Spring is right around the corner and with that comes kidding season! Just like with any other animal that’s preparing to give birth, I like to have a well stocked birthing kit on hand that can cover my bases for the most common problems that potentially arise. I do not want to be in the midst of a situation and not have something on hand that could help the doe or the baby if I can help it.
Now I am far from an expert, and I am not a veterinarian. This list is merely what I have accumulated, and other people’s kits may include or exclude some of these items. So I highly recommend that you do have a vet you can contact in case of an emergency, and even consult them about what you should include in your kit in preparation for kidding!
What's In My Kit
Things to Dry Those Babies Off!
- Blow Dryer
- Towels
- Puppy pads/paper feed bags
- Sweaters
- Heat Lamp
Regardless of the climate you live in, it is essential to get those babies dry and warm once they’re born. Puppy potty pads or paper feed bags work great to catch the babies on once they are born as a way to contain all of the birthing goo and keep bedding clean and dry. They should then be towel dried (puppy pads also work!) and then blow dried to get completely dry and work as a quick warm up.
If it’s really cold, goat sweaters come in handy to help them stay warm and if you really need it heat lamps. I have always been scared of heat lamps due to their fire hazard, but last year I made the switch to Premier 1 Prima heat lamps due to their many safety features. They give me peace of mind knowing my goat kids, lambs, and piglets are safe and warm.
Immediately After Birth and Dry Off
- Nutri-Drench
- Iodine
- Glass to dip cord in (tall shot class works well)
- Floss/fishing line
- Colostrum/colostrum replacer
Once the kid(s) have been completely dried off, I put a pump of Nutri-Drench in everyone’s mouth including mom. This gives them a nutrient and vitamin boost as well as molasses for energy. I give this immediately after drying off, even before nursing to give them a much needed quick boost of energy.
The umbilical cord also needs to be dipped in iodine all the way up to the belly. This sterilizes the cord and prevents any kind of infection from entering. It will eventually dry up and fall off on its own. I keep dental floss and/or fishing line on hand as well in case the umbilical cord didn’t break on its own during birth. If it doesn’t, tie it off with floss or fishing line to stop blood flow and carefully cut the cord with your thumb nail.
Making sure the babies start nursing from mom as soon as possible after kidding is essential. The colostrum the mother is producing simply put is liquid gold and without it the kid will likely not survive. Sometimes however, you have latching issues or production issues and it just can’t happen. So, keeping frozen colostrum on hand in the freezer (this is ideal!!!) or kid colostrum replacement is a must. If you have the frozen colostrum and need to use it, do not microwave to thaw. Let it gently thaw in warm water so you don’t “cook” it.
Expect the Unexpected
There are various things I keep in on hand for general health care as well as in case of an emergency with the babies or doe during kidding. I have used every single item below in one scenario or another, and they are all essential when keeping goats. All of these items can be sourced from your local farm store and online farm supply stores such as Jeffers. These items include:
- Molasses
- Thermometer
- Gloves
- Lube
- CMPK drench/paste
- Dosing gun/syringe
- Vitamin B Complex ( I use injectable)
- Penn-G
- LA-300
- Ivermectin Sheep Pour on & Injectable
- Various Sryinges (18 gauge & 20 gauge)
- Sanitary Wipes
- Electrolytes
- Pritchard Nipples
- Bottle (old pop bottle)
- Diagram of birthing positions
Prescription Medications to Keep on Hand
- Banamine
- Dexamethasone
These are all the items that I currently keep in my goat/kid kit, and I have had to use in one situation or another whether it be for my goats or pigs. Depending on your situation, you may need items not included on this list or may never need items that I have included. Over time you will accumulate supplies as needed, but this is a great place to start.
Do you keep any items in your kidding kit for the babies or mom that I didn’t include? Let’s hear them below and why!
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THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
You’re welcome! I hope it was helpful!
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Hi there!
Thank you for this article! Quick question- if you do have to tie off the umbilical cord, do you cut it on baby side or momma side?Does the floss stay with the mom or kid? I hope this makes sense!
It truly doesn’t matter. And honestly, I lost the floss probably my first kidding and never used it again. Just cut it with your nail, it will be fine!