Quick warming techniques

• If a cria has been on the ground for a long period and is quite chilled, place it in a garbage bag with head out and dip several times in a very warm tub of water. It’s best to perform this procedure with 2 people so the head is kept above water. Note: if you cannot hold your hand in the water, it’s too hot!!

• We have a pet bed warmer* on hand to stick under the cria’s bedding. It heats up in the microwave and stays warm for up to 12 hours.

• We also keep cold weather mitten/pocket warmers* readily available which we stick inside the cria’s coat. The stomach is the thermal window and heat should always come from the bottom up.

• Do not use overhead heat lamps as your only form of heat for a hypothermic animal, but along with these other methods, they can work wonders too.

• Keep an LP gas heater on hand to kick up the heat quickly. Take every precaution to protect the barn from fire and never leave it unattended!

• If an enclosed room isn’t available, drape blankets over pen panels to create a draft barrier.

Bottle feeding

• If you find yourself in a situation where you need to bottle feed, make sure you use a small, somewhat pliable bottle with a very small nipple (a kitten nipple works very well). Llama or goat colostrum should be kept in your freezer for these situations. Thaw the colostrum by placing the container in room temperature water. Make sure the milk is about room temperature.  

• Gently hold your hand behind the cria's head and force the nipple in if needed. Often the cria is not too excited about taking the nipple because it tastes unnatural (several washings can eventually remove the unnatural taste). If the dam has no milk, or you cannot get sufficient milk into the cria, contact your vet immediately for assistance. In most cases the dam’s milk will drop within a day or so and she can take over the feedings.

• A cria must have 10% of its weight per day in milk (15-20% in colder weather).

• If this is cria’s first meal, remember, colostrum is a must!!

• If you are supplementing, feed 4-6 oz. at each feeding using ½ whole milk and ½ plain active yogurt (yogurt helps digestion) – if needed, dab Karo syrup on the nipple to mask the unnatural taste. If the dam has no milk and you are taking over feedings, they should be done every 2 hours.

• Colostrum and milk mixtures should always be fed at room temperature – never heat your bottles in the microwave!

• Make sure to weigh the cria at least 2 times per day to determine whether you need to increase the volume of feeding. The goal should be at least ½ lb. gain per day.

Lactation stimulant

• We use an herbal lactation stimulant, especially for our maidens. Since we started using this mix, we have had dams that have released their milk a little slow, but have not had one without any milk.

• We start topdressing with the lactation mix approximately 30 days prior to the dam’s due date. Once she has given birth, we continue feeding the mix until we feel the dam is producing to her maximum (usually another 15 to 30 days).

• We have found that our proven dams have not required the lactation mix once their milk has dropped. However, as dams start to get on in years, they may need a little assistance as well.

• The mix contains equal parts of Fennel seeds, Fenugreek seeds, Red Raspberry leaves, Anise seeds, and Caraway seeds.

• We also add cracked corn and rolled oats for dams that tend to be on the lean side, or during cold weather to keep weight on.

• Use 2 oz. as a top-dressing twice daily.