January 22nd, 20251/22/2025 ![]() So your goat mommas are pregnant, and you want to know what you need to have before they give birth? When it comes to goat kidding season, being prepared is key. Having the right supplies on hand will help ensure a smooth process for both the mama goat (doe) and her little ones (kids). Here’s a list of must-have items for goat kiddings. I put it in a printable version so you can save and print out for yourself: 1. Hairdryer- kids have to be kept warm after birthing. After they have been wiped off you can put them in a "bin" next to momma with the blow dryer on so you can keep cleaning them and keep them warm. It is also a safe spot to set them while you work with momma as the next kid comes. Sometimes they come quick! 2. Disposable pee pads- nice to have if you momma can have her babies on them. This way you can roll them up, throw them out and lay out a clean one before the next baby comes. 3. Clean Sheet- not necessary but let's face it, we are likely on all fours in the barn so it's nice to have something clean to spread out and sit on. You can also use it for a place to put your kidding kit essentials. 4. Head Lamp- Often kids are born at night and you have to be able to see everything. Now if you have electricity and lights in your barn- great! But for those who don't you want to have this so your hands are free but you can see exactly what you are doing. 5. Baby bottle- you can milk some colostrum from Momma when she is done kidding and feed it to the babies right away on a bottle. This way you can ensure they get the at least one once of colostrum before you leave them. Without this, they can die. It also allows you to give them the needed colostrum and head back to bed knowing everyone got fed. The glass jar on the list is so you can hand milk her into a small jar that you can pour into the bottle. 6. Umbilical clips and Vetricyn umbilical spray- you can clip the umbilical cords, trim them and then dip them in betadine to ensure everything is clean and sterile. 7. Light or Lantern- always a good idea to have another light handy in case something happens and another light goes out. 8. Bulb syringe- you will need this to squeeze out any birthing fluids from the babies nose and mouth. 9. Towels- Let's face it, birthing is messy. I like to use the pee pads under momma if I can, and then I dry babies off with clean towels. I like hand towel sizes as it is just the right size for the babies. I use 2-3 for each baby. When done I throw them into a trash bag (which I shake out and wash afterwards). I buy them at Walmart for cheap. I get new ones each year to start fresh. Sometimes they are so messy they get thrown away. 10. Vitamin B Injectable Liquid- if a newborn baby is weak, lethargic and not nursing. Sometimes the injectable vitamin B can give them the energy burst they need to perk up and start nursing properly. Vitamin B can act as a temporary support to kick-start their energy levels until they can begin nursing properly. 11. Alcohol and Betadine- in case you need to sterilize anything (ie umbilical cords or your hands before you go in). 12. Lube and latex gloves - You will need these. Sometimes you have to help momma if a kid is stuck. Yes, that means you are going in and having a glove and lube are essential for mommas well being as well as your own. While goat birthing fluids aren't inherently harmful to humans, they can contain harmful bacteria or pathogens that might cause infections if proper hygiene is not maintained. Using gloves, thoroughly cleaning your hands, and following safe disposal practices will help minimize any risks. 13. Thermometer- you may need to take a kids temperature. you should never give a kid milk if their temperature is below 100. You will need to warm them up (blowdryer and heat lamp) until they are warm enough. Then they can be fed. 14. Dental Floss - can be used to tie off their umbilical cord. 15. Heat lamp- so important because keeping newborn babies warm can mean life or death. The first 48-72 hours are the most important. After that, as long as they have a shelter out of the elements they should be able to snuggle up to mom, or their siblings to stay warm. 16. Paper towels- birthing is a messy job. You will need paper towels for your hands. 17. Trash bags- I always tuck 3-4 trash bags in the side of my birthing "go bag". I put dirty towels, trash, etc in them. Then when everything is over clean up is easy. 18. Syringes- 1cc 22 gauge for babies, and 3-6cc 18-20 gauge for mommas. Sometimes they might need a shot and having them in your "go bag" ahead of time means you won't be scrambling to find the right ones when you need it (speaking from experience here). 19. Snacks- I noticed no one ever puts this on their list. If you are anything like me, you like to be sitting with your mommas to keep the company and calm them. I got hungry and thirsty in the middle of the night down there curled up in the barn one time. I added this to my essentials list so it doesn't happen again. I keep a bottle of water, a granola bar and a Snickers bar in mine. 20. Camera- While you should have your phone with you being able to take some pictures of your precious babies is priceless. Don't forget your phone charger !! 21. Emergency Contacts- this is not on my list above but take my advice and have the name and number already for an equine vet who will take emergencies. My second kidding my first year was extremely difficult and upsetting since I was so new. I called the vet and she was there within 45 minutes. We did lose one baby but she was able to save my mommas life. You should also have the number of a goat friend/mentor who can help if you have a question. I can't tell you how many times I called my goat friends in the middle of the night and they answered the phone for me and helped me thru it. There is also a goat emergency Facebook group that you can join. You type 911 at the beginning of your post and someone will help you! Items that are not necessary but make life SO much easier: 1. Cameras- if you have the ability to put a camera in your barn to watch mommas that are due it prevents you from laying in bed at night wondering if they are in labor. You can roll over, look at your camera and know all is good. I use Ring cameras, but also a baby monitor for back up in case wi-fi goes down. 2. Baby Monitor- again, not a must but if you can get a baby monitor that has range far enough into your house, you can at least hear if something is going on. Mommas usually become very vocal when kidding is about to happen. My barn is 1000 feet from the house and I found one for less than $45 at Target that works perfect at the window of my bedroom. 3. Blow dryer holder- definitely a luxury item here, but if you are going to be doing the kiddings alone it certainly helps you by holding the blow dryer on one kid while you help momma with the next. Sometimes they come very quickly, and it's important that they stay warm. It's like having an extra set of hands! And last but definitely not least..... my final tip is to stay calm and patient. Even though you’ve got your birthing kit all set up, be prepared for things to take time. Sometimes things go smoothly, and sometimes you might need to step in and assist. Goats are generally good at delivering their kids, but you’ll feel more confident knowing you’ve got the right supplies on hand to deal with any situation. Good luck, and may the kids come quickly and healthy! Don't Miss Out!Ready to learn more about our Nigerian Dwarf goats? |
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