Raising Goat Kids & Bottle Babies

🐐 Bottle Feeding & Basics of Raising Baby Goats

Welcome! We’ve bottle-fed through blizzards, exhaustion, and the quiet joy of first hops. This guide offers practical care and emotional support for raising goat kids with confidence and heart.

Whether you’re facing your first midnight feeding or your tenth heartbreak, we’re here to walk beside you. If this guide eases even one journey, it’s worth every word and every life it saves.  

⚠️ Please Note: This guide reflects our lived experience raising Nigerian Dwarf goats. For full veterinary disclaimers, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Guide Overview

Click any section below to jump directly to that part of the guide.

• Bottle Feeding Basics
• Real-Life Bottle-Feeding Wisdom
• Basic Health
• Bucklings, Wethers & Urinary Calculi
• Emergency Vet Resources
• Safe Heat in the Kid Pen
• Hay, Grains, Minerals & Water
• Weaning Timeline
• Final Thoughts & Encouragement

 

Bottle Feeding Basics

🍼Before You Bring Home a Bottle Baby

Not every bottle baby is truly bottle-trained. This is one of the most important things we've learned, and it's something we wish more people talked about. Just because a kid is labeled "bottle-fed" doesn't mean it knows how to drink from a bottle. 

If you're buying a bottle baby, ask to see it take a bottle before you leave the farm! Bottle training takes time, and a kid who doesn't know how to drink can go downhill quickly. You should never assume the transition will be easy.

💛 A Note on Temperament Whether bottle-fed or dam-raised, our kids are friendly, well-socialized, and used to human connection. We raise each one with hands-on care, emotional presence, and daily interaction. Bottle babies may bond faster, but dam-raised kids from our herd are just as affectionate and curious. It’s not about the feeding method. It’s about the love they’re raised with.

🍼Bottle & Nipples for Goat Kids

We use standard 8 oz baby bottles, or16 oz soda bottle fitted with a Pritchard nipple and either works beautifully. The Pritchard teat (red rubber with screw-on base) mimics the dam's teat and encourages a natural latch. It's soft, reliable, and easy to clean.

For very young kids, newborn infant Enfamil soft nipples are gentle on the mouth and help encourage early bottle training. However, the hole is usually too small - so we carefully enlarge it with a sterile needle to allow proper flow. Milk should drip steadily, not stream. If the flow is too fast, kids may aspirate. If it's too slow, they may give up or tire out. After each feeding, bottles and nipples are washed with hot water and mild soap, then rinsed thoroughly. 

✂️ Quick Tip: Cut the Pritchard Nipple Downward

Don’t just snip the tip. Slice down from the top, it helps control milk flow and keeps things cleaner. A straight-down cut makes the nipple work better and keeps kids from getting sprayed or frustrated. We always buy Pritchard nipples with the washer included where it screws onto the bottle, many generics skip this, and leaks can follow.

 

Milk Options We Trust

We use our own goat's milk, of course. When you purchase kids from us, we send along about a week's worth of doe's milk to help with the transition. We won't let a kid go until it's at least two weeks old. In some cases, we may allow younger kids to leave, but only if the family has experience.

Milk should be warmed to 100–103°F and stirred well to avoid hot spots. Never microwave milk, heat gently in a pan or submerge the bottle in warm water.

If you cannot find fresh goat milk locally, we recommend using whole cow's milk. It's consistent, affordable, and works well for Nigerian Dwarf kids. Never use powdered goat milk. Whole cow's milk is also widely recommended as the safest alternative when goat milk is unavailable, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Tip! When Changing Milk Types: If you're switching kids from goat milk to cow’s milk or another milk source, do it gradually. Their digestive systems need time to adjust, and sudden changes can cause upset. 

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Morning Digestion Support: Baking Soda & Bottle Timing

We recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to the FIRST bottle of the day. This helps neutralize overnight stomach acid and supports smoother digestion. It's a small, preventative step that can make a big difference in comfort and gut health.

