Pregnant doe question

Kye022984 · #1 02/26/11, 06:14 PM

I have a doe due on Monday, basically any day now, and I was wondering what to do if it's cold? We are in San Diego so I am sure its not as cold as it is in most parts of the country but we just happen to be having one of the coldest streaks we've had in a long time and I am a little worried. We have her in a nice little goat house with fresh straw bedding so it stays pretty warm. And, I don't have any baby goat sweaters. Can I give them regular old blankets? Also, should I be housing her up at night with one of the other does for company?

See, the pregnant girl goes in the goat house and the rest (three does and a buck) go in the goat shed which is in the same pen but not connected to the goat house in any way. The buck and one of the other does will be going back to their own homes some time this weekend of the beginning of next week. But what should I do before then?

If she kids before the buck leaves should I be worried about him in anyway around the babies??

nigeriandwarfs · #2 02/26/11, 06:26 PM

I made my ND baby sweaters from an old pair of baby sweatpants (3-6 months) I cut the leg part off then I cut the elastic off the foot area (which became the neck hole) and cut a slit for each of the front feet and left the top a little longer then the bottom so they could use the bathroom. Can't find the pictures but it worked well and no sewing was a plus.

I'll let someone more experienced answer your other questions. GOOD LUCK and congrats.

http://2012youdecide.blogspot.com

CaliannG · #3 02/26/11, 06:33 PM

As long as mama is there to protect them, buck goats are smart enough to back off from baby goats. Protective mama goats, they have noticed, have NO sense of humor.

If it stays above 50 degrees, and they are with their mama, and you have toweled them dry, and put a heat lamp out there, yadda, yadda, yadda, they shouldn't need sweaters.

Goat Servant · #4 02/26/11, 07:31 PM

San Diego with a cold streak? You gotta be kidding! Seriously though, so long as they are in a dry, draft free place the little ones should do just fine. I never use heat lamps but do provide a box for them to go to.
These critters are pretty tough in "low" temps.

PaulNKS · #5 02/26/11, 07:54 PM

In San Diego, I don't think that even a "cold" spell will be cold enough to worry.

I was just looking at your forecast. Over the next week, your lowest temps are 46 to 48. I wouldn't worry about the little guys. As long as they nurse, they will stay plenty warm.

I was kidding in -25F wind chills and lost NO kids due to the temps and I had no heat lamps or sweaters. I just made sure the kids nursed every 2 to 3 hours around the clock for their first 2 and 3 days/nights...

The key, initially... is warming them from the inside out as newborns.

Kye022984 · #6 02/26/11, 08:04 PM

Ha Ha. I knew you guys would make fun of my "san diego cold streak" worry

This is my first time EVER having a doe kid in my yard so I am nervous! But so long as everything seems good with you guys on the "cold front" then I am comfortable. Just wanted to make sure all my bases were covered before the big day or night.

The goat house I have the mama in is actually an over-sized dog house that will be pretty close quarters for mom and kids. It was built to house a Mastiff that we bought on craigslist. She can stand inside and everything and she has seemed to grow quite fond of it over the past two days. I saw her actually kick the buck out of it this morning so she can rest in it! Well, I will keep you guys updated. Wish me luck and my little mama health!

PaulNKS · #7 02/26/11, 08:25 PM

There's nothing wrong with worry and preparation. Just don't let it get in the way of enjoying the experience. lol You'll do fine. Just keep a close watch and enjoy.

Backfourty,MI. · #8 02/26/11, 08:46 PM

I definately don't think you need a heat lamp in 45 degree weather for the little guy but if your that worried put a hot water bottle under an old towel or the straw in the dog house for him to snuggle on next to his momma.

I don't keep my bucks with my does' so I would watch the buck with the littel baby when it gets here just to make sure everything will be OK, just like people all goats are different & can act different.