Faith Farm

Kidding time

Here is a list of things that I keep on hand for kidding time.

First of all, if you are new to kidding, find a goat friend who you can call on in a time of need (day or night) when birthing your goats.  Most goat-friends are more than glad to help you out in this time and understand the 2am phone call for help.  Write their number down and put it in your kidding first aid box.  You may not need to call but in the event you do it is comforting to know that someone with experience can be contacted for help. 

Assemble and check your birthing kit.  Items included in mine are:

OB Gloves and J-lube

Navel Cord clamps

7% Iodine--for dipping cord and sanitizing equipment or you.

Save-a-kid syringe---I've never had to use this but I still wouldn't be without it.

12cc syringes and 1/2 inch needles

Nutri-drench

Electrolyte Powder

Scissors

Thermometer

Bottles and nipples

Colostrum replacer - It is always a good idea to keep some frozen from previous kidding, if this is not possible try Goat Colostrum Plus Powder from Hoeggers or other supplier.

Goat Serum Concentrate

Milk replacer-it is a good idea to keep some frozen from previous milking season for kidding season.

Kid puller/leg snare - I've never used these but would hate to be without if I did.

Flash light and batteries

Paper Towels - Atleast 2-3 rolls for kid clean up

Large trash bags

Empty feed sacks- You can put these down during birthing for easy afterbirth clean-up

Clean large rags-use these to hold and care for kid after initial clean-up with papertowels.

Bulb sucker---(I don't know the real name for this)  I use one like the blue nasal sucker they sent home with me from the hospital when I had my daughter. 

Any other misc. items that I might think will be useful.  I always keep my general first aid box with me as well.

If your lucky you will not need to use most of these items and all will go smoothly but it is not the time to be looking or gathering things, so if you plan ahead you can enjoy the birthing process without any additional stress on you or your babies.  Other items I have ready are:

Heat lamp

clean and sanitized birthing stall

a place to keep kids if there is complications with the mother

A friend/spouse-you really need two people to help with complicated births.  One set of hands is just not enough.

Baby monitors-This is a priceless tool of convience-it allows you to get some sleep while awaiting the expected birthing.  I use these 10 days from delivery.  It saves the midnight runs to the barn in the cold.

Walkie talkies-one for you and one for your helper.

Warm water with mollasses and grain for the mom.

A comfortable place to be while you watch the process.

Coffee--lots of coffee--you'll need it.

Make sure you read and familiarize yourself with the process and all the equipment you have in your kit.  There is alot of really detailed information on the web about goat birthing.  I suggest you read up on "what to do in case" and "what to expect"; all this preperation just makes the blessed event much calmer and happier for you and your animals.

If you have any questions for me please leave me a comment or message, I will be more than glad to help as much as I am able. If you have more helpful hints to add to this list please do-all experience and wisdom is appreciated!   Blessings>faithfarm

Untitled Comment

{ 10:26, Tuesday, February 12, 2008 } { Posted by catsnmore }

Thank you for posting this list. I think God is trying to tell me to get ready. We have our 1st goat going to kid in 2 to 3 weeks or so. I know that I need to get everything ready, including the barn stall. But today, like yesterday, everything out there is covered with about 2 to 4 inches of ice. This afternoon is suppose to be thawing out. I think. Anyway, thank you again. Blessings, Elizabeth