checking ligaments

[nmred]

I have a second-time doe who is due on March 10. Last year (her-and mine-first kidding) it was really easy to feel the ligaments. They were very prominent. This time around...not so much. In fact, it is very difficult. I have been checking for weeks now (she doesn't like you to touch her tail area, so I've been doing it every day to get her used to it). Most days its "There it is! No, maybe not...yep, there they are...I think." Is this normal? Will they get more prominent over the next week? I'm afraid that I won't be able to tell when she's ready because I'm having such a hard time feeling them. Her udder is filling nicely, so I think that will be a sign I can see. I can wrap my fingers around her tail base already, which I couldn't do until right at the end last time, so that isn't going to help me. Are there any other signs of imminent delivery that I can use? BTW, last year she delivered 5 days early. Is that a sign that she will do the same this year? Or does it not make a difference?

 

[Livinwright Farm]

If you can wrap your fingers around the base of her tail, can't feel her ligs, and she is really bagging up.... my guess is: Get Ready!

You said that she delivered 5 days early... let me guess... Nigerian?!

 

[nmred]

She is 7/8 nubian and 1/8 boer. She gave us triplets last time, but doesn't seem to be as big this time around. I'm hoping for twins, at least. I'm thinking it will be soon as well. Three days ago, I went down, and, I swear, her bag had doubled overnight! It still isn't really tight, though, so who knows? It's just so nice when you can feel those ligs disappear and know that it will be TODAY!!! Oh well, I'll just have to wait....and wait....