Kidding in Cold Weather

[Stephanie]

Hi guys,

Sorry I know I'm asking question after question. This March has been very cold, much colder than usual. Some nights it gets down to - 15 degrees Celsius. My two does are in a barn at night, but I'm worried that is too cold for kidding. What precautions do I need to take?

Thanks Again

 

[hilarie]

I have a heat lamp over my kidding pen to make it as comfortable as possible; block out every possible draft, and watch that laboring doe like a hawk so you can be there when the kids are born (I have a goat cam that connects to my computer so I can see what's happening at all tmes . Big thing is getting them dry immediately; if momma is going to raise them, have a bunch of towels ready to dry them off, and one woman posted that she takes thick wool socks with the toe cut off and slides it over the baby's head and neck so the ears stay flattened on the body and avoid frostbite. Other than that, a BUNCH of clean hay for them to bundle down in, and watch to make sure they nurse right away. When are your does due?

 

[Stephanie]

I'm not sure of their exact due date. I believe they were bred in mid October. I know it was definitely October (I bought them only about a month ago). I've been checking their tails and ligaments. I think I'm doing it right. I've followed the advice of folks on here and looked at the recommended web sites. They seem to be loosening up. Their udders are filling, but I'm not quite sure how big they are supposed to get. I just want to make sure everything goes well for them, and the kids.

 

[rebelINny]

Definitely have a heat lamp in there to warm things up and that they can stand under after they are born for warmth. Try to be there to dry them off. Pretty much all of the above that was already advised. I put sweaters on mine too.

 

[Pioneer Chicken]

x2 on the above posts. I bed my does down with deep hay and get sweaters for the kids and keep a close eye on them to make sure everyone's doing okay.

 

[hilarie]

The first time is always a little nerve wracking; just remember that most of the time, nature does a good job of taking care of itself. Usually all I provide is the cheering section, and the bucket of water with molasses at the end for a job well done.