Tip! If your baby seems a bit bloated, trust your instincts. Skip a bottle or space feedings farther apart to give the milk time to exit the system before adding more. Overloading an already upset tummy can lead to bloating, discomfort, or even floppy kid symptoms. We always prioritize digestion over schedule, because a calm belly feeds a thriving baby. 

🌡️ Temperature Matters: Never Feed a Cold Kid

Before offering milk, always check the kid’s body temperature. Feeding a cold baby can cause bloating, aspiration, or digestive shutdown. If the temp is below 101°F, warm the kid first.

Tip: Use towels, a blow-dryer, or a heat lamp. For deeper chill, place the kid in a trash bag up to the neck and gently submerge the body (not the head) in warm water—ideally 100–103°F. Keep the head above water and out of the bag. This method warms safely without soaking the fur.

🍼 Bottle Feeding Amounts (Total Ounces per 24 Hours)

Weight of Kid	10% Body Weight	15% Body Weight	20% Body Weight
1 lb	1.6 oz	2.4 oz	3.2 oz
2 lb	3.2 oz	4.8 oz	6.4 oz
3 lb	4.8 oz	7.2 oz	9.6 oz
4 lb	6.4 oz	9.6 oz	12.8 oz
5 lb	8.0 oz	12.0 oz	16.0 oz
6 lb	9.6 oz	14.4 oz	19.2 oz
7 lb	11.2 oz	16.8 oz	22.4 oz
8 lb	12.8 oz	19.2 oz	25.6 oz
9 lb	14.4 oz	21.6 oz	28.8 oz
10 lb	16.0 oz	24.0 oz	32.0 oz
11 lb	17.6 oz	26.4 oz	35.2 oz
12 lb	19.2 oz	28.8 oz	38.4 oz
13 lb	20.8 oz	31.2 oz	41.6 oz
14 lb	22.4 oz	33.6 oz	44.8 oz
15 lb	24.0 oz	36.0 oz	48.0 oz
16 lb	25.6 oz	38.4 oz	51.2 oz
17 lb	27.2 oz	40.8 oz	54.4 oz

 

🌡️Emergency Formula for Kids Under One Week Old

If you cannot access goat milk and need to feed a kid under one week old, this homemade formula is what we recommend. It’s gentle on the digestive system and has been used successfully by many breeders. But make sure you understand First needs and Colostrum in the section below. 

Emergency Formula Recipe

• 1 gallon whole cow’s milk
• 1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
• 1 cup plain whole yogurt (no flavoring or sweeteners)

Mix well and warm to body temperature before feeding. 100–103°F This recipe is suitable for kids up to two weeks old, but we recommend it especially for those under one week who are still adjusting to bottle feeding. Always test the temperature on your wrist and feed upright.

🍼 First Feeds Matter: Colostrum Timing & Texture

This is what real, fresh colostrum looks like - thick, golden, and packed with antibodies. It’s the first and most important feed your kid will ever get. Ideally, they nurse from the dam within the first 2 hours, but if that’s not possible, we bottle-feed clean, warmed colostrum from our own goats or trusted frozen supply.  

Why It Matters: Colostrum delivers passive immunity, coats the gut, and sets the stage for survival. Without it, kids are vulnerable to infection, dehydration, and failure to thrive. Call around to local goat breeders and ASK if they have any colostrum, we ALWAYS freeze some colostrum for emergencies!

Feeding Posture and Safety

Never feed a goat kid on its back. This can cause aspiration and serious health issues. Let them stand naturally while feeding, making sure they have good footing. Head should be upright. If their legs bow down naturally like drinking from momma, great, but the key is keeping the head elevated and the body secure. If a kid struggles to latch, we stay calm and try again. Patience matters.

Tip! Never Force that last few drops! Most importantly: Let the kid decide when they’re done. They’ll give a little sigh and release the nipple. That’s your cue. Never force the last few drops. That’s the mistake most people make - and it can lead to bloating or refusal later.

