Runt half the size of three siblings

[HHRR]

My Jap Harli doe had four popples on New Year's Day. From the begging the one was always smaller than the others, I figured he was just the runt and since when I felt their bellies they all felt like they had been fed so I didn't really worry about him. Although when I looked at him closely yesterday he seemed literally half the size of his three siblings. I am not able to feel the babies in the morning when they should be getting fed so it's harder to tell how much they're getting. I was wondering if there was a way I could boost him up, make him bigger so that his siblings don't over power him? Thanks!! <br /><br /> __________ Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:14 pm __________ <br /><br /> (BY THE WAY, HE WAS AN ACCIDENTAL JAP/MAG CROSS SO HE WILL PROBABLY BE SOLD AS MEAT. IF THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! THANKS AGAIN!)

 

[ladysown]

Choice
1. Give a feeding or two without competition
2. Let nature take it's course
3. As gets older feed higher protein food to that kit
4. Check it's teeth

 

[Miss M]

Yep, and for #1, you can either try to get the doe to feed the kit, or you can supplement with formula. I'd try to get the doe to feed it, myself, before trying formula.

But it's okay not to. We all have costs to think of and more time or less time. The right answer is what you are okay with doing.

 

[ottersatin]

make him bigger so that his siblings don't over power him?

That really should not be a problem, as the Dam has eight teats
so there would be no reason for the kit to be pushed away from the fountain.
I believe that the kit is just a slow grower, give the kit time and he may even
become larger than his siblings. It wouldn't hurt to give some rolled Oats
once they begin to eat solid food.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[Miss M]

Ottersatin's right... as long as he's getting fed, he should be fine. So just make sure he's got a round tummy after feeding time. It may not be as round as the others', but as long as he's getting enough, he may catch up later.