April 25, 2022

Kidding Round 2

So, we remained on kid watch after the first set of twins was born. A couple days later, Caroline lost interest in going out with the rest of the herd. It was early, but she looked so big and uncomfortable, that I wasn't surprised. Multiples usually come early and we figured twins, at least.


This was her first, so a longer labor wasn't unexpected. After hours of waiting and watching, she finally got down to serious pushing and feet presented. This is normal, so usually, we just stand by to welcome the newcomer. But progress was slow, so I tried to grab the front legs and pull. I say tried, because the little bugger would pull them back in every time I tried to get hold!

I could tell he was big, and after a lot of pushing on Caroline's part and pulling on mine, she finally delivered a handsome baby boy. 

Seems pleased with himself for making his appearance.

So, there was my third buck for my waiting list. Then, we waited and waited, but that was it. She was done. Just one big boy. One big stubborn boy. 

All kids are ready for their first milk pretty much as soon as they hit the ground. They know mom is the source, but they sometimes have trouble zeroing in on exactly where that is. I usually give them a little guidance to make sure they get that first colostrum. 

But this guy! I got him to the teat and rubbed his nose on it, but he clamped his mouth shut. I managed to get his mouth open and the teat inside, but he refused to latch on and suck! Now, sucking is instinctive, except in the case of premies, but he wasn't that early. He was definitely eager. And persistent. Caroline let me express milk from both teats and didn't step away when I tried to get him on her, so I wasn't worried she wouldn't let him nurse. But I didn't figure I could force him either. Since it was 1 a.m., I left him to work it out on his own.

The next morning he was nursing on his own and getting around very well.



With two kiddings so close together, we rearranged the barn to accommodate the new family groups.

Temporary set-up of private stalls.

Kids always love to sleep in the hay feeder trough.

When new kids are allowed to mingle with the others is up to their moms. Some does are ready almost immediately, but does on the bottom of the pecking order tend to take longer. Sky, in particular, is a relentless bully. So, I want to make sure the kids are steady on their feet and quick enough to get out of the way. 

Also! I've revised River's due date. I was watching her and wondering why she didn't seem anywhere near ready to kid, when I remembered that she had a second visit with Jonah three weeks after the first visit. That would put her due date at May 13th, which fits what I see. No complaints about that. It will give us a bit of a breather before the next kid watch begins. 

Kidding Round 2 © April 2022 by Leigh

11 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Caroline was so big and yet was incubating only the one (although large!) kid. Just goes to show we can never count our chickens before they hatch! The people on your waiting list for bucks will be happy this year. Thanks for sharing the news and pictures.

Ed said...

At least with pigs, they always seem to figure things out eventually. We rarely attempted them to find the business end of the teat. But due to the multiple births and number of teats, occasionally we had to intervene to adopt some piglets to a mother with teats to spare. I was always in awe at their instinct kicking in within seconds of hitting the floor and catching that first breath.

Leigh said...

Mama Pea, I know! And I'm very relieved to have homes for the bucklings. Now, just waiting to see what River will produce. We've been telling her we need does; not that any of us has any control over that!

Ed, it is truly amazing that their instinct to find milk is so strong when they're born. I don't recall ever having that problem with piglets either. But, maybe I worry too much about the goats. :)

wyomingheart said...

What a perfect little buck! Love your pics, and dedication to your goat family! Have a great week, Leigh!

Nina said...

Maybe only a singlet, but he is a very pretty little buck.

Leigh said...

Wyomingheart, thanks!

Nina, he is a looker. :)

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

More kids! This is (vicariously) one of my favorite times of the year!

Retired Knitter said...

So cute - even that big stubborn mail one!! Keep you eye on that one!

Leigh said...

TB, it's my favorite time of year too. :)

RT, you know it!

Kelly said...

I always love seeing your new babies!

Leigh said...

Kelly, thanks! Kidding time is when I go overboard with kid photos. lol But, there's something about babies that has universal appeal. :)