umbilical cord

[nzw tom]

O.K., I'm new to this. I have a nice doe (Bee) ready to kid around 2/12/12. Gave her a shot of Bo-Se and C.D&T yesterday. Got her kidding pen ready (plan to put her in there tomorrow). Her udders are filling (first time kidding for her).

One question: Got iodine from the vet. Do I tie the umbilical cord off with floss at a length of 1 1/2 inch, cut and dip it with iodine and leave the floss on, or do I do something else??

Thanks, waiting for the goat stork to arrive.

[farmmom]

If you want to tie it, you can. Not everyone does. I do with sterile suture material about 1/2 inch from the belly and the cut below that and dip.

[prairiedog]

We don't tie ours usually. We had one that tried to bleed and I tied it off. Dental floss works well. Also baby barrettes can be a quick clip.

[mpete]

When the kid is born, it will break off immediately so don't freak out! I've only had one that kind of "weeped" a little, but quit on its own in a minute or so

[LoneStrChic23]

I tie with floss about an inch below the belly & cut about 1/2" under the thread. Then I dip the umbilical cord & hooves (newborn hooves are porous) in iodine.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Never have tied one.

[nzw tom]

thanks, that helps

[mary,tx]

I've never tied one, either. And I don't get iodine from the vet, just pick it up at Walmart.

Good luck with the kidding.

[Pony]

Well, now that I know I don't have to tie them off, I'll be saving the trouble and the dental floss.

[prairiedog]

The iodine at WalMart isn't really as strong as is recommended.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I have never tied any here either but I have dental floss in my goat bag in their cupboard just in case I ever need it.
I think the only time I'd tie one then cut it is if it was too long & they may step on & cause it to rip off too early.


If you put your doe in her kidding pen this early before kidding, will she have a friend or be alone? They really like to be with their herdmates. It may stress her out too much to be alone for 2 or 3 weeks before kidding.

[nzw tom]

should I wait to put her in the kidding pen, if so, when should I put her in there??

[houndlover]

I don't tie off, just trim with sterile scissors about half an inch long. I use one of those little medicine cups from children's liquid medicine, pour a little in and dip. While 7% iodine is ideal, betadine will work in a pinch. The high percentage iodine is hard to come by these days and generally it is ridiculously prices from a vet. Try ordering it online. I don't put my does in the kidding pen until their ligaments go, they prefer to be with their buddies. Keep an eye on her, watch for the 1000 yd stare and for her to tense up and stop chewing cud - early contractions. I have does who I swear will not start labor in the pen, but must be led there after they start the early signs, pawing the ground, getting up and down, even pushing.

[Charleen]

I've had goats for almost 20 years and EVERY SINGLE one has broken off by itself. Never had to tie one. I pour a little iodine in a baby food jar, dip the navel in, hold it against the belly, quickly tip the kid back so it's all coated, then upright again.

Welcome to goats!

[Oat Bucket Farm]

We usually don't move a doe into her kidding stall until she is labor or we see goo. They just prefer to be in their normal pen with their herdmates as long as possible.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I do about the same as Oat Bucket. I don't move my girls until I see there in labor or goo either.
After they kid & the babies are up nursing, getting around good I let everyone back together. Usually that's anywheres from 1-2 days depending on the momma & kids. Sometimes it may be a bit longer but my girls are all happier being together.

[mary,tx]

Originally Posted by prairiedog

The iodine at WalMart isn't really as strong as is recommended.

The iodine I buy there is pretty strong. I want to say it's 7% (bottle is at the barn). What strength do you use?