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It’s Kidding Season! No, I’m not kidding.
The 2019 kidding season is about to begin the last week of March for us. Anyone who has experienced babies being born knows that each kidding season is a new adventure. The average gestation period for a goat is around 150 days. All of mine seem to deliver on day 149. I recommend you be prepared at least one week in advance. Here are a few items I like to have on hand when these babies are arriving:
- Old towels – Sometimes the doe needs help cleaning a baby especially when she is delivering multiples. I like to make sure the faces are all clean of any membranes. Also if kids are being born in the winter, the faster you can dry off a kid and get it warm the better.
- Nasal Aspirator – Just in case mucus needs to be suctioned out of the kid’s mouth and nose.
- Betadine – Infection preventer. I use this to dip all umbilical cords. I will pour a small amount into a very tiny cup. Place the cup on the kid’s belly and tip the kid back to cover the cord. I also use it to sterilize any supplies I might need to use. Sometimes the cord tears very long so I will dip the scissors before I trim the cord. Dipping the umbilical cord also helps the cord dry up quicker.
- Dental Floss – I use this to tie off any extra-long cords before I trim them with scissors.
- Nutri-Drench – I always feed to my doe after delivery. Nutri-Drench delivers high energy vitamins, minerals and amino acids to the doe in minutes. I have also given it to newborns as well that needed to be energized.
- OB Lupe & obstetric (OB) gloves– I have not had to use this yet but have it in case one of my does where to experience a difficult birth.
- Standard medical gloves – These are your “Go to” basic kidding glove.
- Grain – Your doe will be hungry after delivery.
- Sweaters for the babies – If your doe kids in winter you will need something to place on the baby to keep it warm. Your doe may not be enough depending on temperatures. I take old sweater shirts and cut the sleeves off. The kid’s head and neck fit perfectly in cuff. I then trim the excess sleeve to the length I need.
- Kid Colostrum Replacement & a bottle with nipple – This is just in case something goes wrong. I have only had one mom that rejected a baby. Luckily I was able to milk her and bottle feed the baby. When feeding a bottle, I like to use the Pritchard Teat. I have found these work the best for these little guys. The also screw on to the end of a 16 oz soda bottle.
- Vet’s number handy – Don’t be afraid to call your vet if your doe runs into trouble.
- Flashlight – My goats all like to kid at early evening or night.
- Bucket – When kidding season is about to begin I place the above items in a bucket so they are all together. It is my tool bag.
- Camera – Who doesn’t want to take lots of pictures of these cute new babies?
Now that I have a few kidding seasons behind me, I know it is better to ready for anything & everything. Once you are prepared, you can concentrate on watching for signs of labor. I will cover these in my next blog. Remember you are only there to support. Very rarely should you have to assist.
Disclaimer: In accordance with FDA guidelines, the information and products offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I am not a medical professional. Before administering any medications to your animals please contact your veterinarian first.
