My goat kidded March 29

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Well, it finally happened. My Toggenberg kidded. She had 2 does and a buck. Rudy was bred to an Alpine.One doe and the boy look like the Alpines I have seen and the other doe looks like her mother,only she is black and white instead of brown and white.

I knew she was going to kid when she did because of all the signs to look for, which I learned from all of you.

I had plans to go out and spend the day with a friend but when I saw how Rudy was acting I told my friend I had to stay home. He asked how I knew she was going to have her babies? I told him I learned all the signs to look for on the dairygoats forum and countryside. I know he thought I was nuts,but 1 hour after he left Rudy went into the barn,laid down,put her head againt the wall,pushed and out popped the first, then after a few minutes the second.Then Rudy got up, and laid back down several times so I sort of figured there was one more. Rudy would push several times when she was lying down but no baby was showing. Finally Rudy got up one last time then laid back down. She pushed and pushed until finally the last baby was visable. Then Rudy started screaming and thrashing around. I got down and took a look at what was happening. I saw the babies front legs were folded under its body and its head was bent back between its shoulder blades. I was going to run into the house and call the vet but I decided if I wasted any time the baby would probably die so I reached in an worked its head towards the front. As soon as the babies head was facing forward the baby was born and Rudy was relieved.

All the babies are doing great. The baby that is a black version of her mother had very weak ankles and I was concerned until a lady from down the street who raises goats stopped in for a visit. She said, "Oh, don't worry to much about that, they will strengthen." The very next day the baby goats legs were fine.

They are so cute to watch as they bounce around their pen. The first one born is the smallest and sweetest.

Well, I could go on and on but I will stop here, just wanted to share this with all of you.

-- george nh (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), April 09, 2002

Answers

george , You are a good story teller. I'm so glad your kids are healthy and bouncing, don't you just love em. Kidding time is my favorite time of the year. I bet they are just to cute.

-- sherry in Arkansas (chickadee259@yahoo.com), April 09, 2002.

Congratulations!!! You are now a goat midwife!!! Good for you and glad it all turned out well.

-- Tana Mc (mcfarm@totelcsi.net), April 09, 2002.

Wonderful George! Now just where did you learn how to tell they are going to kid? I am waiting on one of mine, OH!!! I hate not having a breeding date, makes you look so much smarter! Enjoy! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (Nubians) (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 09, 2002.

Hi Everyone. I could now write a book on the signs to look for prior to kidding and I'm not kidding:-)

-- george nh (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), April 09, 2002.

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