The Signs of a Goat Delivering

Knowing the signs a goat may show when she is getting ready to deliver her kids helps ensure a safe birthing process. Identifying early signs of labor gives you time to prepare a kidding pen and make sure your doe is comfortable before she enters active labor. Just as important, you'll be in a better position to recognize struggling does that need birthing assistance, an essential skill that can save the lives of your doe and her kids.

  1. Physical Signs

    • A goat typically begins to show physical signs of impending delivery several days to two weeks before going into active labor. Often, the first sign you'll notice is udder enlargement; several hours before active labor starts, many goats' teats begin to drip colostrum, the yellowish, nutrient-rich liquid that nourishes the kids for the first several days following birth. At that point, you should notice deepening hollows along both sides of the base of the doe's tail, a loosening of the tail ligaments that is a key sign of imminent labor, according to Carol Amundson, author of "How to Raise Goats."

    Behavioral Signs

    • Watch your goat's behavior closely as the due date approaches and you should be able to tell when she is about to give birth. Many goats become preoccupied or distracted as their hormone levels change and they begin to feel contractions. Others may bleat loudly, act anxious, hold very still or breathe heavily at regular intervals. Some does also move away from the rest of the goat herd, often finding a quiet corner where they'll paw at the bedding in an attempt to create a nesting spot.

    Time Frame

    • Labor timeframe varies depending upon multiple factors, including the number of kids in the womb, as well as your goat's age. The pre-labor period, characterized by sudden hormonal shifts and mild contractions, generally lasts 12 to 36 hours. Marked by intense uterine contractions, active labor typically starts with the appearance of blood-tinged mucus. Once your goat begins to show signs of regular, intense contractions, the fluid-filled amniotic sac and first kid's pair of feet should appear within approximately one hour, followed rapidly by the delivery of any other kids.

    Warning Signs

    • Be aware of various signs that make indicate your goat is experiencing difficulty giving birth. If your goat passes bloody mucus and fails to deliver the first kid within the following 1 1/2 hours, then she may be having trouble, says Margaret Hathaway, author of "Living with Goats." Other signs that could indicate potential problems include a large amount of bleeding, three or four legs protruding from the birth canal at the same time, and a breech presentation (kid's tail-end appears first). If you notice any of these signs of potential labor problems, contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance.