Is my doe ready to kid?

[mirandaleecon]

Hello! So this will be my first time (and my doe's) experiencing kidding. I had my calender marked for the 12th but she is showing some nesting signs now. She was pawing at her bedding all day and being pretty territorial with our other goat. Also, her udder looks huge, at least to me, but it's been getting bigger for a couple weeks now.
I had the 12th marked because that was 150 days from the first day she was with the billy. Today is day 144, assuming the deed was done on the first day.
Does it sound like she will kid in the next day?

 

[mirandaleecon]

Well I just checked on her again and there's some white mucous and everything seems to be losening up. She isn't really nesting anymore but she's been laying in the corner of the pen, where they never lay. I'm thinking she's getting closer...I'm so excited!!

 

[norseofcourse]

I have no practice guessing on goats, but just wanted to say good luck!

What items do you have ready for the kidding? There are several posts with good lists - iodine and container, gloves, lubricant, vet's phone number, towels, etc...

This is a good thread:

http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/birthing-supply-checklist.917/

 

[mirandaleecon]

Thank you for your response! I have all those things, plus some other odds and ends. I just checked on her again and there doesn't seem to be much change. Hoping she will kid tomorrow since I have the day off!

 

[bloonskiller911]

usually if you seen an amber colored mucus it is close. white mucus is usually the mucus plug and it could still be a few days. Good look and keep us posted.

 

[mirandaleecon]

Yea, I think she might still have a couple days. Her ligaments have tightened back up and she's acting normal today. She's messing with me because she knows how anxious I am...

 

[bloonskiller911]

That's the "Doe Code"!! Very realistic.
The doe's secret code of honor is as old as goats themselves and is ultimately 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

 

[mirandaleecon]

It all makes sense now! Haha
Now she's back to pawing the ground and acting restless...

 

[Vossfarm]

If you feel from her hips to pins there are ligaments that are usually tight but loosen up and soften as they progress, it may be too late but I feel along this line when they're getting close and get a feel for how a doe feels and how she changes as she nears labor. Some does show signs early some don't until an hour before. Your doe looks very close, I'd say any day now!

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and ! Hope all goes well with your doe! If it goes the way most owners portray, it will be at the most inopportune time, so just plan when that will be and maybe you can fool her into delivering when YOU want
Hope mom, and baby(ies) are well and healthy when it happens Pls keep us posted! We LOVE pics of new babies!