The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Isla on April 10, 2017, 04:57:28 pm
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How long should the umbilical cord be? I have one new born with cord almost reaching ground.
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Usually the dam will chew it off, I wouldn't touch it - but spray with iodine (I use Bactakil). But then I am quite squeamish and won't touch stuff unless absolutely necessary... others may have a different take on it though.
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I leave them but also spray with iodine. They eventually dry up and drop off. I have read that if you want junk it is too long you can cut it but should tie off with dental floss first to ensure it doesn't bleed. Never tried it myself. Banding is enough messing about for me tbh!
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I had one with very think and longish cord and sprayed well and left it. The next day, helping my neighbour, he had one similar. We tied it off and cut off the excess.
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Thanks all. Cords have shrivelled quite a bit. Disbudding in two days so will ask vet to trim if she deems it necessary.
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If it's dragging on the ground then gently tie a knot in it and spray. They can get trodden on if to long and that's really not nice!
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Usually the dam will chew it off, I wouldn't touch it - but spray with iodine (I use Bactakil). But then I am quite squeamish and won't touch stuff unless absolutely necessary... others may have a different take on it though.
Gosh Anke you seem so 'hands on' to me - I'm quite squeamish too and am really apprehensive that I'll have to get 'involved' when my girls kid. One reason why we keep Shetland sheep is due to their complete ease at lambing time. Sorry to pinch the thread by the way.
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Usually the dam will chew it off, I wouldn't touch it - but spray with iodine (I use Bactakil). But then I am quite squeamish and won't touch stuff unless absolutely necessary... others may have a different take on it though.
Gosh Anke you seem so 'hands on' to me - I'm quite squeamish too and am really apprehensive that I'll have to get 'involved' when my girls kid. One reason why we keep Shetland sheep is due to their complete ease at lambing time. Sorry to pinch the thread by the way.
Well, no choice on Sunday - 1st time ever I had two kids coming together... one head out and one leg, just not of the same kid, so it was a "hand in" job. But both kids - girls, yeah! - got out alive and after a bit of a slow start are now already jumping onto their mum, who is feeling (and looking) quite sore. The one thing I definitely don't do is blood and vomit (well that's two).
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I always cut the cord after the kid has been cleaned up.
Leave it @3 inches long dip it in iodine straight after cutting it with sterilized scissors.
Then dip it again@ 10-15 mins later (Precaution against navel ill)