Kidding Season Must Haves

As kidding season comes around for so many of us, there's a lot to prepare for. Some of us have a large supply closet full of everything you could possibly think you'd need, while others may have just some base necessities. Every farm works different, and everyone has their own preferences based on experience! Our breed finds itself fairly easy when it comes to labor and can often be left to handle it on their own, but being wary and hands on is never a bad thing! Being more than ready to welcome new little kids into the world is a daunting joy.

There are a good handful of things that seem to be a common recommendation, and hopefully we can help you feel a little more prepared.

Clean kidding stalls can go a long way if you have the space, especially if you have a barn. This can allow you to set up heat lamps if you're in a colder season, keep an eye on pregnant does, and keep a good bedding layer down to prevent any infections that could occur outside.

While this isn't always an option for everyone, it has it's benefits to keeping things a bit more clean and supervised! If you're fairly hands on with your goats during labor, it's always important to not only keep yourself clean, but have the tools around to do the same. Towels are more than useful, as they'll help clean the newborns off and can provide a softer place to lay. Some folks use puppy pads to throw under the doe just before the kid hits the ground. Gloves help keep our hands clean and keep from sharing what might be on our hands, and they come in different lengths and types depending on what you need them for!

Lube is great for providing a bit of extra help to the doe for larger kids or ones that might be misaligned, and some folks like having pull chains or a bit of paracord if they need to help pull.

Bulb syringes work well for clearing clogged airways alongside the towel and a good wipe down. Some does are a bit more focused on a second baby than immediately cleaning the first, and getting a good dry breath is key.

There are multiple options for umbilical cords, from clamps to sterile scissors to dental floss to tie off. 7% iodine, Betadine, and Chlorhex are also popular to have on hand for dips and quick disinfectants.

One of the most important things to have on hand in kidding season is a colostrum replacement as well as goat milk replacement. Complications can happen, from does struggling after labor to denial of kids (or too many for mom to handle). Keeping these with a couple of bottles can keep you ahead of the game in case of any bottle babies. Or hey, maybe you prefer them!

There's a lot more that can go into kidding season, and a million more supplies you could have on hand. Vitamins, copper boluses, and molasses are common to have on hand for the does as a form of comfort and recovery. Identification for the newborns can range from paper collars, ear tags, or just simple phone pictures with key markings to tell them apart. The most important part is keeping them as clean as you can, and assure they've got a healthy start with mom.

However you choose to be ready, we wish you only a good season and a healthy herd. We can't wait to see all the kids this year!