KIDDING SEASON WITHOUT A VET
Kidding is an anticipated and awe-filled time of year in my goat shed. Each year, I look forward to a riotous new crop of gamboling kids. I keep Myotonic goats for brush control and for the sheer joy of watching them be goats. Kidding goes well most of the time. Indeed, goats live ferally in some parts of the world and have survived for generations without human intervention. This helps me remember that it’s usually best to relax and just watch. But kidding also brings angst, because I have no backup veterinary care where I live.
The University of Arkansas reports that worldwide perinatal mortality for goats is between 13% and 40%, and 14% in the United States. I’ve watched or helped with almost 70 births here on my farm, Persimmon Ridge. For all but one of them, I was alone. For that one, I had to load and transport the goat to the vet, arriving too late to save the kid. Although the average goatherd won’t be able to anticipate and handle every possible scenario, being well-informed and prepared will help in most situations. Even a little basic information can help you “do no harm.” I hope to help you prepare by describing how to know
