Goat in labor for 5 days?

[GoatieMama]

I searched the forums, but can't find an answer. I'm SO new to goats and I'm not sure if this is a concern. I have a goat who started with a bloody discharge and protruding vagina 5 days ago. Have witnessed some contractions and straining. Goat is eating, drinking, relieving herself. Does not seem to be in distress. How long could this safely go on for?

 

[luvmypets]

I think if she was in actual active labor she would be dead by now. its most likely just doe code aka she will drive you crazy thinking she is ready to pop.

 

[GoatieMama]

My neighbor gave her a shot of antibiotic as a preventative. Amniotic sac not broken. Last night felt movement in her belly. Anxious to get home today & check her. I’m just concerned about bloody discharge & protruding for so long.

 

[rosti]

Can you post a picture of the discharge, so we can get a better idea of what it looks like? How much discharge does she have? Do you have a certain due date on her?

 

[Wehner Homestead]

I had a doe prolapse for about a week more than two weeks before she was due. I think it was positioning of kids. I think I posted pics under my 2018 kidding thread...

That being said...several things could be occurring. I have some questions.
1) Do you have a due date for this doe?
2) What breed is the doe? What breed is the buck she was bred to?
3) What is the doe’s age?
4) Do you have any pictures of discharge or protrusion? Both perhaps?
5) What antibiotic was given? (I’m not sure I understand why an antibiotic was given to be quite honest...)

 

[MiniSilkys]

Pictures would be a big help. Also what you are describing as protruding, is probably her body just getting ready for labor. My Izzy looked like she was going to pop for weeks. If you can see or feel movement, then everything is fine. Is the straining happening while standing up? Does will stand and stretch their back out which helps babies get into position. Put some kind of block out for her, like a cinder clock. It will help her with the positioning. Izzy discharged for 3 days before giving birth.

 

[Wehner Homestead]

Doe Code of Honor

The doe's secret code of honor is as old as goats themselves and is the species best kept secret. No doe shall ever kid before its time. (Its time being determined by the following factors):

1- No kid shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all involved. Your owner's house must be a wreck, their family hungry and desperate for clean clothes, and their social life nonexistent.

2- "Midwives" must reach the babbling fool status before you kid out. Bloodshot eyes, tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean the time is getting close.

3- For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you, kidding must be delayed by at least one day for each item. If they use an audio monitor, one good yell per hour will keep things interesting.

4- If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. She'll be fine while we're away for the weekend," Wait until they load the car, then begin pushing!

5- Owner stress must be at an all time high! If you are in the care of someone else, ten to fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're getting close.

6- When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait at least three more days.

7 -You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are mandatory! Little teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing your food around in the bucket and then walking away from it, and nesting, are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new things to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.

8- The honor of all goats is now in your hands. Use this time to avenge all of your barn mates. Think about your friend who had to wear that silly costume in front of those people. Hang onto that baby for another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three more days seems fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, those awful wormings can also be avenged at this time.

9- If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when to have the kids, listen to the weather forecast on the radio that has been so generously provided by those who wait. Severe storm warning is what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into action! The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a good chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching for a flashlight that works!

10- Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time someone comes into the barn to check you. Your barn mates will love you as the extra goodies fall their way too.

Remember, this code of honor was designed to remind man of how truly special goats are. Do your best to reward those who wait with a beautiful doeling to carry on the Doe Code of Honor for the next generation of those who wait.

Author Unknown

 

[MiniSilkys]

Makes me laugh everytime.

 

[MiniSilkys]

@Wehner Homestead, have you seen this? https://onpasture.com/2018/01/08/ho...yHa870KcOMjiLa9a3c1gWwakzd3_l7l68TZS16lpsLJn4
Think it would work? BTY, you changed your avatar, didn't you?

 

[Wehner Homestead]

@Wehner Homestead, have you seen this? https://onpasture.com/2018/01/08/ho...yHa870KcOMjiLa9a3c1gWwakzd3_l7l68TZS16lpsLJn4
Think it would work? BTY, you changed your avatar, didn't you?

Yes, I changed my avatar.

I have mixed feelings on trying to control times. In my experience last year alone, we had Diamond kid early afternoon, Snowflake at 2am-I ended up pulling her first so who knows when she’d have had them if she could’ve done it on her own, Nellie mid afternoon, and Caramel mid evening. Cattle calve during the day here. Very few calves born at night. Occasional one right at sunrise.