How to Prepare for Baby Goats
Getting ready for kidding season is such an exciting time! But as any goat owner knows, things don’t always go as planned. Knowing how to prepare for baby goats can make a huge difference when those little ones start arriving. Being prepared helps both you and the new goat mom stay calm and at ease.
Understanding Goat Breeding and goat kidding will help you feel ready to handle any surprises and keep your herd happy and healthy.
Kidding season always has me feeling a mix of excitement and a little nervousness. Even after all these years, I still catch myself wondering what’s going to happen. But you know what really helps? Being prepared. It makes me feel more confident and ready to step in when needed. Most of the time, everything goes smoothly, but every year there’s that one delivery where I have to roll up my sleeves and get involved.
Take last year, for example. One of our does had a kid coming out breech, so I had to step in and reposition the legs to keep things safe. And as if that wasn’t enough, she ended up having triplets! I got the first two out fine, but the third one was so stuck that we needed the vet to help deliver her. It was intense, but everything turned out okay in the end.
It just goes to show, you really never know what to expect during kidding season.
How to Prepare for Baby Goats
Every year, homesteaders and hobby farmers look forward to the excitement of baby goats arriving. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or facing your very first kidding season, being prepared can go a long way in helping you (and your goats!) feel calm and ready.
Knowing what you need can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s exactly why this guide is here. It’s my go-to list of essentials to have ready before your kids make their big debut. From setting up separate housing to ensuring mom has all the healthcare support she needs, plus must-have kidding supplies for delivery, this guide has you covered.
It’s all about helping everyone feel prepared and confident when the time comes.
1. Setting Up a Kidding Pen
One of the first items on your checklist should be creating a safe and comfortable space for kidding. A kidding pen isn’t fancy, but it’s essential. This space gives the expecting mom a place to relax away from the rest of the herd, where she can kid safely and bond with her newborn kids without interruption.
How Big Should the Pen Be?
Plan for a space that’s at least 4×4 feet. If you have a larger breed of goat, you might want to increase it to around 5×5 feet to ensure enough room for both mom and her babies.
If you’ve got a stall in your barn, you can easily turn it into a kidding pen. No stall? No problem. You can use some fencing to section off an area instead.
What to Include Inside the Pen
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Clean bedding (like straw or pine shavings) to keep things warm and dry.
- Fresh water within easy reach for mom, but not low enough that the kids can reach it.
- Hay feeder filled with good-quality hay for mom.
- A heat source, such as a heat lamp, can be helpful during cold months. Just be sure to use it safely, keeping it well away from hay or dry bedding to avoid any fire risk.
Make the pen feel like a calm, private space. You’ll want to minimize foot traffic around it, so mama goat feels safe and secure.
2. Prepping a Lifesaving Birthing Kit
Even if kidding often goes smoothly, it’s smart to have a birthing kit prepped just in case. When the moment comes, you don’t want to be scrambling around looking for supplies. Here’s a quick list of what to have, but you can get our guide on How to Set Up a Birthing Kit here.
- Gloves (disposable ones to stay clean).
- Lubricant, in case you need to assist during delivery.
- Towels (lots of them!) for drying off the babies.
- Scissors and dental floss for cutting and tying off the umbilical cord, if needed.
- Iodine spray or dip for disinfecting the umbilical cord.
- Kid-size feeding tube and syringe, just in case extra feeding support is needed.
- Molasses water for mom to boost her energy post-delivery.
With your birthing kit close by, you’ll feel so much more prepared as the big day approaches.
GINDOOR Calf Sling for Weighing Animals – Calf Scale Hanging Weight Scale Sling with Adjustable Straps for Weighing Calves Lambs Goats Baby Alpacas Newborn Livestock Dogs
Havawish Lamb & Goat Bottle Kit – 18 Pcs, 2 x 400ml Lamb Bottles, 12 Animal Milk Drink Nipples, Goat Feeding Tube KitBetadine Skin Cleanser, 4 Ounces, Antiseptic Hand Wash
3. Supporting Mom Before Delivery
A healthy doe really is the foundation of a successful kidding season. Her care should start well before the babies are due. Here’s how to make sure she’s in great shape.
