Learn how to support your goats after kidding with this homemade electrolyte drink.
When a doe gives birth, her body goes through tremendous exertion. Just like humans, goats need support to recover from labor and replenish lost fluids and nutrients. One of the best ways to help a goat bounce back after kidding is by offering a nourishing post-kidding electrolyte water.
In this blog post, I’ll share a simple, tried-and-true recipe that uses warm water and molasses as the base—something we always have ready after every birth on our farm.
Why Do Goats Need Electrolytes After Kidding?
Kidding is physically demanding. After birth, a doe may be tired, dehydrated, and low on energy. Electrolyte water helps:
Rehydrate her system
Replenish lost minerals
Encourage her to drink and eat
Support milk production
Promote faster recovery
Even if the birth goes smoothly, a warm drink rich in natural sugars and minerals is a comforting and beneficial post-kidding ritual.
Whether I get the chance to sit and support my does during their labor or I stumble upon fresh babies born between my barn checks, my first order of business after kidding is to get my does their electrolyte drink.
Ingredients for Simple Post-Kidding Electrolyte Drink for Goats
This recipe is designed to be gentle, effective, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Basic Recipe:
1 gallon warm water (around 100–105°F)
¼ cup unsulfured blackstrap molasses
Optional Additions:
¼ tsp baking soda (for pH balance and digestion)
Pinch of salt (sodium for hydration)
Splash of apple cider vinegar (trace minerals and gut health)
- 1/2 cup steeped red raspberry leaf tea (uterine toning and support)
Stir until well combined. Offer it fresh and warm immediately after the doe has birthed all the kids. You may also offer it as a pick-me-up in the midst of a long or difficult labor.
How Often Should You Offer It?
Provide this goat electrolyte drink within the first hour or two after kidding. You can continue offering fresh warm molasses water 1–2 times daily for the first 2–3 days post-kidding as needed.
Keep clean, plain water available at all times alongside the electrolyte mix.
Why I Love Molasses Water for Goats
Molasses is rich in iron, potassium, and magnesium—all minerals goats need, especially after blood loss during birth. It also provides quick energy in the form of natural sugars, which helps encourage a tired mama goat to perk up and take care of herself and her new babies.
I love getting to offer my girls a special treat after their hard work birthing. A bit of grain, fresh alfalfa hay, and this electrolyte drink is the perfect way to help them refresh and recuperate.
Worth It Every Time
Kidding season is easily the most joyful, stressful, and beautiful time on our homestead. I love it, even when it means sleepless nights or long hours in the barn. The miracle of new life is worth it every time.
If you’re new to goats or looking for more kidding season resources, check out my blogpost all about what to expect during goat labor.
I’ve also created a free printable checklist – complete with links – for all my must-have kidding supplies. You can grab that resource here.
And if your milk fridge is filling up faster than you know what to do with (a good problem to have!), I’d love to show you how to turn that creamy goodness into beautiful, homemade cheese.
My cheesemaking course, Beyond Chevre, is a real life practical guide to making the most of your goat milk—right in your own kitchen.
It’s all my favorite cheese recipes (complete with full video tutorials) I come back to again and again on our little farm, and I’d be so delighted to share them with you. It’s the perfect course for busy farm mamas (and anyone else!) who want simple, foolproof recipes that fit into real life.
Happy kidding season, friend! I’m cheering you on!
