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How to Wean Goat Kids Without the Drama: Science-Backed Tips for Smoother Separations
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Weaning doesn’t have to be a battle of wills or a screaming match echoing across the pasture. In this episode of Hoofnotes, we unpack what the research says about weaning strategies that support both physical and emotional health in goat kids. We’ll break down the pros and cons of early versus late weaning, how gradual separation compares to cold turkey approaches, and why nutrition and stress management during this time matter more than you might think.
Whether you’re raising kids on the bottle or lambar, leaving them with the dam, or trying to transition a mixed group, this episode offers practical tips backed by science and shaped by real-life experience here at Goat House Farm in Florida. We’ll share signs that your kids are ready to wean, and how to avoid common pitfalls like growth slumps, parasite flare-ups, or behavioral issues.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to tailor your weaning plan to your farm, your management style, and most importantly, the needs of your goats.
Because weaning shouldn’t just be about taking something away, it’s a chance to give your kids the best start toward independence.
Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: https://goathousefarm.com/weaning-goat-kids-strategies
Articles for this episode: Zobel, G., Freeman, H., Watson, T., Cameron, C., & Sutherland, M. (2019). Effect of different milk-removal strategies at weaning on feed intake and behavior of goat kids. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 34, 14–22.44
Vickery, H. M., Neal, R. A., Stergiadis, S., & Meagher, R. K. (2023). Gradually weaning goat kids may improve weight gains while reducing weaning stress and increasing creep feed intakes. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1200849.
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