help with kid to come

[moday]

We have been locking our doe in a kidding stall at night where she can see her pasture mates in a stall area next to her. During the day, we let her out. There is alot of snow still (Michigan), so she doesn't wander far from the goat barn.

Anyhow, what's next when the kid comes? Do we need to plan for doing anything with the umbilical cord, the mother for passing addl kids of afterbirth, or what to expect?

This is our first time. Any advice is appreaciated.

[Backfourty,MI.]

The doe usually takes care of the ambilical cord. I always like to be around if at all possible, especially this time of year because of the cold weather in case I need to help dry off the kids. Sometimes if they have more than 1 they come so quick the momma is still working on cleaning the 1st one when the 2nd one pops out, make sure the kids are breathing good & crying. The doe will usually take care of them.
I would also get some iodine for dipping the ambilical cord in.
Also I always worm my doe's the day of kidding after the little ones get a good first meal or 2 & then re-worm her again 10 days later.

Some folks give Bo-Se shots & Vitamin E liquid but I have never done those. I'm sure others will jump in & let you know what they do also.

It is so exciting, wait till you see them. I remember when our first kid was born here, Dh & I thought that she was the prettiest baby goat we had ever seen anywhere! It's pretty cool!

[susanne]

i'm in michigan too and always do bo-se as we are in a very deficient area.
normally a doe will have no problems at kidding time and you are surprised with one, two or even three little kids already dry and full bellies.
now is the time to look for a mentor/vet near you that you can call or get help in case of an emergency.
do you have a due date?

[Goat Servant]

Yes does usually take care of cord. Ours get dipped in 7% iodine. Wear rubber gloves when doing it so you dont have the stains too!
Doe gets wormed soon as kids have had their first meal & settled in, then 10 days later.
We dont do BoSe on kids unless we think they really need it (doe had BoSe & CTD booster about 3 weeks prior)

Old towels are great for helping dry off kids especially in cold weather. If your not too far from barn you can throw them in the dryer for a few.

Afterbirth can take up to 24 hrs but she WILL have this long ropey looking thing with funny looking yellowish clusters on it before the placenta is passed.
Dont pull on it. Some folks tie it in a knot.

Doe will have waxey plug in her teats. Most of us reach down & do a squirt or two from each teat.
Its good you have her in a stall & she can even see her friends. Happy kidding to you!

[thebaker]

Here is the story of what I did for our buckling when he was born.
Long Day Ended Up Great!!!

Another link incase you've never seen it. This will help explain some thing too.
First babies, maybe?



Hope the link works..

Good Luck..

[Minelson]

Most important...camera charged and ready
keep us posted! It's really an awesome experience!

[Backfourty,MI.]

Good one about the wax plug on the teats Goat Servant, I always forget to tell people that.
I always make sure the milk is coming & the wax plugs are gone too.

Minelson's right too, Camera a MUST!