Kidding season is one of the most exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—times of the year for goat owners. Whether you’re a seasoned goat keeper or preparing for your very first kidding season, success depends on careful planning, close observation, and a whole lot of patience. From proper nutrition to birthing preparation and postnatal care, there’s a lot that goes into making sure your does and their kids come through the season happy and healthy.
We’ll walk through everything you need to know to have a successful kidding season, so both you and your goats can breathe a little easier when the big moment arrives.
1. Know Your Breeding Timeline
Success in kidding starts long before the actual birth. The average gestation period for goats is about 150 days, or roughly five months. Keeping detailed breeding records is essential—write down the date(s) your doe was bred so you can predict her due date and monitor her progress throughout the pregnancy.
If you’ve bred more than one doe, consider staggering their breedings so that you don’t end up with multiple does kidding at the same time. This gives you more time and energy to focus on each birth and newborn care, making goat kidding season that much more straightforward.
2. Provide Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy
Nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. During the first three months of gestation, your doe’s nutritional needs don’t change much, but during the final six to eight weeks, she’ll need extra calories, protein, and calcium to support the rapid growth of the kids and her own body as it prepares for birth.
Feeding Tips:
- Continue free-choice, high-quality hay, chopped forage, or pasture.
- Introduce a grain ration formulated for pregnant does in the last trimester.
- Provide free-choice loose minerals specifically designed for goats.
- Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times.
- Avoid overfeeding—obesity can lead to complications like ketosis or difficult labor.
3. Prepare a Clean, Safe Kidding Area
A quiet, secure space is critical for kidding goats. You’ll want to prepare a kidding stall that’s dry, draft-free, and easy to clean. Bedding should be deep and absorbent—straw works well. Ideally, the stall should be set up a couple of weeks before the due date so the doe can get comfortable.
Your kidding stall should include:
- Fresh bedding
- A heat lamp (safely installed) or heat pad for cold weather
- Fresh water and hay available
- Room to observe and assist if needed
Have your kidding kit ready with essentials such as:
- Clean towels
- Lubricant
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors and iodine (for cord care)
- A kid puller or OB snare (for emergencies)
- Nutri-drench or molasses water for energy
- A bulb syringe or aspirator
4. Learn the Signs of Labor
Knowing when your doe is close to labor allows you to monitor her closely and be there if she needs help. Here are some common signs of impending labor:
- Loose or sunken ligaments around the tailhead
- Swollen, full udder (“bagging up”)
- Mucous discharge
- Nesting behavior (pawing, circling)
- Vocalizing or restlessness
- Sudden drop in appetite
- Separation from the herd
These signs usually appear within 12 to 24 hours of labor, though every doe is different. Some may show few signs until right before delivery.
5. Be Present—but Don’t Panic
Most goat births are uncomplicated, and does are capable mothers who can manage without much intervention. However, it’s wise to be nearby to monitor progress in case assistance is needed while kidding goats.
Normal labor progresses as follows:
- Water breaks
- Doe pushes and presents the kid in a diving position (front feet and nose first)
- Kid is born, usually within 30–60 minutes after water breaks
- Doe delivers the placenta within a few hours
If labor seems to stall or a kid is stuck, it may be time to gently intervene. Always use clean hands and lubrication, and know your limits. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a vet.
6. Postnatal Care for Doe and Kids
Once the kids are born, clear their airways and make sure they’re breathing. Dry them off with towels, especially in cold weather, and get them nursing as soon as possible. The first milk, colostrum, is rich in antibodies and essential for the kids’ immune systems.
Post-birth checklist:
- Dip umbilical cords in iodine to prevent infection
- Ensure each kid nurses and receives colostrum within the first 1–2 hours
- Provide warm water or molasses water for the doe
- Offer hay and grain once she’s had time to recover
- Watch for signs of retained placenta, infection, or mastitis
7. Keep Records and Monitor Health
Each goat kidding season provides valuable information that will help you improve your management practices. Keep records of:
- Birth dates
- Number of kids (singles, twins, triplets)
- Sex and weights
- Any complications
- Colostrum intake
Continue to monitor the health of the kids and the doe in the days and weeks after kidding. Kids should gain weight steadily, be active, and have good appetites.
8. Enjoy the Process—and the Kids!
After all the preparation, stress, and long nights, goat kidding season also brings great joy. Watching the kids play and grow is one of the most rewarding parts of raising goats. Whether you’re growing your herd, selling kids, or simply enjoying your farm life, the successful arrival of new kids is always worth the effort.
A successful kidding season begins months in advance and requires dedication, attention to detail, and a willingness to jump into action when needed. By preparing ahead of time, understanding what to expect, and being equipped for common challenges, you’ll give your goats the best possible start.
Healthy kids mean healthier profits. Whether you plan to sell surplus kids, retain them for breeding, or reap the benefits of increased milk supply, goat kidding season plays a direct role in your farm’s profitability. Any complications, such as stillbirths or illnesses, can result in financial losses, making proper preparation even more important. That’s why you need to have a partner who understands the process inside and out.
Lucerne Farms has everything you need for a successful kidding season. See for yourself how we can take the hassle out of your work!