Feeding and Nutrition
- High-quality hay is a must. It’s her primary food source and provides essential nutrients.
- Grain supplements can be introduced during the last four to six weeks of pregnancy to support her increased energy needs—but don’t overdo it. Too much grain can cause complications.
- Minerals should be available at all times. Choose goat-specific, loose minerals to keep her nutrient levels balanced.
- Provide clean, fresh water around the clock (pregnant goats drink a lot).
Gets Lots of Rest
Moms-to-be need plenty of rest in those final stages of pregnancy. Don’t stress her with unnecessary handling or exposure to the herd’s more dominant goats. Moving her to a separate pen will allow her to rest away from the herd.
4. Timeline of What to Expect
As kidding gets close, there are a few telltale signs to watch for. These little hints will let you know how close you are to greeting those adorable new kids. Here’s a quick look at what to expect as the big day gets closer:
- Final Weeks: Your doe’s belly will drop, and her udder will swell significantly (known as “bagging up”).
- Days Before Labor: You’ll notice her ligaments around the tailhead softening. She may seem restless or separate herself from the herd.
- Day of Delivery: She’ll likely pace, lay down and get up frequently, or vocalize more than normal. Some goats will paw at the ground to “nest.”
- During Labor: Expect to see the appearance of a clear mucus string, followed by contractions. Once the kids are on the way, they usually arrive within an hour.
If hours go by without progress or you notice a rough labor, that’s when you may need to step in. Read our full list of 13 Signs Your Goat is Ready to Kid.
5. Your Role as the Goat Owner
Here’s the best advice you’ll hear about kidding season: hands-off is best unless absolutely necessary. Mama goats have been doing this for thousands of years and are surprisingly capable on their own.
Your job during labor is to monitor from a distance. Keep an eye on her, but leave her alone unless you see signs of trouble, such as:
- Kids not appearing after an hour of active labor.
- A baby presenting in a feet-backward, butt first, or an awkward position.
- Mama goat’s energy suddenly dropping (she may need fluids or help).
When intervention is needed, stay calm and gentle. Having an experienced goat vet on speed dial is a great backup if you feel unsure.
Stay Calm and Be Present
One of the best things you can do is simply be there. Your calm presence will be reassuring to your goat, and you’ll have a front-row seat to one of the most magical parts of raising goats.
Baby Goat Care Q&A: 3 Things You Need to Know
Raising baby goats can be both fun and a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here are three key things every goat owner should know!
Q: Why is colostrum so important for baby goats?
Colostrum is the first milk a doe produces right after giving birth, and it’s loaded with antibodies to protect newborn goats from diseases. Timing is crucial here! Baby goats need to nurse within the first 20 to 60 minutes after birth to get this life-saving boost. Once they have this, they’re off to a strong start.
Q: What does proper nutrition look like for baby goats?
For the first few weeks, baby goats should nurse on demand from their mothers. This ensures they’re getting the nutrients they need. Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, you can start offering them grain and hay as their rumens become more developed. Keep a little fresh water available too, but don’t worry if they’re not drinking it right away.
Q: How do you keep baby goats safe and happy in a herd?
You can introduce baby goats to the herd around 2 to 3 weeks old, but they’ll need a safe place first. A “kid pen” works well since it provides a spot where they can play, eat, and rest without older goats bothering them. Make sure they also have:
- Their own food and water sources.
- A comfy sleeping area away from other herd members.
- Fun things to climb on, like old tires or straw bales, to keep them entertained!
With proper care, your baby goats will grow into healthy, happy adults. What’s not to love about their playful, curious nature?
Bringing baby goats into the world is an exciting time, especially for first-time goat owners. By setting up the kidding pen, prepping your birthing kit, supporting your mama goat, and knowing your role throughout the process, you’re setting everyone up for success.
With a little prep work for both you and your doe, learning how to prepare for baby goats will make welcoming those wobbly-legged kids into your homestead an unforgettable and rewarding event.
