First time Momma

[nstone630]

I don't blame you for not kidding in winter, we don't breed our does until after Nov 1st so we avoid the extreme cold here.

We made warming barrels to use at kidding time, DH found several white plastic 55 gal drums, cut a hole in the side big enough for the kids to get in and out and a hole at the top to secure a heat source. Our kids used it and the doe would lay with her head right next to the opening or just a bit inside. I couldn't find a very good picture but this is one of our kids inside the barrel. You can probably do an internet search for goat warming barrels- I cant remember who gave us the link.

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I'll talk to the DH today about the barrels. That might work! Just make sure the barrel is secure enough where mom can't knock it over. I wonder...would you have to use a heat lamp then or do you think just a regular light bulb could create enough warmth inside the barrell?

 

[Hens and Roos]

We secured the barrel to the wall and used a regular red bulb(non-heat)-you might have to try a could different watt bulbs to find the one that works best and it seemed to create enough warmth even with a single kid

 

[OneFineAcre]

I'll talk to the DH today about the barrels. That might work! Just make sure the barrel is secure enough where mom can't knock it over. I wonder...would you have to use a heat lamp then or do you think just a regular light bulb could create enough warmth inside the barrell?

If you use a barrel you definitely don't want to use a heat lamp. Just a 100 watt bulb.
You really don't want to make it too warm for them, that's not good either.

 

[nstone630]

Great tips! Thank you so much!! I like the idea of NOT having to use an actual heating lamp.

I think she may only have one kid (though I'd love more than that) but the vet did only see one. I hope if it is one, that it isn't too big for her. (oh geez, something else to stress over) I'm losing my mind.

 

[Hens and Roos]

hang in there

 

[animalmom]

Here's a BYH thread that give directions for a heat barrel: http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/kidding-stall-size.21154/#post-284720

 

[nstone630]

Here's a BYH thread that give directions for a heat barrel: http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/kidding-stall-size.21154/#post-284720

THANKS!

 

[nstone630]

DH made it happen. It's ready for once those kids drop.

 

[Southern by choice]

That was fast!

to the DH!

Ummm can we borrow your DH?
My DH is great but ........

 

[babsbag]

I get her DH before you do. @nstone630 We might get him to back to you in time for NEXT Christmas.