Clues That Might Answer the Question “Is My Goat Pregnant?”
After you’ve bred (or think you’ve bred) a female goat, you may be wondering “Is my goat pregnant?” Well, the only sure-fire way to know is by an ultrasound or blood test, but some other clues may help you be able to confidently determine if you have a pregnant goat and baby goats on the way.
If a goat is successfully bred she will not go into estrus again. She may display some signs the first “cycle period” after, but they will not be as intense. Those cycles occur every 17-24 days, so keep an eye and ear out to see if they appear to go into heat again. Something to remember: If you breed a female at the end of the breeding season, she may not be pregnant, she may just go out of heat until the next breeding season.
You should be able to see physical evidence after about 2 weeks. Her stomach will be tighter and she will begin gaining weight. If you’re currently milking the “suspected to be pregnant” doe, her milk production will slow down. For a doeling that has never been bred before, her utters will begin to swell. Their stomach shape begins to change, and after about three months, you’ll be able to see movement from the kids.
Additionally, you will notice behavioral differences. They typically assume the opposite of their usual disposition. For example, if they are normally cuddly they may retract from you and vice versa.
Does are pregnant on average 150 days or 5 months, and typically have twins or triplets. It is usually 50/50 between male and female, but all of one gender can occur as well. All in all, after you’ve bred and after about 140 days, be looking for signs of labor – and get ready for a baby goat! In the meantime in waiting for results, check out this article, your goat is pregnant what to do next.
If you find yourself wondering “Is my goat pregnant?”, you might want to check out this video of baby goats being born. You can find all kinds of useful information about raising these little critters by checking out our How to Raise a Baby Goat Course. This course is ideal for any new goat owner and provides resources to set you up for success in your first year. Course contents include topics on Pasture, Transportation, Feeding, Weaning, Nutrition, Vaccinations, Medications, Worming, Hoof Care, Training, Castration, Dehorning, and more! For the cost of 1 vet visit (OR LESS!) get lifetime access and updates on any device.