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I have 2 nigerian dwarf goats just got tonight? What to feed?

I just got two nigerian dwarf goats tonight. I was told they are already eating hard feed. They are 4 weeks old. I have been researching online and it says they need milk for the first 2 months (8 weeks). I have never owned goats before, so I am hoping someone on Y! answers will be able to help me. What should I be feeding them? How much? How many times daily? Any help is appreciated! I'll go out tomorrow morning and buy what they need.

Public Comments

1. i think apples,carrot's,a little goat milk, anything adults whould eat
2. Wow. I'm surprised that someone sold them to you at 4 weeks. I don't like to let my babies go until they're 8 weeks, because as you mentioned, they should get milk for at least 2 months, although I usually let them go 3 months. (I have a bunch of Nigerian Dwarfs. They're great!) I would definitely try to find either some goat milk or goat milk replacer. If you can't find either of these at a reasonable price, cow's milk is an acceptable substitute. There are special nipples for goats that can attach onto a soda bottle, and you can feed the milk that way. You could also try to use a bucket, but I don't know how well the goats will take to that. As far as feed, I would purchase some dairy goat feed with at least 16% protein. One cup of feed a day should be enough for both of them for now. As they get older, you will need to increase the amount. I'd also get them a source of forage, such as hay or grass. One flake of hay a day should be more than enough for them. Also, make sure they have free access to fresh water. I only feed my goats once a day. I feed the grain in a dish and just throw the hay in their pen. I check their water to make sure they have enough and that it's clean. I've never had to bottle feed baby goats, but we bottle feed our calves 3 times a day. I would give you goats milk 2-3 times a day, until they're two months, and then reasess.
3. grass
4. There is no way they should be eating hard food. Nibbling on stuff sure, but their rumen is not developed yet! What you should do is go out to the store and get some goat milk (you can get it at Trader Joes) or buy whole milk (cow milk) and a goat milk replacer (we use Uni Milk). Also, buy some Calf Manna by Manna Pro, it is a milk pellet that is wonderful to feed to babies - and adults. If they were raised by their mother before you got them they will be fussy about taking a rubbery nipple and you'll have to force them - hold their head between your knees and push the nipple inside their mouth - they will bawl a little, then start sucking. I raise dairy goats - Nubians, LaManchas, and Nigerians - the best thing for you is to find someone with goats and use their milk, but somethimes that is not easy to do.