Preparing a Goat Birthing Area

Creating a dedicated birthing area for your does is essential for safe, stress-free kidding. This guide outlines the steps and considerations for setting up and maintaining effective birthing stalls.

Why Have a Birthing Stall?

• Control and Assistance: Allows you to monitor the kidding process closely.
• Safety for Kids: Protects newborns from aggressive herd behavior.
• Stress Reduction: Gives does a private, safe space for kidding.
• Clean Environment: Helps prevent infections and ensures a healthy start for the kids.

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Setting Up a Birthing Stall

1. Stall Dimensions and Location:
   • Ideal size: 8×10 feet (minimum 6×10 feet for small setups).
   • Proximity: Keep stalls near the main herd area so the doe can see and interact with her companions, reducing stress.
2. Shelter and Insulation:
   • Ensure the stall is covered and enclosed to protect against weather.
   • Provide proper ventilation while avoiding drafts.
3. Lighting and Monitoring:
   • Install heat lamps for warmth.
   • Use a baby monitor with night vision and volume to keep watch remotely.
   • Ensure power access for devices like heat lamps.

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Essentials for a Safe Kidding Environment

1. Heat Lamps:
   • Hang low enough for the kids to access warmth but high enough to avoid hazards.
   • Use securely installed lamps to prevent accidents.
2. Water:
   • Provide water for the doe at all times, especially during and after birth.
   • Hang water buckets to prevent kids from falling in and drowning.
3. Feeding:
   • Provide high-quality feed for the doe during and after kidding.
   • Keep food easily accessible but out of reach of newborns.
4. Bedding:
   • Use a base layer of sand or crushed granite for drainage.
   • Add a top layer of clean straw for comfort and insulation.
   • Regularly clean and replace bedding to maintain hygiene.
5. Sterilization:
   • Use a strong sterilizer like Virkon (available on Amazon) to clean all surfaces.
   • Spray down the stall before and after kidding to eliminate bacteria and viruses.

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Additional Tips

1. Companionship:
   • Keep a companion doe nearby (in a separate pen) to reduce loneliness without compromising the safety of the kidding doe and her kids.
2. Backup Stalls:
   • Have an extra stall ready for multiple does kidding at the same time.
   • Ensure all stalls are cleaned and prepped before the kidding season.
3. Monitoring Nighttime Kidding:
   • Use a baby monitor with sound and night vision to alert you if labor starts during the night.
   • Keep the monitor near your bedside to hear loud noises without disturbing your sleep.
4. Post-Birth Care:
   • Clean the stall immediately after birth to reduce the spread of illness.
   • Provide the doe with plenty of water and a nutrient-rich feed to aid recovery.

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Summary of Key Steps

• Create a safe, enclosed area for kidding.
• Use heat lamps, raised water buckets, and clean bedding.
• Sterilize stalls before and after use with an effective cleaner.
• Monitor the doe closely with tools like baby monitors.
• Maintain a backup stall for emergencies or multiple births.

By setting up a well-thought-out birthing area, you ensure the health and safety of both the doe and her kids while reducing stress and complications during kidding.