Heavenly's Kidding Thread

[Egg_Newton]

This is my first planned kidding. I had an experienced doe give birth last year but I didn't know she was pregnant until there were babies in the pen. I tried to get some pics for you all but she is a little shy about showing her backside. I know she is getting close. Her udder keeps growing but I don't see any other signs of impending babies. Its not big and shiny just yet, no discharge, can still feel her ligaments, etc. She was with my buck for most of the month of September so she could be due from now until probably the second week of February. So, here we go any input would be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the "stuff" in the udder pic. I gave her a little too much calf mana and am still trying to brush it all out. I have the kidding pen ready to go, when should I start separating her?

 

[Bucking Adoeable Fainters]

I am in the same exact boat! I purchased my eldest doe last year, and she had kidded in spring of '12 w/o any knowledge to previous owners. I had her living with her buck all of September as well. I witnessed her bred on the 2nd and again on the 26th. So of course I figured she took on the 26th anf bred my other 2 does as they were in cycle that weekend also, hoping for babies all at the same time! But my eldest stinker decided to have false labor, fake out mommy last weekend, and I've been hovering ever since. She has been in her birthing stall for a week now, and if she doesn't kid by the 30th (150 day) ill let her back out with others. She has ALL the signs of impending delivery! No ligs, huge shiny udder, nesting, laying, rolling amd stretching to move babies, bloodshot eyes, moaning, small contractions....


For your gal, I'd say for right now just watch her/check on a daily basis. If her ligs are still tight, definitely no kids pending today. She also still seems high in her belly, as in babies haven't dropped yet to get into position for birthing canal.

Very excited for you! Cannot wait for baby pics!

 

[Egg_Newton]

I didn't realize bloodshot eyeswere a sign. I just noticed that today with her!

 

[Egg_Newton]

Well, this will be a short thread. Found both the babies dead this afternoon. One looked just like her mom. White with little waddles the other was brown with a white spot on its side. Both girls. She was still with everyone else. I didn't think she was ready to go yet. I don't know what happened. If the heard queen killed them or what. She had cleaned the white one but not the other. They may have been still born. I'm so sad about it. I can't help but feel like it was my fault. I should have been there. I should have had her seperate and checked on her when I got home from work this morning. Maybe Im just not cut out for being a goat farmer. I did manage to get about a pint of colostrum from her. Poor girl must be so traumatized. Lost both her babies then forced to be squeezed for an hour. This would have been her first.

 

[Southern by choice]

I am so sorry.

EN I think every goatkeeper feels that there is "something" they could have done. Truth is, sadly, death does happen. At one time or another I think every goat keeper feels "maybe I am not cut out for this"... do not be discouraged always learn from your experiences, grieve them too. This year has been a tragic one for many so know you are not alone and others genuinely care and understand the sadness, dismay, and grief.

 

[LoneOakGoats]

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand how helpless you feel. We had a terrible loss last week.

 

[Support]

So sorry for your loss. Don't blame yourself @Egg_Newton. I'm sure you did everything in your power to make sure that they are safe. Death is just inevitable.

 

[taylorm17]

I just started to read this thread. I am very sorry for the loss. I lost a baby a few weeks ago too and thought it was all my fault. Don't blame yourself though. Poor little mama is probably so sad. Just know it isn't your fault and death is unstoppable.

 

[rebelINny]

Ditto to what Southern By Choice said. Everyone that owns goats has losses and every time we question if we did everything we could have done. Don't give up. Better times will come and you will be better prepared as to what to expect next go around. I'm sorry for your losses.

 

[Egg_Newton]

Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement. It has been a few really tough months with having to put Strawberry down and now this. It's hard when you love those little buggers so much!