A baby goat might not be eating due to hypothermia, or a dangerously low body temperature.
Understanding Hypothermia in Baby Goats
When a baby goat's temperature drops too low, its body cannot function properly. According to the reference:
An otherwise healthy kid whose body temperature drops too low will be unable to eat or even absorb nutrients until its body returns to a normal goat temperature range. Before trying to feed a cold and lethargic goat kid, you will need to warm it up sufficiently. 02-Mar-2022
This makes it crucial to address the temperature issue before trying to feed the kid.
What to Do If Your Baby Goat Is Not Eating
Here's what you should do if your baby goat is not eating:
- Check the Body Temperature: Use a rectal thermometer to check the goat's temperature. The normal temperature range for a goat is 101.5–103.5°F (38.6–39.7°C).
- Warm the Baby Goat: If the temperature is below the normal range, begin warming the kid right away. You can:
- Wrap the kid in warm blankets.
- Use a heat lamp.
- Place the kid in a warm room.
- Rehydrate: A kid that's been cold may be dehydrated. Consult with a vet for the best method of rehydration, but oral electrolytes may be a good start.
- Do Not Force Feed: Never attempt to force feed a cold kid; they won't be able to digest properly.
- Monitor Closely: After warming, slowly introduce feed. Monitor the kid closely for any improvement and note down if issues persist.
- Consult a Veterinarian: If the issue persists or the baby goat shows signs of being unwell, consult a veterinarian for further evaluation.
Key Points
- Temperature is Critical: Baby goats need to maintain a specific body temperature to thrive.
- Hypothermia Hinders Eating: A cold goat cannot eat or absorb nutrients effectively.
- Warm First, Feed Later: Warming up the goat is the first step before introducing any feed.
By checking and addressing the body temperature, you can address a primary reason for your baby goat's lack of appetite.
