Instructions
Observe the nanny goat and kid closely after birth. The nanny should begin to lick the kid all over. This removes the amniotic fluid and sac, so the kid can breathe independently. The nanny's tongue also stimulates the kid's circulation. Nature usually works well, but occasionally, you may need to intervene if the nanny seems to be ignoring the kid. Rub the kid all over with a clean towel, taking care to clean the nose and mouth area of any mucous.
Watch the kid begin to stagger about on uncertain legs and find the nanny's teats. It is important that the kid should get the colostrum that the nanny produces in the hours after giving birth This is high in protein, especially immunoglobulins, fat and minerals. Give the kid this colostrum in a bottle if it does not successfully suck. You may also freeze some of it and thaw it out later. Ideally, the kid should have 12 to 24 ounces in the hours after birth
Consult your veterinarian about vaccinating the kid in its early days. Goats are, typically, vaccinated against tetanus and BoSe. Talk to the veterinarian also about dehorning the newborn goat. You should have the goat dehorned before it is 10 days old. The veterinarian will also castrate the male kids. Begin weaning the goat, so it is eating starter corn and hay by eight weeks old.
How to Care for Newborn Kids
Many people choose to keep goats for wool or mohair, for breeding, or especially for milk. This is because people who are allergic to cows' milk are frequently able to tolerate goats' milk. Goats are relatively easy to care for, though like all farm animals they require suitable housing and feeding. Breeding from your nanny goat is exciting and you will probably find that all goes smoothly. However, it is best to be prepared for all eventualities, and to have a good idea of how to care for the kid in the first hours and days of its life.