Is it safe to pick up a pregnant doe?

[woodleighcreek]

My doe is due in 6 days. Is it safe to pick her up? Today is grooming day and I tried to pick her up, but she growled and hopped away. I dont want to hurt her or the unborn kits.

 

[jessica117]

As long as you are careful and be sure to support her bottom it won't hurt her... but she is huge and uncomfortable right now so she won't enjoy it.

 

[hoodat]

I'd skip the grooming till after she kindles. If she doesn't want to be picked up I'd let her have her way.

 

[DianeS]

It's safe for HER to be picked up, it won't harm her or the babies. It's just uncomfortable.

However, it may not be safe for YOU! Some does get really grouchy when they're pregnant, and become willing to box or bite.

So consider your reasons for needing to groom *today* and decide if it can be skipped or put off a week. Is it just to keep her pretty? Or is it to do something necessary like remove a patch of matted fur?

Her personality is likely to revert back to her normal self just as soon as she delivers. My angry doe is angry the whole time she's pregnant, and she's calm again in less than 2 hours after birth.

 

[woodleighcreek]

I was actually just going to look over her nails (she broke a dew claw) and make sure it was growing back. She is always grouchy and bites and scratches when I pick her up, but is calm when I hold her.

Also, would it be safe (for her) for me to palpate her?

 

[Pancake in the River]

As long as you're careful she should be fine Although, pregnant does usually don't like to be held so try to limit it to only when needed.