Another doe deliver question

terrythetaod · #1 10/21/07, 07:55 PM

Hi,

My daughter's other doe delivered about 15 minutes ago. But, the doe won't lick the baby and the umbilical is still attached. Can / should we cut the cord?

Thanks!

(If you couldn't tell, we are new to the goat delivery business!)

Blossomgapfarm · #2 10/21/07, 08:04 PM

Usually the umbilical cord will break when the baby is born. Don't cut it unless you have a cord clamp or tie a clean string around it first. Normally the weight of the baby will pull the cord tight then snap it off. Keep trying to get momma to clean it off. She may have just been busy with another baby? If you end up having to bottle the baby, milk momma and give the baby the first milk from her - they need colostrum the first day or so after birth. Someone told me at least 24 oz in the first day, but that may be based on weight.

Congrats on the baby - hope all goes well.

pookshollow · #3 10/21/07, 08:17 PM

What I like to use for tying off umbilical cords, when necessary, is dental floss! It's clean, it's easy to cut and there's usually some in the house. I actually keep those little individual containers out in the barn. Tie about an inch away from their bellies, and cut between the string and mama. You might see some blood, but not to worry if you've tied them off well.

Don't forget to dip their umbilicals in iodine once they're free of mama. Put some in a bottle cap or something similar, press it up against their bellies and try and "tip" them so that it gets well covered.

Is this doe a first-timer? She might be a little confused. Try not to interfere too much, just keep an eye on her and the kid. You want to see the kid up and nursing within at least a half-hour.

Just a warning - I had a FF doe kid this spring with twins. She cleaned them both off, everything seemed fine - then six hours later when I went back to check, she was picking one of the kids up in her teeth and flinging her away. When she chomped down on the kid's leg with her back teeth, I brought the baby into the house. I really think she would have killed it.

fcnubian · #4 10/21/07, 08:19 PM

Congrats! If she's a first time take some of the goo from the kidding and put on her nose/mouth...and keep encouraging her to clean the baby. If she refuses and you have to bottle feed, i agree with the above poster, milk out the colostrum and feed that to the baby. After that if you dont want to milk the momma and can't get any other goat milk you can feed cows milk.
Keep at it! Babies are soooo worth it in the end.

Congrats again!

terrythetaod · #5 10/21/07, 08:48 PM

Thanks everyone for the help! Right now, mom and baby are doing fine.

In case you didn't read my other post: my daughter had two pregnant does... Cookie and Maybelline. Cookie delivered two babies tonight, and they are doing great. Nursing and capering already - only about an hour or so old.

Maybelline gave birth to one baby, and she seems a little slow to take to nursing the baby. She seems to be thinking "hey, little fella, what are you doing back there?" -- and walks away. But, if my daughter can keep her distracted, she will let the baby nurse.

But, I think things are okay for now. I'll keep you posted if there is any news (or if I have more questions!)

Thanks again!

Bearfootfarm · #6 10/21/07, 09:19 PM

Put her and the kid in a small pen together for a day or two so she cant leave it, and they will bond.

This article is about sheep but goats are the same:

"Post-lambing pen: Post-lambing pens are crucial for lamb survival and lamb performance. Once the lambs are born, they must be taken with their mothers to a warm, clean, dry pen. An average size of a post-lambing pen is 5'x5'. This allows the young lambs' full access to the ewe's colostrum. The first 18 hours after birth is that of the most important. This is when the babies need to consume as much as their mother's milk (colostrum) to get the antibodies available for protection against diseases and viruses. Colostrum also gives the babies energy to keep them warm.
Post-lambing pens also give the opportunity for the ewe and her young to:
Bond
Establish identification"

http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/sheep/ansc...ng/lambing.htm

HazyDay · #7 10/22/07, 07:19 AM

Don't worry! Our FF Boer did that also. She diddn't like being felt or looked at down their so it took her the whole afternoon to get used to having kids! She licked them and would let them get near, but when they got near the udder she would run.... Like I said it will take some time, so pull up a chair and bring a good book and have a nice afternoon/or day watching babies and momma!

Blossomgapfarm · #8 10/23/07, 09:11 PM

How are they all doing today?