10 Essential Tips for Your First Kidding Season

Kidding season is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking times for any goat owner. If this is your first season raising dairy goats, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Here are ten essential tips to help you navigate your first kidding season with confidence.

Taking good newborn photos of our Nubian kids is challenging, patience is key.

Your first kidding season can feel overwhelming, but with preparation and attentiveness, it can also be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you’ll give your goats the best possible start and set yourself up for success as a responsible breeder. Not only will your does have a smoother delivery, but your kids will also thrive with proper care from the very beginning.

Tip #1 - Prepare a Kidding Kit

Having a well-stocked kidding kit on hand is crucial. Your kit should include clean towels, disposable gloves, iodine for the umbilical cord, lubricant, scissors, a bulb syringe for clearing mucus, and a notebook to record birth details.

Tip #2 - Know the Signs of Labor

As your doe nears her due date (typically 145-155 days from breeding), watch for signs of impending labor. These include udder filling, ligament softening near the tail, restlessness, pawing at the ground, and a change in appetite. A clear discharge can also indicate that kidding is imminent.

According to Goat Journal, "When the doe nears kidding time, the ligaments lose their tautness and, as a result, the tail looks a little gimpy. When you can’t feel the ligaments at all, expect kids within the day. Many goat keepers find this method to be the most reliable goat labor sign."

Tip #3 - Create a Clean and Safe Birthing Area

A clean, dry, and draft-free space is essential for a safe kidding experience. If possible, separate the doe into a dedicated kidding pen with fresh bedding a few days before her due date. This reduces stress and gives her a quiet place to labor.

Tip #4 - Monitor Without Over-Intervening

Most goats kid without issues, so observe from a distance before stepping in. If labor progresses normally, allow the doe to deliver naturally. However, if she has been actively pushing for more than 30 minutes without progress, you may need to assist or call a vet.

Tip #5 - Dry and Warm the Kids Quickly

Newborn kids are wet and can quickly become chilled, especially in colder months. Use clean towels to dry them off, and ensure they start nursing or receive colostrum within the first hour for optimal health.

Tip #6 - Dip Umbilical Cords in Iodine

To prevent infection, trim and dip the umbilical cord in iodine shortly after birth. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infections in newborn kids.

Tip #7 - Ensure Colostrum Intake

Colostrum, the first milk produced by the doe, is essential for a kid’s immune system. If a kid is struggling to nurse, consider milking the doe and bottle-feeding the colostrum to ensure they receive it within the first few hours.

Tip #8 - Keep an Eye on the Doe Post-Kidding

After delivery, monitor the doe for signs of distress, excessive bleeding, or retained placenta. On top of their fresh water and alfalfa, we also give our girls a banana and a little molasses water to help restore their energy post-kidding.

Tip #9 - Be Ready for Bottle-Feeding If Needed

Some does may reject a kid or not produce enough milk. In these cases, have a backup supply of colostrum or colostrum replacer and a bottle with a Pritchard teat to ensure the kid is fed.

Tip #10 - Keep Records of Births and Health

Good record-keeping helps you track birth weights, kid health, and any interventions needed. Note the date of birth, sex, weight, and any other observations about the kidding process for future reference.

If you are interested in a downloadable file for goat birth records, check out our Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ResurgentFarms And add the file to your shopping cart.

Bonus Tip - Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Kidding season often means long hours and late nights, with early-morning checks and unexpected complications. While it's important to be vigilant for the sake of your goats, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. You will not regret prepping a few freezer meals ahead of kidding season for those nights and early mornings. We also like to make sure we have plenty of coffee on hand. Remember a well-rested and healthy farmer is just as important as a healthy herd.

Final Thoughts

Learning from each kidding season will help you refine your skills, making future seasons even more successful. Embrace the experience, stay patient, and enjoy watching your herd grow. Happy Kidding Season!