OK folks, bear with me, after losing two kids to unknown causes I am getting a little jumpy. As some may know, I got these two Saanen doelings 10 days ago to replace the lost kids. The doelings had been dam raised when I got them at approx. 10 days of age. They have been doing fine, taking 4-nine oz bottles of store bought cow milk a day. They take walks with us in the woods, nibble a little of this and that, no major poisonous weeds or bushes that I am aware of. The only thing I changed today was a put out a little loose alfalfa (that comes in the bag,) for them to try. Vaccinated with Covexin-8 6 days ago. Tonight the most vigorous of the two sucked her bottle tentatively about 3 seconds and quit. Nothing could induce her to take anymore. I am about in panic mode. I gave her a little baking soda and some Probios. Any other suggestions? Thank you for your patience. Julie in OK

-- Julie (okwilk213@juno.com), April 07, 2002

Answers

Hi Julie, I know how you feel. I wouldn't worry unless she continued with this tommorrow. We fed US Alfalfa, the chopped bagged dehydrated alfalfa for years, so I doubt it is that, unless she pigged out on it so much she simply wasn't hungry. Remember until they eat hay, grain, browse consistantly they are single stomached animals, though the probios may help calm her gut it isn't going to add bacteria to the rumen, since their really isn't one. I would watch very carefully right now for cocci and worms. 20 days old is just only slightly early for the lifecycle of both. A fecal sample to the vet or put under a microscope yourself would ease your mind, unless you use prevention anyway and would be starting them at 3 weeks on it. Feel free to give a call or email tommorrow if she is still not eating! Vicki 281-592-6914

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (Nubians) (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 07, 2002.

Update on doeling: Well, this morning she acted hungry, took almost all her bottle but wouldn't finish it, not typical for her, but I do feel better. Thank you Vicki, for your help and support. Again I have learned something, of course Probios wouldn't be any help, I need to bone up on my goat physiology! I was lulled into a false sense of security by several years of "predictable" and rare, health problems, this year has been unpredictable. I even wondered if she could have injured her tongue after a post I read on another list. She kindof makes "mouthing" motions. I examined her but don't see anything obvious. Behaviorally she seems normal today. I have been wanting to look for a source for the goat pellets with Deccox, I guess I need to get on that. Thanks, signed, Watching Carefully and Still Praying!

-- Julie (okwilk213@juno.com), April 07, 2002.

Julie- it may sound silly- but check the nipple. If it's a new one, or doesn't taste right, or the hole is too little or plugged somehow, she may suck a little and give up. Maybe the milk has a bad taste? Or is too hot, too cold compared to what she's used to?

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), April 07, 2002.

We have a doeling that exhibits much the same behvior. She'll suck for a few, then back off. She does fine on a bottle nipple but had a difficult time adjusting to a lamb bar. She still backs off and attacks again, but she's getting her nutrition and she'll be fine. Takes a while to adjust.

Might be as simple as it's not "her" nipple because another kid was on it before.

Dennis

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), April 08, 2002.

We have a doeling that exhibits much the same behvior. She'll suck for a few, then back off. She does fine on a bottle nipple but had a difficult time adjusting to a lamb bar. She still backs off and attacks again, but she's getting her nutrition and she'll be fine. Takes a while to adjust.

Might be as simple as it's not "her" nipple because another kid was on it before. ;

Dennis

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), April 08, 2002.