Hoegger Goat Supply: Tube Feeding a Weak or Premature Kid

TUBE FEEDING A WEAK OR PREMATURE KID
WITH THE SAVE-A-KID SYRINGE

Using the Save-A-Kid Syringe If an otherwise healthy newborn seems too weak to nurse, you can tube feed some warm colostrum into the stomach. Often one feeding brings strength and can truly be a life saver. A Save-A-Kid Syringe (#3A) makes the job safe and easy. Position the tube along the side of the kid in an imaginary line from the nose to the stomach. With a permanent marker, mark the spot closest to the nose (at the end where the tube attaches to the syringe). You now have an idea of how far you must feed the tube down the esophagus to get to the stomach. When passing the tube down the throat, if it stops far short of the mark, you will know you are in the lungs. Pull the tube out and start again. Press the tube toward the back of the throat and encourage the kid to swallow it. Continue to gently push the tube through the esophagus into the stomach. If you blow into the tube to inflate the esophagus it will go down easier. With the tube properly positioned in the stomach, you can now attach the syringe that contains the proper amount of warm colostrum and slowly press the warm liquid through the tube into the stomach. When the syringe is empty, remove the syringe and pinch the end of the tube to prevent any leakage of excess fluid into the lungs, then pull the tube out gently.

The kid will need 10% of his body weight every 24 hours. For example, if it weighs 2 pounds (32 ounces) it needs 3.2 ounces (96 cc) that day. Ideally, you would feed 24 cc every 4 hours the first day. As the kid begins to gain weight, increase the amount of the colostrum/milk proportionately.

MAILING ADDRESS:
HOEGGER SUPPLY COMPANY
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214

PHONE: 770-461-6926 FAX: 770-461-7334

ONLINE: TheGoatStore.com