1. Isolate doe on her early due date (145th day) 1. normal gestation is 145 - l55 days 2. may be necessary to change bedding if doe is in kidding pen more than a day 3. favorite time of day for delivery is late afternoon or early evening 2. Signs of early labor! 1. appears restless 2. eyes luminous 3. smells the ground 4. paws the bedding 5. looks behind her 6. stargazes 7. hollows out. 8. tail lifts up 9. rises and lies down frequently 10. udder begins to fill 11. vulva becomes flabby 12. white discharge
Phase II - actual delivery.
1. Prepare the doe. 1. wash genital area with udder wash 2. remove water bucket so babies won't drown 3. stay with the doe in case she needs help 4. watch color of discharge carefully 2. Signs of final labor! 1. copious discharge 2. strong labor pains - about 2 minutes apart 3. ears stand out - lips curl 4. doe begins to strain 5. fluid filled bubble may appear 6. water may break 7. second bubble may appear 8. feet and or nose may become visible 3. Normal presentations: The doe will usually deliver either of the following presentations without assistance: 1. head lying on the forefeet with the chin about. the knees and kids back toward the does back. 2. both rear legs in the birth canal with kids back toward the does back.
Phase III - clean up.
1. Delivery of the afterbirth: 1. usually occurs within 3-4 hours 2. may take as long as 12 hours 3. if not hanging from the doe partially delivered look around in the bedding 4. doe will sometimes eat the afterbirth 5. if doe does not clean, may need infusion and/or veterinary assistance 2. Discharge of excess uterine fluid: 1. clear to slightly bloody discharge is normal 2. may occur for 2 to 3 weeks after delivery 3. if discharge is pus-like or reddish in color and/or increasing in volume, may require antibiotics and/or veterinary assistance
