Kidding Preparation - 4 Essential Steps for Kidding Season

Kidding Season can get really hectic, really fast.   So, if you know how to tell a goat is pregnant and you have verified your goat is then, you should be sure to be prepared. Goat kidding preparation will be important so that you don't get overwhelmed when kidding is in full force.

We like to have all of our girls due around the same time so that we can get all of the sleep deprivation and bottle feedings out of the way all at once.  However, this means LOTS of work for a period of time, like refilling water and making sure we are choosing quality hay. Trimming goat hooves more often, giving them extra hugs, etc; exhausting!

Make sure you know about goat gestation periods so that you know when to expect your kiddings.

I don't think there is any way to make sure that all the work is done without properly preparing for kidding season.  However, with the proper kidding preparation, kidding season can go fairly smoothly.

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Here are our goat kidding preparation steps:

1)  Restock supplies

We want to make sure that we are ready for anything that the babies and moms may need when kidding time comes.  We make sure to have our goat kidding supplies all restocked.

This means the actual supplies used during kidding. But we also make sure other supplies such as needles, CDT vaccine, BOSE for goats, bottles and nipples and  tattoo letters are stocked and ready.

2)  Setting up the Baby Monitor

We like to use a simple baby monitor in the stall during kidding time this way we can hear (and see) if someone starts to kid at night (or any other time when we are in the house).

We usually set up and test the baby monitor a few weeks before any of the girls are due that way if there are any issues we can address them well before actual kidding time.  Then, once we start to see early goat kidding signs, we leave the monitor on at all times.

3)  Clean Stalls and Set up for Separation

We use deep litter method of bedding for goat care during the winter, but we like to make sure the kidding areas are thoroughly clean so everything will be comfortable and clean when babies come.  We have a kidding area that is attached to the regular stall.

During the year, they have access to both areas, but during kidding time, we separate the stalls with cattle panel. We can divide these areas with cattle panel as well if there are multiple does kidding.  So, we like to make sure our separators are all ready to go as well.

4)  Health Records

So, once babies hit the ground they will need things like BOSE, CDT vaccines, disbudding and tattooing.  We like to have the health records set up for the kidding season.

That way all we do is note each birth as they happen, pencil in the dates each item is due, and add reminders to the calendar.  Having all of this pre-set helps to keep it organized so it all runs smoothly as the items come due.

These are our 4 must-do's for goat kidding preparation.

What tasks do you always ensure are complete before your goat kidding season starts?  Let us know in the comments below.

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