Newbie goat mom with questions

[Latestarter]

I have seen does larger than her birth singles and does smaller than her have trips or even quads. I would guess at least 2 in there with a better than even chance at triplets.

Once the kids are born, you want to make sure they nurse from mom as soon as possible. The nursing helps mom with contractions for the next kid, or afterbirth whichever the case may be. The first milk she produces is called colostrum. The kids are born with no natural antibodies of their own. They get them from the mom's colostrum and can only benefit if they get them within the first 24 hours. Best if done within the first hours. If you can, get right in there and help with the birth(s). Get moms fluids all over your hands and make sure mom smells that on you. That way you also become one of her kids and it will make it much easier for you to handle her and touch her udder/teats.

Inspect each kid, touching everywhere and exploring every orifice (nose, mouth, butt, privates, ears, just like mom does) this will make the kid(s) accept you as their mom along with the real mom. This will make for a much friendlier goat as the kids grow up. Will make it so much easier for you to work (catch) with them. Don't be afraid to get mom's fluids on you... that's what soap and water was invented to clean up. have towels ready to assist in drying off the kid(s) and yourself.

There are a few things you should have ready/on hand like iodine to dip the kids umbilical cords in or spray on. If this is her first freshening, you'll want to be ready "just in case" you need to assist with a twisted kid or misrepresenting kid. There are threads on here that give all the details and what to look for what to do.

https://www.backyardherds.com/posts/495371/ There are other lists and you do NOT need everything on this list! It's just a best case, in case of worst case, scenario list.

Her vulva looks about normal to me, not swollen or distended and though it looks "moist" at the bottom, I don't see any clear indication of discharge. Rubbing her sides on the fence might just be to get a good scratch, or could be to help re-position the kids. I would guess you're within about a 2 week window right now, but I am NOT a vet and goats are, well... goats... the code explains and they go when they're damned good and ready, and when it's LEAST convenient for us. They seem to know...

Any way, hope you'll stay and keep us updated. Pics are great... we all love pics!

 

[Latestarter]

Was mom vaccinated with CD&T recently? It should normally be done ~ 1 month before kidding so the antibodies can be passed on to the kids. Then the kids get vaccinated at 5 weeks with booster at 9-10 weeks. http://articles.extension.org/pages/27116/goat-vaccination-program

If not, were it me, I'd vaccinate mom right now... ASAP and hope she has enough time to incorporate those antibodies into the colostrum as well. It should be done annually for does 4 weeks before birthing, for bucks/wethers, whenever.

 

[Luvinthefarmlife]

I have seen does larger than her birth singles and does smaller than her have trips or even quads. I would guess at least 2 in there with a better than even chance at triplets.



Once the kids are born, you want to make sure they nurse from mom as soon as possible. The nursing helps mom with contractions for the next kid, or afterbirth whichever the case may be. The first milk she produces is called colostrum. The kids are born with no natural antibodies of their own. They get them from the mom's colostrum and can only benefit if they get them within the first 24 hours. Best if done within the first hours. If you can, get right in there and help with the birth(s). Get moms fluids all over your hands and make sure mom smells that on you. That way you also become one of her kids and it will make it much easier for you to handle her and touch her udder/teats.

Inspect each kid, touching everywhere and exploring every orifice (nose, mouth, butt, privates, ears, just like mom does) this will make the kid(s) accept you as their mom along with the real mom. This will make for a much friendlier goat as the kids grow up. Will make it so much easier for you to work (catch) with them. Don't be afraid to get mom's fluids on you... that's what soap and water was invented to clean up. have towels ready to assist in drying off the kid(s) and yourself.

There are a few things you should have ready/on hand like iodine to dip the kids umbilical cords in or spray on. If this is her first freshening, you'll want to be ready "just in case" you need to assist with a twisted kid or misrepresenting kid. There are threads on here that give all the details and what to look for what to do.

https://www.backyardherds.com/posts/495371/ There are other lists and you do NOT need everything on this list! It's just a best case, in case of worst case, scenario list.

Her vulva looks about normal to me, not swollen or distended and though it looks "moist" at the bottom, I don't see any clear indication of discharge. Rubbing her sides on the fence might just be to get a good scratch, or could be to help re-position the kids. I would guess you're within about a 2 week window right now, but I am NOT a vet and goats are, well... goats... the code explains and they go when they're damned good and ready, and when it's LEAST convenient for us. They seem to know...