How to Assess Each Kid Individually

Every kid is different. Don’t just follow the chart - feel their tummy. It should be round but never firm, and not sunken or poochy. A firm belly can mean overfeeding or gas buildup. A sunken belly may mean they’re underfed. Adjust amounts and frequency based on how they look and feel, not just what the chart says.

Bottles Per Day by Age

• Week 1: 5-6 bottles per day
• Week 2: 4 bottles per day
• Weeks 3-4: 3 bottles per day
• Weeks 8-16: 1 bottle per day (weaning phase)

⚠️ They Always Act Starving - Don’t Overfeed

Bottle babies are wired to act hungry. It’s instinct, not always need. If you’re feeding according to weight and schedule, they’re likely getting enough. Never feed more than 20% of body weight in total milk over 24 hours. Overfeeding can lead to bloat, scours, or floppy kid syndrome (we’ll cover that below).

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Real-Life Bottle-Feeding Wisdom

We don’t follow feeding charts or weights. Over the years, we’ve had more success listening to the kids than measuring ounces. Charts can be helpful, but they don’t replace instinct, observation, and experience.

When training a bottle baby - especially one that doesn’t know how to latch - you’ll need to be hands-on and patient. We wrap the kid snugly in a towel to keep them still, gently open their mouth, but it does take some force to open mouths, then offer the nipple. Sometimes they’ll taste the milk and start drinking. If they refuse, wait a few hours and try again. Repeat calmly. Hunger usually wins out, and once they taste the milk, they’ll begin to drink. 

We’ve trained kids older than 8 weeks using this method. It works. When we send kids home, they already know how to take a bottle. But even trained kids may need coaxing for the first week or two. That’s normal.

Tip! A dab of Karo syrup on the nipple can help encourage interest. Covering their eyes sometimes helps too - it mimics the quiet focus they’d have nursing from their dam.

🍼 Understanding Feeding Charts vs. Intuition

Feeding charts can be helpful - especially for new bottle feeders who want structure and a reference point. The chart below shows how much milk a kid might need in 24 hours based on body weight, using the 10%, 15%, and 20% guidelines recommended by Cornell Cooperative Extension. It’s a great tool for estimating total intake and spotting overfeeding risks.

That said, we don’t follow charts strictly on our farm. We’ve found that listening to the kid, watching their behavior, feeling their belly, and observing their natural stop cues, is far more reliable. Some kids need more, some need less. The chart is here to support you, not override your instincts.

If you’re new to bottle feeding, this chart can help you spot overfeeding and build confidence. But always trust your gut and your goat.

🍼 Bottle Feeding Amounts (Total Ounces per 24 Hours)

Weight of Kid	10% Body Weight	15% Body Weight	20% Body Weight
1 lb	1.6 oz	2.4 oz	3.2 oz
2 lb	3.2 oz	4.8 oz	6.4 oz
3 lb	4.8 oz	7.2 oz	9.6 oz
4 lb	6.4 oz	9.6 oz	12.8 oz
5 lb	8.0 oz	12.0 oz	16.0 oz
6 lb	9.6 oz	14.4 oz	19.2 oz
7 lb	11.2 oz	16.8 oz	22.4 oz
8 lb	12.8 oz	19.2 oz	25.6 oz
9 lb	14.4 oz	21.6 oz	28.8 oz
10 lb	16.0 oz	24.0 oz	32.0 oz

Feeding guidelines adapted from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Bottle Feeding Guide. Always assess each kid individually and consult a vet when in doubt.

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“Warmth, hay, and gentle voices- bonding begins in the kidding pen.”

Basic Health

⚠️What to Watch For

Bottle babies are vulnerable, and they don’t always show clear signs when something’s wrong. Here’s what we look for every day:

• A kid that refuses the bottle may be sick, stressed, or simply untrained. Don’t force it, pause, warm the kid, and try again calmly.
• Cold ears, limp posture, or a cold mouth can signal low body temperature. Always check with a thermometer. If they’re below 101°F, do not feed -warm first.
• Tummy feel matters. A healthy belly should be round but soft. It should never feel firm, poochy, or sunken. If it’s tight or bloated, pause feeding and reassess.
• Loose stool or “runs” (scours) are a major red flag. They can signal overfeeding, poor milk quality, or infection. Act quickly- adjust feeding amounts, check temperature, and call a vet if it persists.
• Behavioral patterns matter. Keep a log of feedings, stool texture, and behavior. Patterns help us catch issues early.
• They always act starving. That’s survival instinct. Not always hunger. If you’re feeding according to weight and schedule, they’re likely getting enough.
• Never feed more than 20% of body weight in 24 hours. Overfeeding can lead to bloat, scours, or floppy kid syndrome (we’ll cover that in Section 4).

