Posted by GoatWorld on January 14, 2001 at 22:16:02:
In Reply to: I think Gabby's in labor!!!!! posted by Jillygoat on January 14, 2001 at 19:54:07:
Hi Jill,
Please don't be terrified my friend. I know it's a real nailbiter waiting for your doe to kid but it's a real joy when all goes well and you soon have a new baby goat to play with. We've had a number of kiddings already this month with a few more to go. I started getting antsy back in December for them to kid - kind of like a father in the waiting room.
Best thing to do is just stay calm and have everything ready. 7% iodine to dip the navel and feet in, a couple of rolls of paper towels just in case you need them, fresh flashlight batteries, fresh rolls of film for your camera, etc. There is also a solution that was new to me but we used this time around called MAGIC. We gave it to the does right after they kidded. (1 part Molasses, 2 parts Kayro, 1 part Corn Oil).
Of course things can go wrong but they are more likely to go wrong if you think they will go wrong. It never hurts to be prepared though.
Other than that, just sit back and be patient. You don't want to stress yourself or the doe out too much! It's usually when you least expect it that they kid. I'm also a big believer in the moon cycle too. You watch, she'll kid probably on the 16th when the "Last Quarter" of the moon phase happens!
Keep us posted!
Best regards,
Gary Pfalzbot