Goat Kid Tips : Winter and Cold kids

By Deb Haines

Winter can be stressful to goats and other livestock, Wind chills and prolonged cold increases their need for shelter, food and water. Now is the time to prepare your farm and livestock for the cold, winter temperatures ahead. A thought out plan for your farm will prepare you for unexpected emergencies and will keep your goats and other livestock safe and sound throughout the cold winter months.

Winter can be especially difficult for goats and sheep. Kidding/lambing complications and ill goats and sheep. Body temperature is one of the most meaningful symptoms of sudden illness. Everyone should have a rectal thermometer and know how to use it.Normal body temperature varies from goat to goat, usually temperature of 101.2 to 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit and goat kid temperatures are about one degree higher than adults. Taking a animals temperature shows the onset of infection, high fevers can lead to dehydration etc.

Goat Kids… Very cold and/or wet weather when kidding – Kids lose body energy very rapidly when in cold or wet environments. As a result, they may become cold weak and die. Being able to take a temp you can quickly warm them as needed and attempt to save their lives. One of the first questions your veterinarian is going to ask you is “what is the animals temp ?” We ask the same here on Goat Vet Corner . Be prepared knowing a animals temperature, many times can help save a that animals life.

Having simple supplies like a thermometer and a way to warm up a kid goat can save the animals life. Dr Brown and I have found that fluid bag warmers heated in a microwave and then wrapped in a towel, then placed around the goats body is comfortable and works like a charm ! These homemade warmers can easily be stored when not in use and used over and over again.

How to make a reusable microwavable Kid warmer from expired fluid bag… speak to your local veterinarian about getting a bag.

Supplies needed

• 1) Expired Fluid bag…NOT TO BE USED SQ for covered heat source for body.
• 2) Food coloring of choice( coloring is to identify warmer)
• 3) Syringe and needle
• 4) Towel to wrap heated fluid bottle

DO NOT OVER HEAT BAG! THIS IS TO BE USED LIKE A HEATING PAD