Posted by Pam M. on August 02, 2004 at 15:13:41:
In Reply to: pregnant goat posted by Shirley on August 01, 2004 at 19:05:12:
: My doe is pregnant.I am new at goats and just got 2 earlier this year. She has never been pregnant before.I dont know what to do. Please share any information you have. We squeezed her udder and milk came out.How early before she gives birth will she start producing milk?
The first milk the doe produces is colostrum which is essential for the kids' well being. It is best not to try milking her as the teats are naturally plugged before giving birth and milking removes this plug possibly allowing bacteria to enter. Does usually bag up the last month or so before giving birth but a noticeable enlargement usually precedes birth. A sure way to tell if birth is near is to check the ligaments on each side of the doe's tail. Normally they feel hard like two pencils sort of, but within 8 to 12 hours of birth they get mushy and disappear in preparation for giving birth. Watch the doe, often she will call to you or paw and lie down and get up and there will be some discharge. Then just get ready for the kids.