Raising goats is one of the most rewarding aspects of life on a
homestead, but it also comes with plenty of challenges. Here at Happy
Feet Farm, we’ve been preparing for a busy few months with the arrival
of new kids. Our recent vet visit confirmed that five of our nannies are
pregnant, each expecting twins! It’s an exciting time, and we want to
make sure our pregnant goats have everything they need to deliver
healthy kids in a safe and comfortable environment.In this post,
I’ll walk you through our recent vet visit, our preparations for the
upcoming births, and the steps we’re taking to ensure a smooth and
successful kidding season. Whether you’re new to raising goats or a
seasoned goat parent, there’s something to learn from our experience.
The Importance of Regular Vet Visits
When it comes to raising goats, regular vet visits are crucial for
maintaining herd health. We initially planned to have just six of our
nannies checked, but after a quick discussion with the vet, we decided
to have all 13 of our goats checked for a small additional fee. This
gave us peace of mind knowing that all of our goats are in good health.
The vet used a portable ultrasound to check for pregnancies, which gave us
the exciting news that five of our nannies are pregnant! Each of them is
expecting twins, which means we’ll be welcoming a lot of new additions
to the farm in the coming months
Why Regular Health Checks Matter:
Preventative Care: Routine vet visits help spot health issues early, allowing us to address them before they become serious. Pregnancy Confirmation: Ensuring the nannies are healthy and ready to give birth is vital for a successful kidding season. Nutritional Advice: The vet also provided tips on feeding pregnant goats to ensure they get the nutrients they need during pregnancy.
Preparing for the Big Day: Creating the Nanny Room
Preparing for the Big Day: Creating the Nanny Room
Once the pregnancies were confirmed, it was time to turn our
attention to preparing for the births. With the cold Iowa winter ahead,
we knew we needed a safe, warm space for the nannies to give birth. So,
we’ve been working hard to set up a dedicated nanny room. The room
is insulated to keep the goats warm, and we’ve laid down corn cob bales
as bedding. These bales are absorbent and comfortable, and provide a warm
surface for the goats to rest. We’ve also added an outlet and light,
which will allow us to use a heat lamp if temperatures drop too low.
But there’s one more important step we’re taking: moving the pregnant nannies to their own separate pen.
A week or two before we expect them to give birth, we’ll move them into
this pen to give them the privacy and quiet they need to relax and
prepare for labor.
Why a Separate Pen Is Important:
- Privacy: Pregnant goats need a quiet, calm environment where they can feel safe and comfortable.
- Reduced Stress: Being separated from the rest of the herd helps reduce stress, which is important for both the mother and her kids.
- Safety: The separate pen ensures the new babies have a safe space away from any potential harm from the other goats.
A Few Health Tips for Goat Owners
A Few Health Tips for Goat Owners
During the vet visit, we also got some valuable advice on how to keep
our goats healthy, especially as they approach kidding season. One of
the most important things we learned was how to check for worms.The
vet showed me how to check a goat’s eyelids for signs of anemia, which
can be an indicator of a worm infestation. This is a simple but
effective method for monitoring goat health. It’s important to know how
to spot the early signs so you can treat the issue before it becomes a
problem.
Other Health Tips for Pregnant Goats:
Hoof health is important year-round, but it’s especially crucial when
they’re pregnant. Regular hoof trimming can prevent discomfort.
What’s Next? Preparing for the Kids
What’s Next? Preparing for the Kids
As we prepare for the births, there’s still a lot to do. I’ll be keeping
a close eye on the nannies and their progress, making sure they’re in
good health and ready for delivery. We’ll also be finalizing our
checklist of things to have on hand, such as:
- Clean towels to help dry off the kids if needed
- Molasses water to give the nannies energy during labor
- Kidding supplies like gloves, iodine for umbilical cords, and scissors
I’ll be documenting everything and sharing updates here on the blog as
we move closer to the big day. If you’re raising goats and getting ready
for kidding season, I encourage you to start preparing now. A little
planning ahead can make a big difference when the time comes.
Conclusion
It’s an exciting time here at Happy Feet Farm, and I’m looking
forward to sharing the journey with you. From our vet visit to setting
up the nanny room, we’re making sure everything is ready for the
upcoming births. If you’re preparing for your own kidding season, I hope
our experience can help you get ready too. Stay tuned for more updates
on the new arrivals and the next steps in our homesteading projects.