The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Roxy on May 29, 2015, 12:53:58 am
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I thought my kidding days were well and truly over. But it seems not. I got to the farm this afternoon, to find one of the goats lodging with us while her owner moves, about to kid. I was a bit confused, as she was supposedly due mid June, but as she had run out with the billy, I assumed that he had caught her straight away.
Got her in the stable, and she kidded find. Just a single. It seemed a bit small, for a GG, but as I had never seen a GG kid, I didn't really know. Cleaned the kids nose and mouth, rubbed it down with straw as mum did not seem to make a start. Put it in front of her and she started to wash it. It was then I noticed that the kid was still lay flat out, and worse its eyes were tightly closed. Also its little hooves were very soft It had plenty of fur, and was not skinny, it was well covered.. I have had a lot of goat kids over the years, and have never had one with its eyes shut.
I think I am right in thinking this kid was premature. It was breathing, but I think its lungs may have been undeveloped. It did bleat a few times, but only made a half hearted effort to come upright. The mother licked and licked it, trying to make it stand. It did not seem to have a sucking reflex. I milked the mother and tried to get some milk into it. It was warm enough with all the washing it had.
I felt awful telling the owner that there was nothing I could do for the poor little fella. To be honest, I was surprised when he lasted 4 hours. The mother seemed fine when I left her late tonight. I will at least be able to milk her......
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Awww, what a shame but still these things happen and you did your best
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What a shame but unfortunately life deals us these wicked blows from time to time. You did your best and thats what counts !
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Soo sad to lose a baby!!
I know that feeling. Well done for doing all you could! :hug:
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I've no experience of kidding but if it was a lamb by your description it was premature. Its hard but you could have done no more. :bouquet:
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Poor little thing and poor you, awful to have to deal with this sort of thing, sounds like little chap didn't have a chance. :hug:
How long has she been with you? I wonder if upset of moving could have caused it?
Nothing else you could have done, I'm sure the owner will understand, have you told them yet?
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Sorry you had to experience this. It always seems worse when it's someone else's animals but I'm sure they will know that you did your best for him. :hug:
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Very sad, maybe the stress of moving late in pregnancy. You did your best so don't best yourself up. :bouquet:
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Sorry for the loss - sounds like nature x
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Definitely sounds like a prem kid , you can only do your best then nature takes over I'm afraid . :hug:
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Goat had not been moved recently. She has been here with the other two for 6 weeks now. She seems fine, so I think we have to accept that its just one of those things.