New Baby!

[elemay17]

We had a bit of a suprise yesterday! We bought four pygmys about three monts ago, 1 female that is half pygmy half fainter and three wethers. Sunday my husband was trimming the females hoofs and said she felt heavy when he picked her up. I came home from work monday and heard something in the barn crying and found her laying down (which hardly ever happens) and she was carrying on something fierce. I went in the pen and she stood up, i thought she was trying to go potty, and about a minute later she did....but it wasnt potty by any means! She had one female kid! We were/are not ready for this but I guess we have to be now.

I have so many questions! Baby is walking around, she nursed after she was born but we haven't seen her nurse since then. We bought a heat lamp but she seems to prefer to sleep next to mom, we toweled her off and iodined her cord, she seems warm enough (it is in the 20's during the day)i tried to put her in a box with straw under the lamp but she keeps hanging out by mom. I bought a shot of vit. E and Selenium (sp?) Plan on giving her that tonight when husband comes home from work. Anything else we should do? How do I know if she is eating enough? Any tips would be greatly appreciated, we were not expecting this yet ! If someone can tell me how I will post some pics ;D

[Anon001]

SLOW DOWN! LOL you made me tired just reading. Why the vitamin E and Selenium? Leave the heat lamp on and if she and mom need it they will get closer to it. If she is still alive by now, she will be just fine. Let mother nature take over now and don't go overboard with trying to outdo mother nature... Also, you are worried about her not "eating" enough.... if she is still alive and able to get up and run around, I can guarantee she is getting fed plenty.... Chill out and just enjoy the baby's antics.... lol Just keep in mind that they are animals... outside... in nature.... They are not as delicate as you think they may be.... We are used to human babies not being able to do anything for themselves but animals are not that way. As long as the baby has energy and is up and around, let her be a goat.

PaulNKS

[CountryKitty]

Ditto what Paul said. Don't worry unless you see actual signs of illness, such as weakness or stumbling or matted eyes...the kind of thing that would make you worry about a cat or dog. As for not seeing her eat anymore, if you're hovering around, Mom might be just a bit nervous and may be waiting til you're not there to relax and let L'il Darlin' snuggle up for milk.

Congratulations on the new arrival!

[mtwildflower]

How exciting!

I'm so glad the little gal is doing so well and that you are so happy even though it was a surprise.