Last month I found a newborn doeling who managed to get trapped in between two boards in our 30 degree weather. She was almost comatose so I quickly sprang into action to warm her up and get her back with her mother.
Warming up a cold newborn goat requires careful, gradual steps to prevent shock or over-heating. Here’s how you can do it safely:
1. Assess the Situation
- Check for Signs of Hypothermia: A cold goat may be shivering, lethargic or have cold ears, legs and mouth or look comatose. If its body temperature is below 100°F (37.8°C), it’s likely hypothermic and needs warming.
It’s very important to avoid sudden temperature changes as this can cause shock or sudden death , so warm the goat slowly and evenly.
2. Provide Immediate Shelter
- Move the goat into a warm, dry, and draft-free environment. I take my newborns that are cold into my farmhouse.
- Avoid direct heat sources (like space heaters) blowing onto the goat to prevent burns or overheating.
3. Use Warm Blankets or Towels
- Wrap the newborn in clean, dry blankets or towels. Ensure the fabric is not too hot.
- Make sure the blanket is not tight and allow air circulation to prevent overheating.
4. Gradual Warming
- For slightly hypothermic babies use a warm (not hot) water bottle or heating pad wrapped in a towel and place it under the goat’s body, especially near its belly or chest. This should feel comfortably warm to your hand, not too hot.
- If you have multiple goats to care for, you can also warm the newborn by holding it close to your body for warmth.
-For those babies who are unconscious immerse the body into a warm water bath being careful to keep the head above water and water from entering the ear canals. As water cools you may need to add more. After 5-10 minutes remove goat and wrap in warm towels and move to your prepared warming area. Help it dry with a hair dryer and rubbing with clean towels.
5. Monitor Temperature
- Check the goat’s temperature every 15-30 minutes. A normal body temperature for a newborn goat is around 101.5°F to 103°F (38.6°C to 39.4°C).
- If the goat begins to feel warmer and more responsive, it's a good sign.
6. Hydration and Nutrition
- Once the goat is warmer (and can move around) and it can suckle, encourage it to nurse. Colostrum is vital within the first few hours to provide immunity and energy.
- If the goat refuses to nurse, offer warmed goat milk or colostrum substitute with a bottle or syringe, ensuring it’s at body temperature.
7. Seek Veterinary Help
- If the goat’s condition doesn’t improve or it remains lethargic after warming, contact a veterinarian. Newborn goats can quickly deteriorate if they don’t receive proper care in the early stages.
The key is to warm the goat gradually, monitor it carefully, and provide the necessary nutrition as soon as it’s warm and is able to suckle.
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