Instructions
Notice your goat's behavior. She may become restless and search for a safe site away from the herd. This may occur two or three days ahead of parturition or just an hour or two before she goes into labor. You may see a stringy discharge that resembles mucus when you observe your goat from the rear.
Notice the doe's right flank. Where there has been observable movement in the past caused by the babies moving around and kicking, close to the time of labor you will see little or none. Look at the vulva and tail area. The vulva will be more swollen than before and look softer. The ligaments where the tail joins the body will appear elongated or puffy.
Look at the doe's flanks. Compare what you see to how she looked a few days ago. After the babies move into the birth canal, the doe's flanks take on a sunken appearance.
Listen to the doe and observe her head movement. She may bleat softly and point her nose toward her side. Also, watch her legs. She may kick lightly toward her belly.
Watch the doe's general activity. She may be disinterested in eating and appear quite restless. She may lie down, get up, walk a little, paw with her front hoof, and lie down again. Notice her appearance from the rear. You will soon see a vaginal discharge that is stringy and thick.
Notice whether she has started straining or pushing, which indicates heavy labor. She may utter vocalizations during this time.
Continue to quietly observe your goat from a distance that does not disturb her. Watch for a liquid-filled, reddish-brown, balloon-shaped bag to appear from the vulva. Next will be a bag that contains a baby goat.
Watch for the birth of the first kid. Normally you will see its front hooves, then the front legs with the baby's head, nose first, just above or between it's knees. Once the head is clear, the baby goat usually exits rather quickly. This process continues until all kids are born and the mother passes the placenta, a long piece of tissue with fleshy nubbins.
How to Tell When Your Boer Goat Is in Labor
Boer female goats, or does, normally give birth approximately 150 days after being bred. This may vary 5 days in either direction. Careful observation will tell you when your goat is about to have her babies. Being able to recognize the signs of labor helps you provide properly for your goat and can save lives, both hers and that of her kids.