is my doe in heat?

[MamaDee]

Hi, all

I am totally new to this so here goes. We have two does--10 months old. We just "borrowed" a buck to breed with them. They are all together in one pen--getting along nicely. But how the heck can we tell if/when the does are in heat?

We thought we had more time and we were going to get a buck rag and watch them with it for awhile--but the buck was available sooner than we expected, so we got the real thing out of the blue.

One doe is clearly not interested. One acts like she likes him more. But she still won't stand for his attempts. Today she was bleating more than usual--but that's it. What should I look for?

We can keep him for a month or so. We could just hope that's enough time for both of them, but I'd like to be a little more precise. Any advice?

Dee

[BlueHeronFarm]

What breed are they? My nubians let us know vocally. There is also a lovely, clear discharge to look for. ...but I think the male goat will let you know when your girls are in heat. ...that and they will stand there and take it, then.

I'm still new at this, too - but the one we bred was very obvious about her heat. Loud, gooey and separated herself from the herd to pine away for her mate. Good luck.

[MamaDee]

Oh, good. I'm glad there's something obvious to it. I was afraid I'd miss the whole thing. One doe is a pure Nubian, the other is a Nubian/Alpine cross. There's nothing too much going on. One seems more interested than the other, but I'm suprised at how little the billy tries anything. I thought he'd be all over them. ; )

Of course, I go down there with five kids--the goats are pretty distracted then! DH goes down alone and he hasn't seen anything much either, though.

Thanks!

Dee

[Jim S.]

The does will stand there and let the buck approach them without darting off. He sometimes curls his upper lip to sniff the air nearby, not always. He'll try to rest his head on their shoulders or rump...he's j-u-s-t checking. They will let him do this if they are getting in the mood. Those are some pretty universal signs they are coming into season, across all breeds. Even if you do not actually see the deed, by this behavior you will know love is in the air. LOL.

[thaiblue12]

Well I too am new to breeding. What I saw with mine was the doe that was in heat got humped/ridden by the other females. They chased her away from food and he showed an extreme interest in her.
Good Luck, hope you get some cute little babies.