedule for a baby pygmy goat:
- Newborn: Nurse from mother or provide 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of milk replacer every 2-3 hours.
- 1-2 weeks: Introduce small amounts of hay several times a day.
- 2-4 weeks: Offer milk replacer twice a day and gradually increase the amount of hay and other solid foods.
- 4 weeks+: Reduce milk replacer to once a day and focus on providing hay, fresh vegetables, and grains.
- Wean completely by 8-12 weeks.
Remember that individual baby goats may have different nutritional needs, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian or a knowledgeable breeder to create a feeding plan tailored to your specific baby pygmy goat.