Any way, hope you'll stay and keep us updated. Pics are great... we all love pics!

Oh my gosh thank you so much that's alot of info especially what is needed for birthing.. yes this is her first kidding. That's what I was thing getting a good scratch since she cant reach all this info is really helpful and I really appreciate all of the responses its gonna be hard to wait 2 more weeks I'm so excited I cant wait but I know it could be anytime but I dont mind the wait either

 

[Luvinthefarmlife]

Was mom vaccinated with CD&T recently? It should normally be done ~ 1 month before kidding so the antibodies can be passed on to the kids. Then the kids get vaccinated at 5 weeks with booster at 9-10 weeks. http://articles.extension.org/pages/27116/goat-vaccination-program

If not, were it me, I'd vaccinate mom right now... ASAP and hope she has enough time to incorporate those antibodies into the colostrum as well. It should be done annually for does 4 weeks before birthing, for bucks/wethers, whenever.

No she wasnt given a vaccination I wasnt aware of this how much would she get or will it say on the vile like it does for calves.. and where do you administer the vaccine under the skin of the neck or right into the muscle or the hindend

 

[Luvinthefarmlife]

No she wasnt given a vaccination I wasnt aware of this how much would she get or will it say on the vile like it does for calves.. and where do you administer the vaccine under the skin of the neck or right into the muscle or the hindend

Is this the vaccine I need?

 

[Latestarter]

Yup, that's the one. 2ccs (same as 2ml) sub Q generally in the deep neck brisket area but NOT into a vein.

 

[Luvinthefarmlife]

Yup, that's the one. 2ccs (same as 2ml) sub Q generally in the deep neck brisket area but NOT into a vein.

Ok so right into the muscle thank you so much going to get me a vile now

 

[Latestarter]

I generally use an 18 or 20 gauge needle. the 18 is larger, so kids seem to jump much more when sticking. The 20, though smaller, requires more pressure to get the vaccine to go through.

NO, NOT into the muscle... sub cutaneous... pinch up some skin and then insert the needle into that slack skin so the injection is under the skin but NOT in a muscle or vein. After removing the needle, rub the injection spot/bump a little to help spread it out under the skin. From my understanding, you CAN do it IM (intra muscular) but it's more painful for the goat and takes longer to build the antibodies.

 

[Southern by choice]

Yeah she is way pregnant. I think trips. IMO she does look like she is dropping some but if she has a lot in there it won't be as noticeable esp with a FF (first freshener)
She may go boom with her udder just before or even after.
Always make sure after she kids that you actually express the colostrum and make sure it isn't too thick and there is a stream. Do not just go by you see them on her. If too thick and they can't get it out you won't know til they go lethargic. White around their mouth can be bubbles and froth from unsuccessful nursing. This is just at the beginning- right after she kids.

You want gloves, you want pee pads, towels paper towels, and a bulb syringe. Having a bottle of OB Lube on hand is critical and should be in your kidding kit as well as jump start. Check out Jeffers supply for these things. You need iodine to dip the cords as well. Make sure you also have a thermometer on hand and vaseline. I like slip covers for our goat thermometers.

Closely watch momma. Keep nutridrench on hand and get that now. Not eating can be serious. If you see not eating and standing off that does not always mean kidding is soon it can be a sign of pregnancy toxemia. After kidding it can be hypocalcemia (milk fever- the temp drops so not a fever in the way people think)

As far as The cdt... it may be too late for the immunity and you may need a different schedule. I will find the attachment and post it.
As far as giving it... try not to give in CL areas. CL is a disease. Should/neck are CL areas. Over the ribs is good place. SQ.
We never do IM because we have an entire line that reacts to CDT and if given IM it could destroy the tissue/muscle. If I am going to get an abscess I sure don't want it in the muscle.
There are people that do but SQ is recommended.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/27116/goat-vaccination-program

 

[Luvinthefarmlife]

I generally use an 18 or 20 gauge needle. the 18 is larger, so kids seem to jump much more when sticking. The 20, though smaller, requires more pressure to get the vaccine to go through.

NO, NOT into the muscle... sub cutaneous... pinch up some skin and then insert the needle into that slack skin so the injection is under the skin but NOT in a muscle or vein. After removing the needle, rub the injection spot/bump a little to help spread it out under the skin. From my understanding, you CAN do it IM (intra muscular) but it's more painful for the goat and takes longer to build the antibodies.

Ok under the skin good to knowing really appreciate all your help