How to find goat kidding / sheep kidding time?
One of the best ways to identify an impending goat kidding is to feel the two tail ligaments located on each side of the tail. Feel a doe that isn’t pregnant and you will notice that those ligaments are very firm. The same will be true of a doe that is pregnant but not ready to kid.
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| ligaments check |
When these ligaments begin to get soft, and then completely vanish, you know that the goat is due to kid within 24 hours. You may make a mistake the first few times you try to read the ligaments, but over time you find the technique to be almost foolproof.
Besides softened ligaments, a doe will show other signs of kidding. Each doe might exhibit different signs, so keep an eye out for a change in behavior. Some other signs to look for include
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Isolation: The doe stands off from the crowd, sometimes seeming “spaced out.”
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Mucus discharge: You may observe some whitish or yellowish discharge on her vulva.
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Firm, shiny udder: Her udder may become tight and filled up, called bagging up.
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Loss of appetite: She may become uninterested in food.
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Personality change: She may start fighting with other goats or become overly friendly to you when she was previously standoffish.
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Restlessness: She may lie down, then get up, paw at the ground, and just seem uncomfortable.