Kidding... where do I even begin?! I could totally ramble on about this, but I'll keep it short and sweet. Here are some hard lessons we've learned along the way and handy tips from the old timers that really work. We're no experts and are still picking things up every kidding season, but I hope this helps you out too! So, here's the lowdown on what we stock up on as kidding season rolls in, plus some sneaky tricks to save a few bucks on this wild ride.
Towels
If I catch my does kidding, I always jump in to help dry them off for momma. Some folks say to just let them be, but honestly, it’s made a huge difference between life and death for some of my kids. Sometimes, you just gotta step in! Momma might be having a rough time, or you could be delivering during an ice storm—keeping those kiddos warm is super important. So, bottom line: you need towels, towels, and more towels! Old Timer Tip: Anytime bad weather's on the way, that’s when mommas decide to go into labor, and it can get pretty intense. These little ones can’t keep their body temps up, and they come out all wet—which means hypothermia can sneak in fast. If you see momma in labor and it looks like things are about to kick off, toss your towels in the dryer. As soon as she starts pushing, grab those warm towels! A little extra coziness is always a win. Money Saving Trick: Start stocking up in the summer by checking out all the clearance aisles. Ollies usually has a section for “damaged items” that’s super cheap. You can score a pack of towels where one is missing or has a small hole. Perfect for the job!
Electrolytes
Your doe is definitely going to be wiped out and thirsty by the end of it all. I mean, come on! There are tons of opinions and old-school tips on this stuff. I can't hit on everything, so definitely check around and see what vibes with you. Personally, we grab some electrolytes for our animals at the local farm store. It’s in a little pack that you just mix with water, and it lasts forever! I usually wait until the doe starts drinking her regular water before I toss it in. She'll totally love it and just slurp it right up!
Nutridrench
So, let’s talk about the ultimate game-changer: nutridrench. If you’re a goat owner, it’s an absolute must-have—especially when kidding season rolls around. Trust me, you’ll want to make sure you’re stocked up because running low is a lesson we’ve all learned the hard way. Once the kids are all dried off and the initial madness calms down, we give each little one a couple of squirts of nutridrench. It’s like a turbo boost for them! This stuff helps tackle any mineral deficiencies and gives them a fighting chance right from the get-go. And don’t forget about mama! We make sure she gets 20cc of nutridrench after all that hard work. She’s lost a ton of nutrients during delivery, and with all those little ones to feed, she definitely needs a little extra support to tackle the wild ride of motherhood.
Bottles and Colostrum:
Bottles are super easy to find and you can snag them at pretty much any farm store. I personally like to stock up in the summer because they tend to fly off the shelves during kidding season. Colostrum is a big deal for those little kids to survive, so if your doe is having a tough time or your kid isn’t looking so hot, it’s time to whip up a bottle. If the kid is just struggling to latch on, I’ll squeeze some colostrum from the doe to help out, but having a powder substitute on hand is a must—better safe than sorry, right? Some folks suggest grabbing some milk replacer too, which isn’t a bad idea, but we usually skip that. It only comes in big bags and can be pretty pricey. If we have a bottle baby, we're lucky enough to just milk momma directly. Plus, keep in mind that kids drink colostrum for the first two days. So if momma isn’t producing, you can always dash out for some milk replacer if it comes down to it!
Nose Aspirator:
If you've had your own little ones, you totally get what I'm talking about and which ones are the go-tos. Sure, the best ones are right from the hospital, but I’ve gotta say, Dr. Talbots is a solid second choice! Sometimes, just drying them off with a bit of tough love isn't enough to get them breathing. That’s when it’s time to clear out those airways. If you forget this step or end up with a dud, here’s a little Old Timer Trick that I've actually pulled off. Just grab the kiddo by the legs and give them a quick spin! Yeah, I know it sounds a bit wild, but in a pinch, you'll try anything. Seriously, it's helped save a life on our homestead!
Syringes
Syringes, syringes, and more syringes! You'll find yourself using these little guys for all sorts of things. Whether it's giving momma some nutridrench, or slipping a few drops of colostrum into a kiddo's mouth who needs a boost—trust me, you'll want to have plenty on hand. You can never have too many!
Gloves
Honestly, gloves can be so forgettable—like, I totally forget I even have them! But if you're one step ahead, they're good for both you and mama. I tend to throw them on if I think a doe might be in labor, to check for noses. Maybe this year I'll actually remember to glove up first... but who am I kidding? Probably not!
This should help, but hey, it’s not set in stone. You’ll figure out what works best for you as you go along—that’s the fun of it! Enjoy kidding season; it’s honestly the best time of year!