If you’re unsure, call a vet. Don’t wait. Early intervention saves lives.

 

⚠️ Floppy Kid Syndrome & Overfeeding

Floppy Kid Syndrome (FKS) is a serious condition that can affect bottle babies, especially when they’re overfed or fed too quickly. It’s caused by metabolic acidosis, where the kid’s bloodstream becomes too acidic. Symptoms include sudden weakness, limp posture, inability to suckle, and a “floppy” feel when held.

We are not veterinarians, so we always recommend consulting a vet if you suspect FKS. That said, here’s what we’ve learned through experience and breeder-backed resources:

• Stop milk immediately for 12–36 hours
• Offer electrolytes like ReSorb or Bounce Back
• Administer baking soda in water (½–1 tsp in 1 cup) to help neutralize stomach acid
• Use C&D antitoxin (not CD/T toxoid) if available
• Consider Milk of Magnesia to help clear undigested milk
• Watch for signs of recovery before reintroducing milk slowly

🦠 Coccidia Awareness & Prevention

This is one of the most important sections in this guide. Coccidiosis kills kids fast, and most new owners aren’t prepared. Diarrhea hits, the kid crashes, and by the time help arrives, it’s often too late. If you’re raising bottle babies, you need a prevention plan in place before symptoms show up.

Coccidia are microscopic parasites that attack the intestinal lining. They spread through bedding, feed, water, and contact with infected feces. Kids are most vulnerable between 3 and 10 weeks old, but outbreaks can happen anytime during stress, weather shifts, or overcrowding.

🧪 Our Cocci Prevention Protocol

We work with our vet to get a prescription for sulfadimethoxine (Albon or similar). We give it: 7 consecutive days starting at week 4, then once weekly every Sunday until 6 months old. This schedule has worked well for us, but every farm is different. You must work with your vet to build a prevention plan that fits your setup. If you don’t have a vet yet, now’s the time to find one. Kids won’t survive the weekend with full-blown coccidiosis.

⚠️ A Note About Over Counter Corid

Corid (amprolium) is available over the counter and often used for coccidia treatment-but it blocks thiamine absorption, which can quickly lead to neurological issues if not paired with Vitamin B1 (thiamine) support. If Corid is your only option: Always follow up with a thiamine injection or oral Vitamin B1, watch closely for signs of weakness, head pressing, or loss of coordination

We prefer prescription sulfa drugs like Albon because they’re gentler on the gut and don’t interfere with thiamine. But every farm is different, work with your vet to choose what’s safest for your kids.

 

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💉 CDT Vaccination Protocol

CDT protects against enterotoxemia (overeating disease) and tetanus—both fast-moving and often fatal, especially in kids.  We use Bar-Vac CDT, which is widely available online or local livestock supply stores.

🐐 Our Dam-First Approach: 

We vaccinate pregnant does one month before kidding so immunity passes through colostrum. Kids from vaccinated dams receive:

• First CDT shot at 4–6 weeks old
• Booster 3–4 weeks later
• Then Annual boosters 

🧪 If Dam Vaccination Is Unknown

If you’re unsure whether the dam received CDT before kidding, or if the kid didn’t nurse well, you’ll need to vaccinate earlier:

• First CDT shot at 1–3 weeks old
• Booster 3-4 weeks later
• Annual boosters every year thereafter

In high-risk cases (like early disbudding or castration), some breeders also administer tetanus antitoxin for short-term protection. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure.

