Feeding kids

Opinions on the best way to feed kids is varied. This is just one idea, we encourage your suggestions.

Birth to 18 hours: Colostrum, 5 times a day - 120mls per feed

Day 1 to Day 3 Whole milk, 4 times a day - 225mls per feed

Day 4 to 1 week Whole milk, 4 times a day - 225ml increasing to 280mls.

1 week to 3 weeks Whole milk, 3 times a day - 280mls increasing to 450mls per feed

Starter grain (free choice)

Lucerne hay

Water

Salt

3 weeks to 2 months Whole milk 3 times a day - 450mls per feed
Starter ration - limit to 500g per day
Hay
Water
Salt

2 months to 4 months Whole milk, twice a day - 675mls per feed

Starter grain

Hay

Walter

Salt

4 months onwards

Growing ration - up to 500gms a day
Hay
Water
Salt

It is important that kids receive colostrum at birth. Where possible leave the kid with doe for 8- 12 hours after birth. If doe colostrum is not available cow colostrum is a suitable substitute. The utmost protection is received if colostrum is fed within 15 minutes to one hour. From then on, the degree of protection decreases with each passing hour. After 24 hours, the kid's intestine has changed and can no longer absorb the antibodies. Always have some colostrum frozen, just in case.

From week 1 kids should be introduced to a high quality starter ration.

Water needs to be clean and fresh at all times.