First kidding...questions...

Leah IL · #1 04/08/06, 09:20 AM

First of all, my goat was "due" a couple of days ago and so far nothing...her udder is filling out and she is pretty wide, though these goats (oberhaslis) looked wide when we got them last year before they were bred. How common is it for a doe to be overdue? How far overdue before I start to worry? Is it possible she is not pregnant? Would her udder fill out like that if she wasn't? The other doe we have is the same, udder filling out and all but she's not due until next week.

Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Also, I was thinking of confining the one that is due any time to a stall until she kids, is that a good idea or no? She is right next to the other goat and can still be nose to nose with her just not in the same stall. I am nervous of her kidding out in the pasture and me not noticing..

Thanks. I am a first timer and am really nervous and confused!!!!!

Leah

tltater · #2 04/08/06, 10:05 AM

This was my first year with kidding too and these are some of the things I learned. Just like with humans, they can go later. Depending on what day you are calling her due date. Udder developement is only a sign if it is significant. Someone on here advised me, when the udder is seen sticking out the back when looking at the doe from the side, labor should be soon. I also noticed the vaginal area gets very swollen and when they lay down or pull their leg forward to itch or something, it "opens" up a little. You may or may not see a white snotty looking discharge. They also may start "talking" alot or wanting you to stay close depending on the doe. The ligaments are a good indicator if you can figure them out. Here's a great site to help you with your questions and tells you how to find the ligaments: Fiasco Farm

As far as putting her in a stall, I don't think it would hurt since she is so close. I put my one doe up last monday night because her udder filled quickly and I felt her ligaments and I didn't feel anything but she showed no other signs. The next morning she was just ticked off still because she was seperated from the rest of the herd and tried to get out every chance she had. Shortly there after, I went out to check on her before leaving and there she stood with her new little doeling all dried off and walking around! It was a nice little surprise!

Be patient, the time will come and you'll be a proud "grandma"!

Tracy
Southwestern, NY

Leah IL · #3 04/08/06, 10:29 AM

Tracy, thank you so much for your words...I have read and re-read fiasco farms information- I guess I was looking for a little "live" reassurance

I appreciate you taking the time to answer!!

Leah

mary,tx · #4 04/08/06, 10:49 AM

Five days either side of the due date is normal. Since their udders are developing, I would think that, yes, they are coming due. I have two that are hopefully due next month and I'm still watching those udders for some sign that the breedings took.

I don't like to pen mine up before kidding time because I want them to be out getting their exercise. But I suppose it depends on how big your pasture is and how big their stall is. I would at least make sure she is always able to get into the barn. Usually, but not always, they will come back up on their own when kidding is eminent.

The little bit of white goop might start showing on their bottoms a couple of weeks ahead of time. You may or may not see it. If the discharge becomes more substantial, thick and stringy, then you need to stay close by.

One other thing I watch for is loosening of the tail ligaments. You can feel the difference if you check them regularly, and you might see it in the way their tail begins to hang funny.

Mine will sometimes begin to seriously waddle the day they bag up, and usually kid that day. That, though, varies by goat.

As Tracy mentioned, also watch the vaginal area for loosening and pinkness.

mary

stacygoats · #5 04/08/06, 07:27 PM

I'm not sure what your weather is like but over here in Michigan it's going to get down to 28 tonight. I bring my does into stalls when they're due just because of the cold weather.

circlevranch · #6 04/08/06, 07:56 PM

some does udders can fill up early as far as a 3 weeks to a month in advance. Some does unders won't fill up until right before they give birth it just depends on that particular doe. Well as far as the (due) date goes mother nature plays a big part in that area. Some of the things we look for are the does seem to get lazy and lay around alot. We also check for swelling of around the vaginal area and look for a mucus discharge of which is also known as (waxing). If you see your doe pawing at the ground or bedding/straw more than likely she's trying to find a place to lay down and have her kid. We don't pen any of our does up they seem to do just fine but we do try and make sure they're inside the barn when they kid though. We have put does in a pen right after they had there kid but they were first time does and we wanted to make sure they bonded with there new kid. If we do have to pen up a doe we try to leave her in the individual pen only a day maybe two days at the most. We do this so there isn't a (re-introduction) with the doe that just kidded and the other does in the barn. We find that usually a doe that just had a kid will chase any other does and kids away from her kid. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you and your does:-)

mary,tx · #7 04/08/06, 07:57 PM

Even if the weather is nice, it's a good idea to be putting them in the barn at night.
mary

Leah IL · #8 04/09/06, 01:15 PM

Thanks so much for the advice- they are always in the barn at night so that isn't an issue. The area of the barn that they are in has unlimited access to outside though, so I prepared a stall for her that is confined to the barn. We've been letting her go out in the pasture during the day and then putting her in the stall at night just so she'll be unable to leave if she does kid overnight.

Still nothing though- the vaginal area is quite swollen and soft looking but no discharge. I noticed her laying down out in the pasture today which I found odd, I've never seen her do that before

I will let you know when I become a grandma!!!

Goat Freak · #9 04/12/06, 11:51 AM

CONGRATS on your doe that is due. Sounds like she will go anytime now. Has she already had the babies? Good Luck with her. Bye.