Would you ever leave...

[Pumpkinpup]

I have looked after a friends prego mare as well as anothers expectant terrier, both of which delivered while in my care. I took all proper precautions and made sure to do everything within my power to see that both moms and babies were safe and sound. Everything worked out fine both times.
On the other hand, I also have had to leave a mare in the care of someone else when traveling. I was very careful with my choice for sitter/midwife and all went smooth. I so however think it very important to know and trust the one left in charge and be sure that they are capeable of handling an emergency should one occur.

 

[Teresaann24]

I myself would never leave. When I have even eggs to hatch I don't leave them. When my dog recently had pups 8 days ago. I didnt leave the house for 4 days knowing she was close. Thats just me, Some people have to work I am a stay at home mom. If I needed somthing or the kids did I just called DH. I know I wouldnt wanna be alone when I was in Labor.

 

[Teach97]

I left with eggs about to hatch! Mu buddy called me and asked if there was anything he should know about...I said you mean they hatched!...he said yes and had taken care of them...oops...would I leave a cat...yup. Dog? Probably. Wouldn't have a horse so not an issue I have thought about. Cows...yup. That is their job...have babies w/o me! I would have a competent person checking things but would warn them....well except my one buddy concern chickens or quail...he needs the excitement of wondering about that peeping sound

 

[Crazyland]

No I wouldn't leave any animal that was even close to being due. Anything can go wrong and I wouldn't want anyone to deal with a situation I created. It is my responsibility as a pet owner to care for my animals. If you bred your animal then you know when they will be due. And to leave on vacation is just bad practise in my opinion. I wouldn't even sell to someone who mentioned they wanted an animal and were to then leave the animal for someone else to care for so they could go on vacation.

 

[bagendhens]

unless an emergency no.
ive seen emergencies happen during delivery, and wouldnt want to sit there thinking "i could have saved her"...

that being said if i book my vacation for this time next year for example, i would do everything in my power to prevent anyone getting pregnant to be due even remotly around the dates id be away.

my personal oppinion is...
YOU decided to let that animal get pregnant, therefore its YOUR responsibility to make sure shes secure and safe.
if you have someone you feel is experienced and responsible enough to take care of everything while your away fine...
but for me, i couldnt do it.

 

[michickenwrangler]

I'm lucky, my neighbor and I swap farm-sitting. We also have her daughter who is about my age and has horses and dogs to help out. I have to go to our distance riding awards banquet first weekend in Feb. Murphy's Law dictates that my doe will kid that night. Luckily, the neighbor grew up on a dairy farm and has far more experience helping with birth than I do.

I get to reciprocate in June. She's going away for a weekend during peak milking season. Fun, fun fun! I get to milk the goat who is appropriately named Spazoid

 

[Mahonri]

I would only leave if it were a human emergency or a funeral or something and even then I'd really have to trust the person that I left in charge.

 

[chickerdoodle]

NO--if I actually had to worry about it. There are no babies able to be born except for the gold fish in our ponds and I don't mind being away if they lay their eggs. When I see baby fish its fun but they don't need any help--its up to them to be a survivor in the ponds or I'll have too many. Considering the amount of fish I often have to give away they seem to do just fine! All my other pets are spayed or we only have one sex such as our male parrotlet. If I were breeding specifically I woulds schedule around the births. Only a real emergency would preclude it but I would be a wreck worrying!