How to Help Baby Goats to Stand

Newborn goats, or kids, need to stand within a couple hours of birth. They must stand to feed from their mother. The first milk of a goat is called colostrum. This milk is rich in nutrients and helps kick start the kid's immune system. If the kids do not stand within the first couple of hours the mother may think the kid is abnormal and abandon it. Helping a baby goat stand can keep him healthy and help him bond with his mother.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean towel
  • Nutrient supplement (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the kid in a soft, clean towel. Do not make any sudden movements when moving towards the animal. Move slowly and gently place the towel over the goat's body.

    • 2

      Gently pick up the kid by placing one hand behind the front legs and the other on the rear. Do not grab the kid around the middle; you may injure or spread germs to the umbilical cord wound.

    • 3

      Place the kid under the doe's udder. Support the baby for a moment. Encourage the baby to latch onto the mother's udder. Slowly let go and let the baby stand on its own as it drinks. If the baby is not able to stand, massage and straighten his legs with your hands. This should stretch the kid's muscles and assist him in standing on his own.

    • 4

      Give weak kids a dose of a nutrient supplement, such as Nutri-Drench, if they continue to be weak when standing.