Hi...We have two Nubians close to kidding. I would so appreciate all goat birthing tips! Also, our small dog was (accidentally) bred by larger neighbor dog. Any experience with that out there? Should I expect problems with delivery?

Thank you!

-- Mumsie (shezdremn@aol.com), March 30, 2000

Answers

Mumsie, our very small registered Yorkie was bred by a large registered Cocker Spaniel. Six puppies, all healthy at birth. She went into shock and nearly died from calcium depletion trying to nurse them. The vet said it was unusual for a small Yorkie to give birth as easily as she did to so many puppies, much less puppies so large. We had to remove all but one puppy and bottle feed to keep her from going back into shock.

Don't EVEN ask me advice about goats... :)

-- helen (home@the.farm), March 30, 2000.

Mumsie,

Let the goat eat her placenta, she needs it for
the nutrients.

Nubians are great milk producers but don't let
the billy near her lest he ruin the milk by
mating with her.

-- spider (spider0@usa.net), March 31, 2000.

I agree with Helen about calcium deficiency.The bitch looks very poorly & shakey.The only remedy is to get her to a vet immediately for an emergency injection.Minutes count!No experience with goats,I'm afraid.

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), March 31, 2000.

Accidentally indeed! I bet they both meant every bit of it.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), April 01, 2000.