Goat getting ready to kid? Help?

[roseyred]

We've banded pygmys and lamanchas with both good results.

 

[H Diamond]

Someone told us that if you band anything smaller than a lamancha, the it doesn't do anything? So nigies wouldn't work with banding? Is this lady telling the truth?

No, she's not.

 

[Stacykins]

Someone told us that if you band anything smaller than a lamancha, the it doesn't do anything? So nigies wouldn't work with banding? Is this lady telling the truth?

Aye, she is full of hot air. You just need the smaller size bands that are an appropriate size.

It is ridiculous the myths people come up with regarding livestock, and then spout it as undeniable truth. They don't seem to understand what facts are.

 

[H Diamond]

Does she have an udder or is she making one? Is this her first time?
Read this: http://fiascofarm.com/goats/prenatalcare.html
It shows what to look for, what you need to do, and how to check the tail ligaments
Here is a video on it:

A question for you.. do you keep the buck and doe in the same pen all the time? If so, please separate them. He will breed her back right away and you DO NOT want that. It's too hard on your doe.

 

[H Diamond]

Another good video:

 

[VKat]

Does she have an udder or is she making one? Is this her first time?
Read this: http://fiascofarm.com/goats/prenatalcare.html
It shows what to look for, what you need to do, and how to check the tail ligaments
Here is a video on it:

A question for you.. do you keep the buck and doe in the same pen all the time? If so, please separate them. He will breed her back right away and you DO NOT want that. It's too hard on your doe.

Thank you! I will watch the videos. Visual is very helpful!
This will be her first time I think. Their history is not 100% certain. They are basically rescues.
They have been together, but I have a separate fenced area right next to the house with a new shelter full of fresh straw waiting to bring her to when it's time. I plan to be there just in case she needs help. I know she will want privacy, and to keep the buck away. I would never ever allow back to back breeding. That seems irresponsible and cruel to her.

She is skittish about being handled some still, but from what I can see, her udder isn't filling out, but I think it is a tiny bit lower. Unless that's my imagination. I don't think I could really see it at all before, and now I can see the teats from behind.

The buck has a new friend so he won't be alone. Will the new mother be okay just occupied with her babies, or should she have another doe around?

 

[H Diamond]

She will be fine with just her babies. Glad you got the buck a friend and you feel that way about breedings. Some people don't, so you have to bring it up.

She may or may not want privacy, either way, it will be good if during the process you get some of the birth goo on you and let her lick it off (if you can get in there with her). She'll bond with you that way and "hopefully" be less skittish. I do this with any doe I have that's skittish/shy and it has always worked.

Make sure you watch a few birthing videos and have an idea of what to expect and what to look for if you think something is going wrong. I always check when my girls start actively pushing to make sure you have two feet and a nose coming out. I've found it's easier to just check.. the sooner you check the more room you have to work with. Just make sure your nails are short and not sharp and hands are clean. Have some towels on hand in case you need to clear noses/faces. I like to use iodine to dip navels in.. some dont, but I still do. You can read on that and decide.

Have you given mom a CD&T vaccine? If not, I would recommend giving it to her now, and again in 4 weeks. When you give it to the kids depends on how much time has lapsed between her getting it and kidding. The dose is 2cc/ml subq, same dose for the kids. If they were rescues, you might also consider having some selenium on hand in case you have a deficiency. You'll know if your kids come out with week legs and walk on their "knees" or knuckle under when they walk.

Personally I always have a kid feeding tube on hand. You don't have time to get one when you need it.

Umm, trying to think what else might make life easier on you.. lol. If you have any questions, please ask!
Oh, and if she doesn't have any real udder going on, you've got a bit yet before kidding.

 

[VKat]

She will be fine with just her babies. Glad you got the buck a friend and you feel that way about breedings. Some people don't, so you have to bring it up.

She may or may not want privacy, either way, it will be good if during the process you get some of the birth goo on you and let her lick it off (if you can get in there with her). She'll bond with you that way and "hopefully" be less skittish. I do this with any doe I have that's skittish/shy and it has always worked.

Make sure you watch a few birthing videos and have an idea of what to expect and what to look for if you think something is going wrong. I always check when my girls start actively pushing to make sure you have two feet and a nose coming out. I've found it's easier to just check.. the sooner you check the more room you have to work with. Just make sure your nails are short and not sharp and hands are clean. Have some towels on hand in case you need to clear noses/faces. I like to use iodine to dip navels in.. some dont, but I still do. You can read on that and decide.

Have you given mom a CD&T vaccine? If not, I would recommend giving it to her now, and again in 4 weeks. When you give it to the kids depends on how much time has lapsed between her getting it and kidding. The dose is 2cc/ml subq, same dose for the kids. If they were rescues, you might also consider having some selenium on hand in case you have a deficiency. You'll know if your kids come out with week legs and walk on their "knees" or knuckle under when they walk.

Personally I always have a kid feeding tube on hand. You don't have time to get one when you need it.

Umm, trying to think what else might make life easier on you.. lol. If you have any questions, please ask!
Oh, and if she doesn't have any real udder going on, you've got a bit yet before kidding.

Thanks so much for the advice!
I have been online a bunch today whenever I can steal a free moment to google more info. That Fias Co Farm has great stuff. Thank you for that link!
Youtube has more videos that I've been trying to watch too.

I have not given vaccines. Is this something I can buy at Tractor Supply or a Southern States?
I read about selenium being important, so I made sure the loose mineral I got for them have that in it. She has been getting mineral daily.... but I do worry about whatever nutrition (or lack thereof) earlier may have been... These poor goats were being fed just rabbit pellets and corn before we got them
Is extra selenium a shot, or something you feed?

I'm taking notes, and have a list for the Kidding Kit. Tomorrow I go shopping. Here's what I have down. Please let me know if I need to add anything?

-gloves
-iodine 7%
-KY
-surgical scissors
-clean towling
-flashlight
-bucket warm water
-dial soap
-molasses
-hair dryer
-bottle with nipple
-formula
-extra straw
-feeding tube

adding:
-selenium
-vaccines

 

[mbenker]

Sounds like you're pretty well prepared!! One thing I might add, we use sweet licks vitamins for our goats. Especially during pregnancy and kidding vitamin deficiencies go way up... I would do as much as you can to keep the vitamins up in your doe

 

[VKat]

Sounds like you're pretty well prepared!! One thing I might add, we use sweet licks vitamins for our goats. Especially during pregnancy and kidding vitamin deficiencies go way up... I would do as much as you can to keep the vitamins up in your doe

Is that in addition to the loose minerals? I have been giving her MannaPro loose minerals for goats every day.
Today I am going to TS to get all the things for just in case, so I can get a vitamin too.

What brand is best?

Also, can anyone tell me if there is ever a different reason a doe may have mucus back there? I want to be ready for anything with this doe since her history is largely unknown.