Raising healthy and strong goat kids begins with the right nutrition. Whether you’re a new goat keeper or adding to your growing farm family, understanding what, when, and how to feed your goat kids is essential for their development. At The Kids Point, we believe that education on animal care should be accessible and easy to follow. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about feeding goat kids, from birth to weaning and beyond.
Why Proper Nutrition Matters for Goat Kids
Feeding plays a crucial role in a goat kid’s early growth, immune system development, and future productivity. The first few months of a kid’s life are the most vital. Poor nutrition can result in stunted growth, low weight gain, susceptibility to diseases, and poor milk or meat yield in adulthood. A well-structured feeding routine ensures:
- Steady weight gain
- Optimal bone and muscle development
- Strong immune response
- Healthy rumen development
- Smooth transition to solid feeds
Feeding Stages of Goat Kids
Let’s break down the feeding stages based on the age of the kid.
Birth to 24 Hours – Colostrum Feeding
The first milk a doe produces is colostrum, a rich, antibody-packed liquid. It’s vital that goat kids receive colostrum within the first 2 hours of birth. It provides immunity and helps their digestive system develop.
Feeding Tips:
- Feed 10% of the kid’s body weight in colostrum within the first 12 hours.
- If the doe isn’t producing enough or if the kid is orphaned, use frozen or powdered colostrum replacements.
- Use a clean bottle or stomach tube if the kid doesn’t nurse naturally.
Day 2 to Week 2 – Milk Feeding Begins
After the colostrum phase, transition the kids to whole milk or milk replacer. Bottle-feeding ensures you monitor intake and prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
Feeding Amount:
Feed approximately 10–12% of the kid’s body weight in milk per day, divided into 3–4 feedings.
Tips:
- Use warm milk (around 100°F or 38°C).
- Sanitize feeding equipment thoroughly.
- Use high-quality milk replacer if not feeding fresh goat milk.
Week 3 to Week 7 – Milk and Introduction to Solid Feed
Start introducing solid feed gradually around week 3 to encourage rumen development. This is also the time to provide fresh, clean water and a small amount of good-quality hay.
Feeding Chart:
| Age | Milk/Day | Feed Type | Notes |
| Week 3 | 24–30 oz | Start creep feed, hay | Monitor intake, don’t force |
| Week 4–5 | 32–40 oz | Creep feed, hay | Increase grain slowly |
| Week 6–7 | 40–48 oz | Creep feed, hay | Free-choice water |
Week 8 to Week 12 – Transition to Weaning
By now, the goat kid should be eating more solid food and less milk. You can reduce milk gradually and encourage more intake of hay and grain.
Feeding Tips:
- Start weaning at 8 weeks if the kid is eating at least 250g (½ lb) of creep feed daily.
- Wean gradually over 7–10 days.
- Avoid sudden weaning to prevent stress and digestive problems.
Week 12 and Beyond – Post-Weaning Nutrition
After weaning, the diet should consist of high-quality hay, grain, and minerals. Continue to monitor the weight and health of the kids closely.
Post-Weaning Diet Chart:
| Age | Feed Type | Notes |
| 12–16 weeks | Hay, ½ lb creep feed/day | Provide minerals and water |
| 16–20 weeks | Hay, reduce creep feed | Slowly shift to adult goat feed |
| 20+ weeks | Hay, pasture, goat feed | Monitor weight and condition |
What is Creep Feeding?
Creep feeding is the practice of offering supplemental feed to young animals who are still nursing, usually in a separate area adults can’t access. It helps increase weight gain and reduces the shock of weaning.
Creep Feed Components:
- Crushed grains (corn, oats, barley)
- Soybean meal or other protein source
- Vitamins and minerals (especially calcium and phosphorus)
- Fiber (to aid rumen development)
Milk Replacer vs. Whole Milk: Which Is Better?
Both can work effectively if fed properly.
Whole Milk Pros:
- Nutritionally ideal if from a healthy doe
- Natural and easier to digest
Milk Replacer Pros:
- Convenient
- Consistent nutrition
- Safe for kids without access to fresh milk
Tip: Always choose a milk replacer specifically designed for goat kids—not calves or lambs.
Feeding Schedule Example (0–12 Weeks)
Here’s a sample schedule to guide your daily routine:
| Age Range | Morning | Midday | Evening |
| 0–2 weeks | Bottle (6–8 oz) | Bottle (6–8 oz) | Bottle (6–8 oz) |
| 2–4 weeks | Bottle (10–12 oz) | Creep feed (small) | Bottle (10–12 oz) |
| 4–6 weeks | Bottle (16 oz) | Creep feed (½ cup) | Bottle (16 oz) |
| 6–8 weeks | Bottle (16 oz) | Creep feed (1 cup) | Bottle (16 oz) |
| 8–10 weeks | Creep feed (2 cups) | Water + hay | Creep feed (2 cups) |
| 10–12 weeks | Creep feed (3 cups) | Hay + water | Creep feed (3 cups) |
Tips for Successful Feeding
Cleanliness is Crucial
Always clean bottles, nipples, feeding buckets, and any tools after each use. Dirty feeding tools can introduce harmful bacteria.
Keep a Feeding Log
Track how much each kid is consuming daily to spot health issues early.
Don’t Overfeed
Overfeeding milk can lead to bloating or scours (diarrhea). Stick to the guide and observe your kid’s condition.
Provide Fresh Water
Even when kids are on milk, clean water should be available from the third week onward.
Mineral Supplements
Use a loose goat mineral mix in a free-choice feeder. Avoid blocks, as kids can’t always lick enough.
Observe for Health Issues
Watch out for signs of digestive upset, weight loss, coughing, or lethargy. Catching illness early can save a goat kid’s life.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Switching feeds too quickly – Always transition slowly over 7–10 days.
- Feeding cow milk or calf replacer – Not nutritionally suitable for goat kids.
- Skipping feedings – Consistency is vital, especially for young kids.
- Feeding cold milk – Causes digestive upset; warm to body temperature.
- Ignoring weaning readiness – Wean based on eating habits, not just age.
Signs of a Healthy Goat Kid
- Bright eyes and perky ears
- Steady weight gain (5–10 lbs/month)
- Regular droppings (firm pellets)
- Smooth, shiny coat
- Playful behavior
Bonus: Homemade Goat Kid Starter Mix (Creep Feed Recipe)
You can make your own creep feed using simple, farm-available ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 parts rolled oats
- 1 part cracked corn
- 1 part alfalfa pellets
- 1 part soybean meal
- Mineral premix (per label instructions)
Mix well and serve fresh daily. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
When to Call a Vet
If your goat kid shows signs of:
- Refusing to eat for more than 12 hours
- Watery diarrhea
- Bloated belly
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Weakness or limping
…it’s time to seek professional veterinary care.
Feeding goat kids may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right schedule, knowledge, and care, you’ll raise healthy, thriving animals. Proper nutrition from day one builds the foundation for strong adult goats. Stick to this guide, observe your animals daily, and adjust as needed based on individual needs.
At The Kids Point, we’re committed to supporting both children and adults in learning about nurturing and responsibility through fun and educational experiences — whether it’s growing a garden, raising animals, or crafting with creativity. We hope this goat kid feeding guide helps you and your young helpers confidently care for your new farm friends.