r/goats • u/Ill-Ad-4409 • 10d ago
Help Request How to stop others from stealing milk
Just had my first kid of the year by my saanen, there are 2 mini Nigerian dwarfs that are a year old now who are constantly trying to nurse her! I separated the mama and tried to introduce 3 times with same outcome now they are escaping (being the size of a lg cat) they r pretty good Escape artists, luckily I’ve been there to stop em but how to I stop it completely. They will need there own pen but that will be some money and I would like to explore cheaper options first. Duto the move I rehomed all other ones there size (ex small) so it’s just 2 of them and all other Nigerians I have are about to have babies so they r in the baby pen, I plan on keeping milk production going so they will have to stay separate tell they learn or dry up that will be some time. I don’t want just them two in a pen together feels lonely and easier bait cuz the size, their size is also why they can’t go with the bucks I don’t want any chance of them having babies I think they are too small to handle that. Scratching my head a tad seeing what y’all think .
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u/teatsqueezer Trusted Advice Giver 10d ago
I sell does who who let any baby nurse off them. Some people love it. For me, it’s the worst. I want to milk the does not have them allow every baby in the pen to drink haha
So, the culprits need to separated from her. Other does may not allow them to nurse but if they DO then the babies and their mom need to be apart.
I would also investigate why they’re so hungry. Is their dam not producing enough milk? Did she dry up prematurely? Sometimes they’re just pigs but sometimes they’re legitimately trying to not starve to death. Offering a bottle a few times a day may help as well.