The kidding process...

After a successful gestation, a nanny, like this two-year-old colored angora goat will begin the labor process. Shearing before kidding, even in cold climates, is a good management practice. It helps keep the nanny and kidding area cleaner and it is easier to see when the nanny may be preparing to kid. Several weeks before kidding a nanny will begin to develop an udder, in the days just before kidding it will become quite firm.

Once the kid is born, the mother will rise and begin licking the kid. This is an important part of the bonding process. In cold weather if you are present, you will want to towel dry the kid to minimize the loss of body heat. Mother and newborn should be removed to a seperate kidding pen that is bedded with clean, dry straw. If it is cold you will want to help the kid up and help it to nurse the first time, so that it gets the colostrum as soon as possible. Blood sugar of a newborn drops very quickly and a kid that is up on its feet and nursing will be less prone to the effects of chilling. Offer mom good quality hay and fresh water.