Breeding help!

[Niki Forsyth]

Hi, I have a year old nubian buck and an almost 4 month old doe. We are new to the world of goats. I read that the does won't have their first heat until about 8 months of age. So we didn't plan on separating them until close to that time Well we were informed yesterday that the does can start breeding at 4 months. But it is not recommended because of health risks. I had no idea that they could get pregnant so young. We're separating them. I looked up the signs of heat and from what I can tell she hasn't had her first heat yet. I want to know if they did mate (I hope they didn't ) what are the chances of the doe and babies surviving and being alright??

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Where are you located?
Nubians are seasonal breeders (mostly) so I think it's unlikely.

If you are really worried you can pull blood and send it out for a pregnancy check. It's inexpensive and very accurate. She'd need to be at least 1 month bred though.

 

[Niki Forsyth]

We live in Georgia. When do they usually breed? I haven't seen any signs of heat. That I know of..like I said, I'm new at this.. I was just worried. I didn't want my baby girl to be injured because of my lack of knowledge. Thank you for your help!

 

[babsbag]

They will usually come into heat around the middle to end of Aug. and will cycle every 18-21 days until Feb. or March or until they are bred.

Heat cycles are day length related and it is the shorter days that start it. So where you live can affect the dates. Also there are breeds that cycle all year. Nigerian Dwarves and Boers (and maybe Kikos) are the ones that come to mind, but there may be other breeds. Typically Nubians are seasonal breeders so you are probably safe.

 

[Niki Forsyth]

Thank you very much @Goat Whisperer and @babsbag

 

[Kass]

They will usually come into heat around the middle to end of Aug. and will cycle every 18-21 days until Feb. or March or until they are bred.

Heat cycles are day length related and it is the shorter days that start it. So where you live can affect the dates. Also there are breeds that cycle all year. Nigerian Dwarves and Boers (and maybe Kikos) are the ones that come to mind, but there may be other breeds. Typically Nubians are seasonal breeders so you are probably safe.

I have a 4 month old ND that was at the breeders until 2 weeks ago. The breeder housed her bucks and does together! 2 mature bucks, and a few young bucks. So my question is what are the odds she got pregnant at 3.5 months, and what are the odds of her and the baby(s) surviving?