What kid puller to get for goats

[picklestheduck]

I’ve been told I should get a kid puller for when my goats give birth, which is sooner than I would like to think, and I’m a newbie so I’m not sure what I should get. I just want one on hand. Thoughts? Are their certain types you like?

 

[HumbleAmerican]

I’ve pulled sheep, goats, calves all with a length of mule tape. Picture 1” wide soft strapping.

Rest is getting loops around the feet and putting your hands where you’ve never imagined them going.

 

[saysfaa]

Because you are a newbie, I would like to share this because cows are easily damaged by people new to pulling calves so I think these things would be even more important with does. It isn't an exhaustive list, even for cattle.

Rarely does "pulling" actually involve pulling. Instead, it is providing enough pressure to keep the baby from slipping back in.

Pay attention to the angle - the pressure should be down at least as much as out. And should not be up.

Make sure you have two front feet with a nose lying between them before applying any pressure. Or at least if you have front feet that a nose is lying between them.

Make sure both feet (and the nose) belong to the same baby.

Place the rope or chains above the dewclaws - placing above the hoof can injure the hoof. And loop them, don't tie them. Even looping them, check that they are flat so the pressure isn't concentrated - no twists or such.

Edit to add. We used soft rope usually. Chains are better because you can sterilize them more easily but you need the kind specially made for this - regular chains don't lie smoothly/evenly/flat enough.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you need a puller you need a vet to help deliver those kids. Generally kids come out easily. On occasion you may need to pull gently on feet to hurry things along, but I would be careful pulling too much, especially since you are inexperienced as you can cause damage if you aren't careful.