So I'm going to try to do a little video series, titled "Another Day With The Goats", showing the day-to-day goat care here at our farm. I'm beginning with Nelly, as she had kids just a few days ago, and I have documented everything I could. Unfortunately, I missed the birth as her labor was much quicker than I anticipated. Below is the first video, in which I show LilyAnn and William the signs of impending labor, and we go through my kidding kit.
There are several signs of labor that most, not all, goats display shortly before kidding.
1. Ligaments near the tail head loosen and eventually "disappear".
To find the ligaments (please forgive me, in the video I accidentally called them tendons), place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the goat's spine and slide them down toward the tail head, pressing firmly. You should feel two hard things, like pencils, just above the tail head (where the tail joins the spine). These are usually hard and firm, but shortly before kidding they will loosen and "disappear", or become hard to find. When my first doe kidded, I had trouble determining if the ligaments were "gone", because I could still feel them, but had to search around a bit. If you can feel the ligaments, but aren't sure if they're gone, then they likely are. Feel her several times a day for a while, and you will be able to feel the difference when they go. Every goat is different, and some "lose" the ligaments repeatedly before kidding. (My rascally Mabel did this.)
2. Udder fills and becomes tightly distended.
Usually a doe will "bag up", that is, her udder will develop and partially fill with milk, some time before kidding. But within 24 to 48 hours of birth it will usually become tight and hard. It may have a shiny look, due to the skin being tightly stretched. Not all that tightness is from milk, although some of it is. A good bit is from edema, which is retained water causing the tissues to swell.
Some does do not bag up until a few hours before kidding, and some even wait until afterwards. Occasionally a doe will not come into milk at all, and this is a sign of trouble. Carefully evaluate her health.
3. Vulva becomes swollen and soft.
I don't think this one needs much explanation. :) A quick check back there a couple times a day is all that's needed. You may see a difference before kidding, and she will likely drip clear or whitish fluid. Blood or green fluid is not normal, get veterinary advice.
Does may exhibit any, all, or none of these signs prior to kidding. A change in usual behavior and going off feed are both signs that labor may be beginning. Overall, it's just best to know your doe, and watch her carefully.
Now, enjoy the video!
1. Ligaments near the tail head loosen and eventually "disappear".
To find the ligaments (please forgive me, in the video I accidentally called them tendons), place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the goat's spine and slide them down toward the tail head, pressing firmly. You should feel two hard things, like pencils, just above the tail head (where the tail joins the spine). These are usually hard and firm, but shortly before kidding they will loosen and "disappear", or become hard to find. When my first doe kidded, I had trouble determining if the ligaments were "gone", because I could still feel them, but had to search around a bit. If you can feel the ligaments, but aren't sure if they're gone, then they likely are. Feel her several times a day for a while, and you will be able to feel the difference when they go. Every goat is different, and some "lose" the ligaments repeatedly before kidding. (My rascally Mabel did this.)
2. Udder fills and becomes tightly distended.
Usually a doe will "bag up", that is, her udder will develop and partially fill with milk, some time before kidding. But within 24 to 48 hours of birth it will usually become tight and hard. It may have a shiny look, due to the skin being tightly stretched. Not all that tightness is from milk, although some of it is. A good bit is from edema, which is retained water causing the tissues to swell.
Some does do not bag up until a few hours before kidding, and some even wait until afterwards. Occasionally a doe will not come into milk at all, and this is a sign of trouble. Carefully evaluate her health.
3. Vulva becomes swollen and soft.
I don't think this one needs much explanation. :) A quick check back there a couple times a day is all that's needed. You may see a difference before kidding, and she will likely drip clear or whitish fluid. Blood or green fluid is not normal, get veterinary advice.
Does may exhibit any, all, or none of these signs prior to kidding. A change in usual behavior and going off feed are both signs that labor may be beginning. Overall, it's just best to know your doe, and watch her carefully.
Now, enjoy the video!
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