Well now!!
Raising goats is always an adventure, but winter brings its own set of challenges—especially during an extreme cold spell. This post is for fellow homesteaders, goat owners, and anyone interested in the ups and downs of farm life. Whether you’re preparing for your first kidding season or looking for tips on raising a bottle-fed goat, we hope our experience with Leah and Wattles helps provide valuable insights.
Winter on the homestead is always unpredictable, but this year, it threw us a real challenge with brutal temperatures dropping to -24°F with wind chill. Despite having an insulated nanny room and heat lamps, the cold was relentless. The bitter wind seeped into every corner of the barn, making it nearly impossible to keep the newborns warm enough to survive. One of our boer goats, Wattles—named after the fleshy skin sacks under her chin—had her first set of kids during the worst possible time. With temperatures plummeting to -24°F with wind chill, even our nanny room and heat lamps weren’t enough. Sadly, we lost one of the babies, a black and white billy. But the other, a red dapple nanny, survived. We named her Leah, after Princess Leia from Star Wars, and she’s now living inside with us as we bottle-feed her.
The Struggles and Solutions
For first-time goat owners, dealing with a doe’s first kidding experience can be tricky. Wattles, as a first-time mom, was unsure of what to do, and her milk production was low. We had to monitor her closely to ensure she was comfortable and stress-free, as stress can negatively impact milk supply. Encouraging her to eat high-quality hay and supplements helped, but ultimately, her milk output was still limited.
Since Wattles is a first-time mom, her milk supply is low—barely enough for even one baby goat, let alone two. Buying milk replacer gets expensive fast, so I decided to purchase a milker to get what little milk Wattles is producing. When it comes to milk replacers, not all are created equal. Some mimic goat milk more closely than others. We’ve had the best results with replacers high in fat and protein, which closely resemble real goat milk. If you’re in a similar situation, researching and selecting a quality replacer is crucial for your kid’s health and development. This helps cut down on costs, but we’re supplementing as needed. Investing in a good milker has made the process so much easier and more efficient, saving both time and effort. If you’re raising goats and dealing with milking goats, I highly recommend considering one—it’s been a game changer for us I plan on using it for a long time!
Finding the right bottles for bottle-feeding Leah has also been a process. The first night all we had was a large syringe. We tried a few different kinds before finding the one that work best for her thankfully there also the cheapest. They allow Leah to drink at a natural pace and mimic the way she’d nurse from her mother. If you’re ever in this situation, I’d recommend having a few different bottle styles on hand to see what works best for your kid. Some prefer traditional lamb/kid bottles, while others do better with smaller bottles with softer nipples.
In the meantime, Leah has fully embraced indoor life. When we’re at work, she sleeps in the bathtub, snug and safe from the cold. Raising a baby goat inside isn’t something we expected nor is it something I plan on doing again, but it’s been an adventure filled with laughter and chaos.
Leah’s Goofy Adventures
Leah’s personality is larger than life. She is curious, fearless, and full of energy. She dashes around the house, bouncing off furniture with the grace (or lack thereof) of a newborn goat trying to find her footing. When my wife walks into the room, Leah immediately trots after her, her tiny hooves clicking against the floor like an eager puppy.
Leah is as goofy as they come! She follows my wife around the house like a lost puppy, always looking for attention or trouble. When my wife lays down on the couch, Leah curls up on top of her and sleeps, as if claiming her as her personal mattress.
When we recently installed new kitchen cabinets, she had an absolute blast climbing in and out of the old ones, turning the kitchen into her personal playground. Her latest obsession? The bottom drawer of the stove. She climbs on it just to stare at herself in the reflection of the stainless steel. It’s like she’s admiring her own cuteness—rightfully so!
What’s even more special is how our beagle, who has never had puppies of her own, has taken on a mothering role. She watches over Leah and protects her from our bigger dog, making sure she stays safe. It’s incredible to see the bond they’ve formed.
Looking Toward the Future
Once Leah is weaned off milk, we plan to keep milking Wattles. This experience has taught us that even small amounts of fresh goat milk can be put to great use. Not only does it provide natural nourishment for bottle-feeding, but it also opens up opportunities for homemade products like goat milk soap and lotion. These lessons have inspired us to take the next step toward creating a sustainable farm business, and we may be launching a store soon! Even though her supply is low, every bit counts. We’re hoping to use the milk to start making our own goat milk soap and lotion. If all goes well, we may even launch a small store in the near future!
For now, we’re enjoying the antics of our little indoor goat and soaking in all the joy she brings. She may have had a rough start, but Leah is one tough little fighter—and an endless source of entertainment in our home. I mean just look at these photos and tell me this isn’t the cutest thing in the world!!
Let us know if you’ve ever raised a baby goat indoors or if you have tips for milking and making goat milk products. We’d love to hear your stories!