[langdon]

what are the signs of a goat in labour

[ballingall]

Prior to kidding, or in the actual stages of kidding?

Prior to kidding- easing weight from one back foot to another, nickering to her sides, flicking her ears back, sometimes discharging from the vagina. You may notice if you have another goat next door to her, that the other goat nickers to her side- they are talking to the kids as they can hear them.

Actually kidding- Definitely discharging from the vagina, which also should be quite slack. She should start to have contractions, and push fairly regularly. If the discharge is dark, bloody or smelly, something is wrong so get the vet or a shepherd. Equally, if you have seen her properly pushing with discharge, and she stops- get a vet or shepherd. It means she has given up, and she needs to be kidded. Goats will sometimes give up pushing even when its something simple like a breech birth.


Beth

[Roxy]

And some goats feel the pain more than others, and you can see it in their eyes, and they stand in a corner.  Yet others, like Jasmine and Molly acted perfectly normal, eating their haylage, showing no obvious signs.  Although  Jasmine did have her tail in the air about an hour before and kept it there.  The muscles at the base of the tale are very relaxed too.

Once you have had a few goats in kid, you will notice things as they draw near - their udder fills right up (although not always) and as the kids move into the birth canal, the bulge either side of the goats belly drops down - their shape changes.

I have been at all my goats kidding - except the three this time, and I missed them all.  I do like to be there, or observing from a distance.  You are able to help if the kid is not breathing, clear its nose and mouth, and give it a good rub down to help it come to life.  And sometimes first kidders, like Jasmine are a bit shell shocked and need reassurance that the kids are theirs

[Farmer]

Sorry Langdon...both our Goats vote Conservative! (They're both Billies anyway, so can't help I'm afraid...but good luck).

Farmer, 

[garden cottage]

very good