Buying a pregnant goat

[cassie]

Oh, and your supply list will of course vary based on if you are going to let the Dam raise the kids or if you are going to pull the kid and bottle feed. You may want to also have kid milk replacer and a bottle on hand in case of emergency also.

Also- do you know if this will be her first kid or has she kidded before?

Your advice is good, except that milk replacer isn't needed. Milk from the store works fine.

 

[Eckielady]

So glad they are all getting along well..Makes it much easier on you!
It's very hard to tell just by pics, but probably a safe bet would be 3 1/2 to 4 months along. do you know how to check her tail ligaments?

No, she's pretty skittish right now though. Actually I think she may be that way in general. She doesn't seem like she's been handled much although her feet were pretty good.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

No, she's pretty skittish right now though. Actually I think she may be that way in general. She doesn't seem like she's been handled much although her feet were pretty good.

The ligaments connect the tail head to the hip bones. Feels like skinny pencils. When you can't feel them and can place your flat hand in the dip that forms between the tail and her hips and your hand sinks down they're usually within 24 to 72 hrs from kidding. and it's still hit or miss but generally pretty accurate. With no history of previous kidding it's a good idea to have some colostrum and milk replacer on hand. Yes, you can use milk from the grocery store but cows milk can be hard on the digestive system of babies. If you go that route add 2cc of dannon plain yogurt to 3 of the bottles each day. And this is only if momma doesn't let them nurse.
Most do, so probably won't need to worry with it...But best to be prepared.
Did you get a chance to check out the videoa in fiascofarm?
If I confused you on the whole ligament thing, let me know and I'll get a video showing what I mean on one of my goats.

 

[Eckielady]

The ligaments connect the tail head to the hip bones. Feels like skinny pencils. When you can't feel them and can place your flat hand in the dip that forms between the tail and her hips and your hand sinks down they're usually within 24 to 72 hrs from kidding. and it's still hit or miss but generally pretty accurate. With no history of previous kidding it's a good idea to have some colostrum and milk replacer on hand. Yes, you can use milk from the grocery store but cows milk can be hard on the digestive system of babies. If you go that route add 2cc of dannon plain yogurt to 3 of the bottles each day. And this is only if momma doesn't let them nurse.
Most do, so probably won't need to worry with it...But best to be prepared.
Did you get a chance to check out the videoa in fiascofarm?
If I confused you on the whole ligament thing, let me know and I'll get a video showing what I mean on one of my goats.

Totally confused but I'm pretty convinced she'd never let me check. Maybe down the road a bit she'll calm down. I definitely plan on having some milk replacer just in case. I don't think I'd be comfortable using cows milk.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

It's fine...It can be difficult when they're skittish and don't want to stress her more than necessary. When she starts getting close you'll see major swelling under her tail and when she walks she'll look like her back end has come unhinged..Lol (best way I know to explain it). She will start with a white to cream discharge. When you see an Amber discharge or an Amber bubble, it's time. Amber discharge, you have a bit of time usually to get her where you want her. Bubble means she's pushing!
Does that help or terrify?

 

[Eckielady]

It's fine...It can be difficult when they're skittish and don't want to stress her more than necessary. When she starts getting close you'll see major swelling under her tail and when she walks she'll look like her back end has come unhinged..Lol (best way I know to explain it). She will start with a white to cream discharge. When you see an Amber discharge or an Amber bubble, it's time. Amber discharge, you have a bit of time usually to get her where you want her. Bubble means she's pushing!
Does that help or terrify?

Helps greatly. Thanks so much. We're excited, it's just with no time frame.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

I completely understand, and it will drive you bat.... Crazy till she kids..Lol
Been raising dairy goats for 10 yrs, and will still find myself sitting in a stall half the night watching, then giving up and muttering something like....Yer just fat! Through my teeth... Just know you are not crazy and you are not alone!

 

[sannabelle]

I found that the super shy girl of my two nannies wanted me around right before she kidded. May not be the case with all of them, but mine warmed up a lot in the days right before. Day of kidding she was incredibly vocal, like she as singing to her babies

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Yes, many do. I had a Lamancha who'd stand by the back door and holler...Maaaaaam! lol until I came to the barn. And if I got up and left the stall she'd panic. Kids would bring me drinks and sandwiches while I played midwife to a goat!

 

[sannabelle]

Adorable!!! They're just so sweet!