Raising Bottle Lambs and Kid Goats

 Raising Bottle Lambs and Kid Goats: A Labor of Love

    Every spring, as Tammy and Rich's Funny Farm in Livingston, TN comes alive with new life, there's a special joy in welcoming lambs and kid goats into the world. These little ones, when orphaned or rejected by their mothers, rely on us for their survival. Raising them is a labor of love, requiring dedication and patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. In this post, I’ll share the essentials of caring for these adorable creatures, from feeding and housing to health care and socialization.

Why Raise Bottle Lambs and Kid Goats?

    Bottle lambs and kid goats are young animals that, for various reasons, cannot be nursed by their mothers. This could be due to the mother's death, illness, rejection, or because the litter is too large for her to handle. As a result, these vulnerable babies need human intervention to survive. Raising them not only saves their lives but also offers a unique opportunity to bond with these animals and learn about their needs and behaviors.

Feeding: The Foundation of Care

    Feeding is perhaps the most critical aspect of raising bottle lambs and kid goats. Since they can’t nurse from their mothers, we need to provide them with a suitable milk replacer. It’s important to choose a formula specifically designed for their species, as their nutritional needs differ. For lambs, look for a milk replacer with at least 20% protein and 20% fat. For goats, a formula with around 22% protein and 22% fat is ideal. Here at the Funny Farm we use canned or powdered goat milk for both our lamb and kid bottle babies.

• Newborns (First Week): Feed every 2-3 hours, including overnight. This demanding schedule mimics natural nursing and is vital for their survival.
• Two Weeks Old: Reduce to every 4-6 hours.
• Four Weeks Old: Feed three times a day.

    When preparing bottles, ensure the milk is warm, around 100°F, to mimic the mother’s milk temperature. Use bottles with nipples designed for lambs or goats, as their sucking reflexes differ from those of calves. We've found a regular baby bottle works well and are much easier to clean.

Housing: Creating a Safe Haven

    Providing a safe and comfortable environment is essential for their health and well-being. Bottle lambs and kids need a clean, dry pen protected from drafts and extreme temperatures. In colder climates, a heat lamp or warm bedding area is necessary to keep them cozy. We bring our babies inside at night and keep them in a large dog kennel with either a disposable or washable bed pad to absorb their pee. During the day we have found it useful to have a portable enclosure so we can move it around the yard so they stay clean and have the opportunity to nibble on the grass.

• Size: Spacious enough for movement but small enough to keep them near the heat source.
• Bedding: Use plenty of straw or shavings, cleaned regularly to prevent waste buildup.
• Security: Ensure the pen is predator-proof and escape-proof with a sturdy fence or enclosure.

Health Care: Keeping Them Thriving

    Keeping bottle lambs and kids healthy requires vigilance and preventive care. Start with colostrum within the first 24 hours of life—rich in antibodies, it boosts their immune system. If the mother isn’t available, use a colostrum substitute.

• Vaccinations: Consult a veterinarian for a schedule tailored to your area, typically including vaccines for clostridial diseases and tetanus.
• Monitoring: Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea. Scours (diarrhea) is common and can stem from overfeeding, poor hygiene, or infections. Prevent it with clean feeding equipment and gradual diet changes.
• Navel Care: Dip the umbilical cord in iodine shortly after birth to prevent infection, and monitor for swelling or discharge.

Socialization: Building Trust and Confidence

    Socialization is key to raising well-adjusted lambs and goats. Hand-reared animals need plenty of human interaction to build trust. Spend time daily handling them gently and speaking softly to ease future care.

• Animal Interaction: Gradually introduce them to other lambs, kids, or adults under supervision to teach species-specific social cues.
• Balance: Bottle-fed animals may become overly attached, showing behaviors like head-butting or excessive bleating. Encourage independence as they grow by reducing interaction time.

Weaning: Transitioning to Solid Food

    Weaning transitions them from milk to solid food. For lambs, this typically happens at 6-8 weeks, while for goats, it’s often 4-6 weeks, depending on their development and health.

• Process: Introduce small amounts of high-quality hay and grain while continuing bottle-feeding. Gradually increase solids and decrease milk over 1-2 weeks.
• Tips: Monitor weight and condition to ensure a smooth transition. Avoid abrupt changes to prevent digestive upset, and provide clean, fresh water.

Tips and Advice from the Experts

    Here are some practical tips to ensure success:

• Record-Keeping: Track feeding times, amounts, and health observations to spot issues early.
• Milk Mixing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely to avoid nutritional imbalances.
• Supplements: Offer a salt lick or mineral block suited to their species.
• Patience: Consistency and dedication are key—the bond you form is worth it.

The Rewards of Raising Bottle Lambs and Kid Goats

    Raising bottle lambs and kid goats is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. Watching these tiny creatures grow into healthy, thriving adults is a testament to your care and dedication. Whether it’s out of necessity or as a hobby, the lessons learned and joy experienced are priceless. So, if you ever find yourself with a bottle lamb or kid goat in need, embrace the opportunity—you won’t regret it. However, if you find yourself with a bottle baby that you don't have the time to care for and you are in the Middle Tennessee area we would be more than glad to rescue your baby.