Question About Inducing Labor

[Blue Run Farm]

Okay, I know this is really early, but my three girls have all recently been bred. Well, due to their heat cycles, they are all due between April 14 and April 21 of next year (assuming they took). Hubby informed me today that we are supposed to be away for either the weekend of April 18th or 25th. So I am thinking I need to plan ahead and induce if it is the 25th (not sure what to do if it is the 18th).

I know some people routinely induce so they can plan when their does will kid. At what point do you usually induce, if you do that? A few days before they are due? On the due date (assuming they haven't already kidded at that point)? I just want to get a plan in place because if I am trying to plan everything and get lute last minute, I will be a basket case! And I don't want to have to go away for a weekend if any of the girls are still preggo and could pop without me, but it is for a job! My farm sitter is good, but that would be asking a bit much...

I am thinking that it might be good, if possible, to just lute them all at the same time and have them kid close together when I can stay up with them all at once. Since they are all due within a week of each other, is this a possibility?

I am sure I will be a nervous wreck no matter what happens. I didn't breed any last year, so it will have been two years since my last kidding. The doe that is due first is my seasoned milker, Snickers, who has always had great kiddings with no help. The other two are first fresheners. I must be crazy!

Also, do you order lute online or do I have to get it from my vet if we go that route? Ack! Thanks for any advice and sorry I have not been around lately! With having no does in milk for a year, I didn't really come over here much. Most of you probably don't remember me, but I plan to be around more now

[GoldenWood Farm]

I don't have any great answers (Yarrow and Mygoat would know!) but I wanted to say HELLO! I remember you and it is good to see an old face .

Justine

[Blue Run Farm]

Aww, thanks! I remember you too <waves> I feel like I haven't been here in forever! But I knew if I came over I'd regret not having any adorable goat babies and yummy milk this year So excited to be "back in the game."

[Frosted Mini's]

I have induced a few times. Do you have EXACT dates on your does? Meaning, did they just pen with the buck for a time, or did you breed, then remove the buck? It is important to be certain on dates if you are going to induce. Otherwise, you could cause a premature birth where the kids will either die or not be thrifty. If you do have exact dates, go for it. You can induce them up to a few days early, but I'd probably have them kid no earlier than about day 146; the closer to 150, the better. It takes around 36 hours from when you give them the lute, to when they are kidding, so plan accordingly. 2 cc Lute IM per doe, no matter the size. You should see them start labor about 24 hours later, and mine have kidded at 28-34 hours later. You can have a range of earlier and later, though.

[Blue Run Farm]

Yes, exact dates. I will have to think on it. I have never induced before, but I am worried about the possibility of them kidding when I am not here. Hmmm...

[Doug Hodges]

Hopefully you will have someone there the weekend you are gone and if one of your dates is the 21st, you better make when you leave the weekend of the 25th.

Yarrow induces a lot. She likes daytime babies. I let them kid as they want.


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