what do does want when they are having their babies

[bj taylor]

do they like to be close to the herd, or do they like privacy?

 

[heathen]

Depends on the goat I have one that FREAKS out if she is separate and tries to hold off kidding. I have another that if a goat goes in the shed when she is kidding then she Attacks heck she has even tried to run me out before.

 

[DonnaBelle]

We usually put a doe in a stall by herself with fresh water and feed if she is going into labor.

I then check on her periodically to make sure everything is going smoothly.

So far I have been very lucky and only had to give a tug on a couple of big boys that were a little stuck but in correct position.

DonnaBelle

 

[Rocco]

From my experience with Boer and Myotonic goats, the does, when left in the pasture, will separate from the herd and go to a wooded area to be alone. That is one of the sure signs labor and kidding is soon, and we round them up and move them into our kidding pens.

Once in the kidding pen the does seem to not mind us being with them, which we are 99% of the time.

We only provide water once any real labor (pushing) is underway so that they are not distracted by food. Once they have delivered the kids we do offer them sack feed. And after that a good supply of free choice hay and whatever cut fresh greens I can round up.

There are some that say to offer water with molasses, and we have tried doing that, but I have yet to have one drink the stuff. The donkey loves it, the goats - not so much.

 

[HoneyDreameMomma]

We presented our doe with a little bit of cooked oatmeal topped with molasses after she gave birth, and she loved it! Whatever your goat prefers. The treat serves as a reward for all their hard work during labor, but also helps with the depleted energy.

 

[Team Taylor]

My Boers run to the barn and act like babies and want all the attention they can get. My Myotonics let me know they are birthing when they walk in from the field with baby in tow

 

[elevan]

Mine preferred privacy and would hide away from the herd to kid unless I had them in a kidding stall already.