A Normal Kidding
in Pictures

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Page 2

Notice the posture of this doe. The first kid is almost all of the way presented.
At this point, you can step in and help pull the kid around and clear off it's sack
making sure that all airways are clear of mucous, and fluid.

Many does will pause between delivering kids to lick and clean her kids. Sometimes
there isn't enough time, and sometimes the breeder opts to deliver the kids
on towels or disposable bags depending upon where the doe is kidding.

This is a better angle of the 2nd kid being delivered
. The doe is almost in a sitting position.

Kid #1 and 2 are being cleaned while #3 is ready to make his debut.

The three kids and dam after kidding. This photo illustrates perfectly what the placenta will look
like as the doe cleans out after kidding is completed. The placenta may contain blood and fluid,
and it will differ in size which will be determined by how many kids were born, size, and the
nutrition that the doe had during gestation and even the waste produced by the kid in utero. It's
important to become familiar with the "goo" that comes out so that you can determine on sight
if there is something unusual about it. You will learn what the "normal" range of color, texture,
and even smell will be. Any fluids or bags that have a bad odor will indicate infection which will
require flushing* and an antibiotic.

*flushing can be done with room temp/warm water mixed with a bit of betadine in a large syringe.
infuse the doe's hind end. The Betadine / water mixture will aide in killing any bacteria that may
be present in an abnormal delivery. Antibiotics need to be administered as soon as possible.

If you have a doe that tends to retain placentas after birth, red raspberry leaves is a good holistic
remedy. Giving red raspberry leaves (in goats, a small spoonful each day for a week or two prior to
kidding will do) will help tone the uterus after kidding, help make contractions more productive,
and aid in cleaning out properly after kidding.

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