I'm not sure how this works yet, so I'll give it a try. I am anxiously awaiting my first grand"kids", son's 4-H project - 2 Nigerians (one an old pro & 1 first timer - actually mother/daughter). The older one is really huge, 2-3 times bigger than the younger one and has a history of triplets. She's as wide as tall! I have read a bunch of comments, etc here about triplets+, but couldn't find what to do? Can they only nurse 2 and I'll have to bottle feed the rest? Any experienced help would be greatly appreciated.

welcome!!!!

Do you know if the doe usualy nurses her triplets? If so I wouldnt' worry about needing to bottle feed.

If she usually rejects one or if the previous owners said they had to supplement then you need to go that route (or plan for it).

Some does can handle 3 (some even more) but others can't seem to get the hang of it.

I would ask the previous owners on how she reacted to the 3 and proceed with that in mind

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www.endofthelinefarm.com

Thanks for the info. Two of the last triplets didn't make it. They were kinda just out in a pen with a lot of other goats. The previous owner didn't provide much info. I doubt after 9 months she'll even remember them. I'm hoping to be here for the births - I just hope both goats don't do it at the same time! I'll see if she can handle it. Prepare for the worst & hope for the best, right? I can see I'm gonna learn a lot from you guys. Thanks again.

well I would get some bottles and be ready to help if needed

I use human baby bottles and they work just great

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www.endofthelinefarm.com

I have bottles ready to go. My husband is taking bets as to how long it takes for me to have a baby in the recliner if I have to bottle feed.

Good to be prepared atleast ... so have some baby bottles on hand to be on the safe side.

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Pygmy, Nigerian Dwarf, Kinders, Nubians & Mini Nubians ~ in Southern PA
Lil' Goat Farm

well I would tell your hubby that it won't happen because to feed goats you need to have them standing so their necks are stretched out and up. I have some pictures which I can show you what I am talking about. Cuddling in the recliner after feeding though is perfectly fine

THey need to have their necks stretched so that the milk goes down correctly and into their stomachs.

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www.endofthelinefarm.com

I have had does with quads raise all 4 without a bit of intervention, and then others with trips reject one and even had one who had twins and said, "Nope!" to one. So, as everyone said, just be prepared. If she has 3 (or more) chances are one may be a bit smaller and not have as much get up and go as the others at first, but don't jump right in to intervene. Even if you have to hold the smallest one at mom's teat to nurse a time or two, try to let nature do its thing before taking over. And be sure that if you DO end up supplementing or bottle feeding, that all the kids get mom's colostrum the first couple days.
Also, older does tend to be larger than first timers, even with only 1 or 2 kids, as all that "stuff" inside has been stretched a time or two. (Just like us!)

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Kokiri Kikos
Naturally Raised PC, PB, & NZ Kikos
http://kokiri.kikos.googlepages.com/

P.S. Good luck and keep us updated!!

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Kokiri Kikos
Naturally Raised PC, PB, & NZ Kikos
http://kokiri.kikos.googlepages.com/