⚠️ Please Note: Kids and adults alike can develop a small injection site reaction. It may swell, form a lump, or even pop and drain on its own. This is usually harmless, just keep the area clean and monitor for signs of infection. If it worsens or doesn’t resolve, consult your vet.

🧬 Deworming & Parasite Monitoring

At 2 weeks old, we deworm kids with 1% injectable ivermectin given orally. Available Online or at Livestock Supply Stores, there are many generic brands, they are the same ingredient, AGAIN we give injectable ORALLY. We repeat the dose 10 days later. This helps control internal parasites early, especially in bottle babies who don’t have dam immunity.

Throughout life, we monitor with fecal testing and FAMACHA scoring. These tools help us catch parasite issues before they become emergencies:

• Fecals show egg counts and parasite types
• FAMACHA detects anemia, often caused by blood-sucking parasites like barber pole worm, but anemia can also come from lice, flukes, or nutritional deficiencies. It’s not a worm test, it’s an anemia check.

We check eyelids, poop texture, and overall behavior. Always keep an eye on the kids’ butts and stool. It’s the fastest way to spot trouble.

🩺 FAMACHA Scoring Matters

YouTube has plenty of goat-related videos, but FAMACHA scoring is non-negotiable. You’ll use it often and you need to know how to do it correctly.

It’s a simple but powerful tool: You check the color of the inner eyelid and compare it to a scale. Pale lids can signal anemia, often caused by barber pole worm or other parasites. It’s not a worm test, it’s an anemia check.

 

🧨 Bucklings, Wethers & Urinary Calculi

I’ve witnessed too many needless deaths from this issue. Please read this section carefully. Urinary calculi-also called UC, water belly, or urolithiasis- is a painful, often fatal condition that affects male goats. It’s preventable, but only if you understand the risks and act early.

Urinary calculi are mineral stones that form in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine. If untreated, the bladder can rupture, leading to a fast and agonizing death. Wethers are especially vulnerable because early castration prevents full development of the urethra.

⚠️ Ammonium Chloride Saves Lives of Bucks & Wethers

This is not optional. If you feed grain to bucks or wethers during their first 8 months, it must contain ammonium chloride. This acidifies urine and helps prevent stone formation. If your feed doesn’t include it, you must top-dress with powdered ammonium chloride.

Once grain is discontinued, ammonium chloride is usually no longer needed—unless you're feeding excessive snacks or treats, which can disrupt mineral balance and trigger stones.

🥣 Feeding Strategies to Prevent Stones

We feed grain to bucks and wethers only during the first 8 months of life. Never beyond. After that, they transition to hay-only diets, which are safer and more appropriate for long-term urinary health. Avoid high-phosphorus grains like corn, oats, and barley unless properly balanced. And never feed alfalfa unless you research and implement how to balance 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

• Stick to commercial goat feeds with a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
• Ensure the grain contains ammonium chloride-this is not optional. It helps acidify urine and prevent stone formation. If your feed doesn’t include it, you must top-dress with powdered ammonium chloride (in vet-approved amounts)

⚠️ Once grain is discontinued, ammonium chloride is usually no longer needed-unless you're feeding excessive snacks or treats, which can disrupt mineral balance and trigger stone formation.

🐐Wethering/banding Too Early Increases Risk

We always recommend waiting as long as possible to wether bucklings. Early castration prevents full development of the urethra, making it narrower and more prone to blockage. The longer you wait, the more time the urinary tract has to mature. 8 weeks is too young, but if in with does you can use a buck apron or band if need be.  If not with does push until 3-5 months old.

Emergency Vet Resources

  Have a Livestock Vet BEFORE you buy goats!

 

My Personal "GOAT TO" sites are, I suggest you bookmark them now!

• Tennessee Meat Goats – Health & Management Articles
• Fias Co Farm – Natural & Holistic Goat Care

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🔥 Safe Heat in the Kid Pen

Let’s be clear: cold kills babies. We’ve seen it firsthand, and we don’t take chances. While some folks say goat kids don’t need heat, our experience says otherwise, especially in colder climates or drafty barns. If you’re raising bottle babies without a dam, heat is essential. Explore safe setups like warming barrels or insulated pens tailored to your space. DIY options abound, but warmth isn’t optional, it’s survival.

