How to Feed a Week Old Pygmy Goat

Ideally, a pygmy kid will be able to nurse from its mother at a week old. However, sometimes human intervention is necessary. Kids may not be thriving, they could be orphaned, or simply rejected by the mother goat. Feeding a week-old goat requires few supplies, but a patient attitude. Goats can be stubborn, and it is important to make the process as natural as possible for the kid.

Things You'll Need

  • Whole milk
  • Baby bottle
  • Rubber nipple
  • Measuring cup
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the nipple with a knife to enlarge the hole. Start with a small "X" cut into the existing hole. Enlarge the hole slightly at first to prevent the milk from streaming out. The goal is to have the milk drip out of the bottle, not stream. A properly enlarged nipple allows the kid to develop sucking skills with enough reward to keep them interested.

    • 2

      Measure 8 ounces of milk in the measuring cup. Heat until the milk is approximately 103 degree; it should be warm to the touch. Feeding your pygmy kid cold, or even slightly chilled, milk causes digestive problems. To encourage feeding, also heat the nipple by running it under hot water for a minute.

    • 3

      Hold the pygmy goat kid in your arms and tilt its head upwards. The kid's neck should be elongated, which will allow the milk to pass through to the correct portion of the digestive system.

    • 4

      Open the kid's mouth with one hand and slide the nipple in. They can be resistant to bottle feeding and may need consistent coaxing to nurse. When you place the nipple in the kid's mouth, squeeze the nipple with your hand so that they can taste the milk. The key is to make them feel comfortable with the bottle and show them that it holds food.

    • 5

      Continue feeding the kid until its stomach is full to the touch but not tight. Once the kid is finished feeding, measure the remaining milk. This is the amount your kid should get at each feeding. Repeat the feeding process seven to eight times a day. At each feeding, your week-old pygmy kid should be drinking at least 4 ounces.