Hand Feeding Three Kits

[classycritters]

I am hand feeding three kits from the same litter with the goats milk formula. They also have mom but during there first week they were not thriving so I feed them the goats milk a few times a day. They are 3 weeks old and a couple days. Two of the babies are right at 100-grams, and the littlest one is 71 grams. Should I stop feeding the two big ones the goats milk? I just do not want them to go backwards. I weigh them every night, and when I am home I rotate them so the little one is always with mom. I am slightly paranoid and want to know what is the best plan of action now that they are older.
Thank you!

 

[CTChin]

Try offering the bigger babies twice a day and keep the little one at 3 feedings. See what happens weight wise. Keep some good quality hay in the cage. They are probably nibbling on that and pellets already. That will help with weight gain.

Keep up the good work.

 

[Cuddlebug]

You can also start putting the dry mix in the cage with them. If I remember correctly, it is 1 part powdered goat milk, 1 part ground pellets and 1 part baby rice and oat cereal.

 

[classycritters]

Yeah they are eating hay, I have show horses so there is no limit to great quality hay! I am feeding the little one more but I just want to do the very best I can for them. Thanks!

 

[VolunteerChin22]

Just wanted to add make sure there is no fescue in your hay - fescue often ends up in horse hay. It's not safe for lactating chins and kits.

If they are still gaining weight as you back down the feedings I don't see why you couldnt gradually reduce them/stop. But if mom is already producing milk at a reduced rate you may have fighting break out so watch for that. Keep a close eye on the little one.

 

[classycritters]

Yes the hay is fescue free and the chins seem to love it. Thank you!