How Much To Feed Bottle Babies

By Deb Haines

Nutrition is about the kid, not how convenient it is to feed – ask any human mom and they will curse the late night feeding, but also say it is required.

Feeding is based on an assumption that 20-30% of body weight is to be consumed the first few weeks to support optimal growth and health. I broke it down to an ounce per lb scheme to make it easier for people to follow. This also assumes mama milk or a quality goat kid milk replacer – cow milk recipes are sub-standard and will not provide the same energy and nutrients, and the stomach only holds so much.

The amount to feed is *always* going to be 3 to 4 oz (120cc) per 5 lbs of body weight (even of colostrum days 0 thru 2 or 3), the interval changes as get older and that then reduces the percentage. Small changes up or down are fine – the animal may have a faster or slower metabolism

Day 0 to 3 weeks – every 4 hours

3 wks to 6 or 8 wks – every 6 hours (introduce pellets and hay to nibble at 4 wks, and water)

6 or 8 wks to 12 wks – every 8 hours

12wks to 14 or 16 – every 12 hours, tapering down to once per day at 14 or 16 weeks, then quit

This schedule provides a 16 week (4 month) weaning process – it mimics what see in nature. Kids are weaned when they can consume enough grain/pellet and hay to sustain their growth and energy needs – this can be as early as 4 weeks and as late as 16 weeks.

Note…..Those with premature babies that need to syringe feed it might be easier to learn 20 ml per 1lb

IMPORTANT

Bottle feeding baby goats is a time commitment. Like human babies they HAVE to be kept warm. And FED frequently. The younger they are, the less they eat at any given time and the more frequently they have to be fed. You are the one that dictates how much, and how often they eat. If you watch momma goats, they do the same. They will stand to let them nurse and then they walk away. It isn’t the kids that quit when they want. Which means that when you bottle feed them, YOU are in charge. So, that means a set amount to be given each feeding. Do NOT let them eat until they are full. That can cause serious issues up to and including death. Yes, the back of the bag says feed every 6 or 12 hours, but that is not correct for the majority of situations.