dexter in labor

qwerty · #1 03/27/12, 04:45 PM

My dexter is in labor. I don't want to bother her unless necessary.A few questions are such as how long are they usually in labor and what to look for as trouble. I'm by myself on this no vet or neighborly help. Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated and I am keeping an eye on her so that I hope she doesn't view me as a nervous ninny. I can view from a place she can't see. Thanks, Helen

MO_cows · #2 03/27/12, 05:11 PM

Once you can see feet, make sure they are front feet, right side up, and there are two of them.

Binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lense are handy for keeping an eye on calving without disturbing mom.

Once you see feet, it might take just a few minutes to deliver the calf or up to a couple of hours. Sometimes they will get up and down, walk around with feet sticking out before really getting down to work. As long as there is progress being made, ie more of the calf coming out every few pushes, let her work. If she is actively working/straining/pushing but can't seem to get the calf any farther out for half an hour to an hour, she probably needs help.

**gone-a-milkin** · #3 03/27/12, 05:11 PM

What is she doing?
Can you see anything coming out yet?

qwerty · #4 03/27/12, 05:19 PM

no feet yet just what looks like small liquid filled bubble that comes when she pushes and then disappears when she quits pushing

copperhead46 · #5 03/27/12, 05:49 PM

thats the main thing, 2 feet and then a nose, good luck, I'm sure she'll be just fine

qwerty · #6 03/27/12, 06:15 PM

she still hasn't had the calf. has been in labor since midmorning although not heavy labor should I be starting to worry

Karin L · #7 03/27/12, 07:37 PM

Is the water bag hanging down from her vulva? If it's not heavy it's probably not worth worrying. The initial stages of labour usually last a bit longer than the real hard labour.

MO_cows · #8 03/27/12, 10:29 PM

Wonder how it's going?

qwerty · #9 03/28/12, 02:37 AM

here at about 10PM mom and son resting....thanks everyone for helpful info
Helen

**gone-a-milkin** · #10 03/28/12, 09:17 AM

Congratulations.
I am glad it went good for you.
Did you get to see the calf born?