Cade Cockburn, Cade’s Lil Farm
Kidding season! One of the most exciting times of the year on any dairy goat farm. The off-season in between show season and kidding season is the perfect time to make sure you are fully prepared for your first kids to hit the ground.
The first thing you need to have on hand is towels. And plenty of them! Yard sales and thrift store are perfect for finding old towels and dishrags that you can use during kidding season. Make sure to have the towels ready as the doe is kidding so you can assist her in cleaning off the kids.
If you are kidding when it is cold outside, it’s also nice to have a blow dryer to use in drying the kids off. One of the most important items in your kidding box is a nasal aspirator for babies. On our farm, we immediately use a nasal aspirator to clear any amniotic fluid that may have gotten into the kids’ mouth and nose. Continue doing so until there is no fluid left in their mouth or nose.
In the event of having to reposition or pull a kid, it is also important to have gloves, OB lube, and a kid puller on hand. If you are new to kidding and goats, also make sure to have the number of a livestock vet in your phone so that you can call in the event of an emergency. It is always better to be safe than sorry and call for help if needed in kidding!
Once your kids have been born and they are all clean, make sure to tie their umbilical cords with dental floss and dip them in iodine in order to prevent infection. After the doe is done kidding, we also give the doe some warm molasses water as a pick-me-up.
These are just a few tips to help you be successful in your dairy goat kidding adventures. Have fun and enjoy those baby goats!
ANDDA June 2022 Newsletter - Copyright 2022
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