Question for Nubian people

GoldenWood Farm · #1 06/04/11, 12:13 PM

Alrighty now normally I wouldn't be asking but I am at my whits end here. I have a doe who is Nubian/LaMancha (50/50) but takes more after the nubian side *cough* goofy *cough*. I discovered for sure 2-3 weeks ago that I am indeed not going crazy for thinking she is bred and somehow our little Nigerian Dwarf grew a couple of feet and bred her. So fast forward to now and she has uddered up a few days ago, belly dropped a few days ago so all the classic signs we would have kids but she still has ligaments to this day.

The kids must be sitting on something funky because the poor girl is walking so straddle legged and you can tell something hurts in the back end like maybe they are pinching a nerve? This is only her second kidding and since I don't have a due date I don't have much to go on as far as her normal kidding behavior or how early she udders up normally. My LaManchas after they udder up normally 24 hours and we have kids. So here is my stupid question after ALL that writing, do Nubians udder up rather early as a norm or do I just have a special doe who wants to kill me?

I wish I had a due date on her so I could know for sure that she is indeed getting closer, this is why I never pen breed if I can help it! Someone save my sanity and say they have had does do this before too. I normally would be fine but with her walking around the way she is I wish I knew she would go soon. I truly am amazed she has held out this long as if it was any other doe I would say we could have babies by tonight. Help anyone?

Justine

mary,tx · #2 06/04/11, 12:17 PM

It depends on what you mean by uddering up. The udder might start getting large ahead of time, but with my Nubians, if they are engorged with milk, today's the day. Unfortunately, you know the real answer. You just have to wait and watch. Good luck to you and her. I'm thinking those are going to be some cute babies.

mpete · #3 06/04/11, 12:28 PM

Can you go in and see what her cervix feels like? If the kids are not positioned right the cervix won't open. I had a doe very recently that I did not know a breed date. I thought she was ready to deliver for over a month because she was full, moany, up/down, etc, but her ligs were still sort of there. In the end, the first kid was curled up in a ball and she would never of been able to push it through. Her cervix was soft but not dialated. If the kid is in trouble, there will be colored goo on your had when you pull it out.
I've had does that walked really bad like that... They really seem to enjoy a back massage, but then they have a normal delivery.
Take a deep breathe, wishing you all the luck that all will be ok.

RedTartan · #4 06/04/11, 12:30 PM

Mine get their udders up to 2 weeks before they kid. I recently sold all my goats because they were just too much trouble. Had one get mastitis and a teat stone because I didn't milk her before she kidded. It was always something... Be prepared to put her on the stand if she becomes engorged.

Creamers · #5 06/04/11, 01:47 PM

it varies doe to doe

GoldenWood Farm · #6 06/04/11, 04:30 PM

Thank you guys for answering, I know it isn't the most important thing for me to be asking. Normally I can tell when they are close but I am so used to my LaManchas that I am not sure if because she has nubian in her it will affect how long she goes before she actually kids. I normally am not a nervous person but with not having a due date and her walking funky plus me not being able to be here all the time(work), well it adds up

.

I am thankful because she is bred to a Nigerian Dwarf so even if something went wrong the kids will be small if I do need to do anything or if she goes over they still won't be huge. I just wish she would at least START loosing her ligaments...then I would at least feel like we are getting somewhere. I might go in as you suggested mpete and see what I can feel, her vulva is all nice and poochy right now so it hopefully won't be to tight (I have large hands).

Justine