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Kidding season! My favorite time of year. Taking care of your doe throughout pregnancy and during labor and delivery is essential for ensuring the safe birth of the kids. After all, there is a lot to be done before these cute little babies arrive.
None of my goats are the same when it comes to labor. I have a few that are quiet and like to secretly deliver. I have a few that are extremely noisy and they want the whole barn to know that they are in labor.
Now that the delivery date is almost here and your goat is as big as a house, keeping good records of dates and delivery patterns will help you know when kidding will take place. Knowing the due date makes the biggest difference in preparing for labor. The gestational period for a goat is around 145 to 152 days. My goats all tend to deliver on day 149, so a week before I move my delivery bag to the barn and begin to check for any of the following signs:
Is my doe starting to bag up?
I do have a few does whose udders will start to fill with milk anywhere from a week before delivery to a few days. I also have a few does who do not get their milk in until after they deliver. Each day I check to see how tight the udder looks or how full it feels.
Is your doe’s vulva swollen?
The closer your doe is to delivering the more swollen her volva will become. As the kids lower into the birth canal, the pressure created causes the vulva to swell and slightly open.
Is there any vaginal discharge?
Discharge is another big sign your goat is close to delivering. I have a couple of goats that show a small amount of discharge about 1 month out. I have others that show no discharge until actual labor. Once labor starts, you should notice a lot of discharge.
Is your doe pawing at the ground?
Once in labor, your doe may start to paw at the ground. At this point, your doe is looking for a good place to give birth. Many times my does will dig a hole down to the barn floor and lay down in it to push.
Are the tail ligaments softening?
This is the most important sign. Your doe’s ligaments will soften to the point they seem to disappear. These two ligaments run alongside where the tailbone meets the spine. About a week before delivery, I start to wrap my index finger and thumb around the base of the tail. Before labor, these ligaments feel thick. The closer delivery gets, these ligaments will completely soften. Once the doe is ready for labor, you will basically be able to touch your fingers together.
Are contractions starting?
This will be your sure sign labor is starting. At this stage, your doe may lay down and stretch her legs out during a contraction, or she may stand and arch her back.
No two does are the same. Each has their own personality and their own preferences when it comes to laboring and delivering. I am always so amazed at how my barn becomes quiet and the other goats give a laboring mom the space and privacy she needs.
Being prepared is the main reason you need to know labor signs for your doe. Knowing the signs will alert you to be available if your doe should need your help.
I hope this article helps you determine where your goat is in regards to delivering. Pretty soon, you should be enjoying some cute little baby goats.
Check out my article Essential Items for Kidding Season for a list of recommended items for the big day. Happy Kidding!!
