Author Topic: Raspberry leaves for kidding? (Read 1445 times)

Penninehillbilly · « **on:** April 11, 2020, 12:48:05 pm »

Hi
Does anyone feed raspberry leaves coming up to kidding?
On the few occasions I've remembered, maybe coincidence, but kidded soon after and a good kidding.
So when do I start giving them and do they need to be dry (as I was advised), or is that because they aren't normally out at earlier kidding times. Plenty of fresh growth coming on wild raspberries,
Gypsy Due on April 15th then another 24th

Anke · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2020, 01:44:58 pm »

I have given these to the gaots as part of a mixed bundle (for late kidders only, early ones do not have greens as none out), but wouldn't say it speeded up kidding. You won't know. I think it is more important that the girls get exercise close to kidding, as it definitely helps to keep up their appetite, and if the kidding is protracted I now give an injection of Calciject 5 a lot quicker than I used to.

macgro7 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2020, 01:53:53 pm »

No idea about the kidding but the goats love bramble and raspberry leaves. That's the first thing they eat at the allotment

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2020, 02:48:48 pm »

It was an old goatkeeper who advised me, but I can't remember whether it speeded things up or just helped.
First one I gave a handful to kidded that night, deep down I know it would be coincidence , but thought it would help.