We use "Premier One Heat Lamps" seen in the image, they’re designed for livestock and include built-in safety features that reduce fire risk. We never use extension cords, and we always mount lamps securely. If you’re setting up heat, assume the kid will bump, chew, or climb, and plan accordingly. 

⚠️ Important Note: This guide reflects our personal experience and farm-tested methods. It is not veterinary or fire safety advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or certified electrician for medical or electrical concerns. We are not responsible for how others choose to implement these ideas.

🌾 Hay, Grain & Minerals

We offer second-cutting orchard grass hay 24/7 from day one, and we continue this hay for the life of our goats. It’s soft, clean, and easy on the belly. This cut has lower stem content and higher leaf density, making it more palatable and digestible for young kids and adult goats alike. It supports rumen development early on and maintains gut health long-term. We never limit hay access, ever.

Water and minerals are introduced after two weeks of age. Before that, bottle-fed kids get all the hydration they need from milk. Once they hit the two-week mark, we offer fresh water and Sweetlix Meat Maker loose mineral free-choice. Never use a sheep/goat blend, it won’t contain enough copper, and Nigerian Dwarfs need it to thrive.

That said, young kids won’t drink much water at first. It’s normal. They’re still relying on bottles for hydration, and their interest in water increases naturally as bottle feedings taper off. We’ve noticed that goats, especially bottle babies, love warm water. Offering slightly warmed water (not hot) can encourage drinking, especially in cooler weather. Just like milk, warm water feels familiar and comforting.

🚫 Important Warning: Never feed water to a goat in a bottle. This can cause serious health issues, including urinary complications and digestive upset. Water should always be offered in a small bucket or dish once the kid is ready.

Grain starts around two weeks, but only when they show interest. Some kids will nibble early, others take longer. Once they begin gobbling grain, we start a morning and evening grain schedule. They don’t need much, just enough to encourage growth and rumen development. We watch closely for signs of overfeeding, bloating, or loose stool.

For kids under 8 months old, we often use a medicated grain with coccidia guard, available at most farm stores, including Tractor Supply. These feeds help prevent coccidiosis during the most vulnerable growth phase. We don’t list specific brands here, because every farm setup is different. Just be sure to read the label carefully and follow feeding instructions based on the product you choose.

⚠️ AGAIN, Wethers need ammonium chloride! 

Add ammonium chloride in their grain if it does not have it to help prevent urinary calculi. You MUST use this! 

For More information on Goat Care as kids grow healthy, please see our Goat Care Guide. 

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🍼 Weaning Timeline & Transition Tips

Weaning is more than a calendar date-it’s a physical and emotional shift. We watch each kid closely and adjust based on readiness. Typically, 8 weeks is a good time to slow feedings, we enjoy feeding our kids until at least 12 weeks old, at least a pm bottle.

🕰 Signs They’re Ready

• Eating hay and grain consistently
• Chewing cud
• Drinking water from a bucket
• Reaching 2.5-3x birth weight
• Showing independence from bottle or dam4

💬 Emotional & Physical Cues

• Increased vocalizing and pacing are normal
• Clinginess with other kids often replaces bottle bonding
• Appetite may dip for a day or two-watch closely

👀 What We Watch For

• Weight gain and body condition
• Poop texture and hydration
• Energy levels and cud chewing

We prefer gradual weaning over 2 weeks to reduce stress.

 

 💛 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

We’ve learned a lot and sometimes the hard way. But every mistake has shaped our intuition, and every success has deepened our love for these animals. 

🐐We Love Raising Goats! They’re smart, emotional, and endlessly entertaining. They teach us patience, humility, and joy. And they remind us every day, that farming is a relationship, not a transaction.

This guide is our way of passing that relationship forward. You’re not just feeding a baby, you’re building trust, rhythm, and resilience. You’ve got this.

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