Caring for Your New Baby Goat

Congratulations on your new kid! Bringing home a baby goat is exciting, but it also requires daily care and commitment. Please read this carefully so your kid has the best start possible.

Bottle Feeding

Your kid will go home at 6 weeks of age. Even though they will be eating hay and grain, they are NOT fully weaned. They must continue to be bottle-fed until 15 weeks of age.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Feed milk 2–3 times per day when you first bring them home.
• Gradually reduce to 2 feedings per day, then 1 feeding per day as they grow.
• We recommend using high-quality goat milk or a reputable kid milk replacer.
• Always warm milk to about body temperature (101–103°F) before feeding.
• Do not stop milk too early. Early weaning can cause poor growth, stress, and health problems.

Feed & Water

Your kid should also have:

• Fresh clean water at all times
• Good quality hay available at all times
• A small amount of goat grain made for growing kids
• Free-choice loose goat minerals (not a block)

Housing

Baby goats need:

• A dry, draft-free shelter
• Safe fencing (no large gaps)
• Companionship: Goats are herd animals. Your kid needs at least one other goat friend.

Health

Your kid will have been disbudded and received the CDT vaccination and booster. Now, you will need to:

• Continue routine vaccinations as recommended by your vet
• Monitor for signs of illness (scours, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy)
• Trim hooves regularly as they grow

Important Reminder

Baby goats require time, consistency, and daily care. Bottle feeding through 15 weeks is essential for proper growth and long-term health. If you are unsure about feeding or care at any point, please reach out. We are happy to help.