One of my favorite things about having goats, are the newborn kids. There is just nothing cuter than a newborn kid! The gestation period for goats is about 150 days (a little shorter for Pygmy goats).

Goats, unlike sheep, normally have no problems in the birthing process. It is pretty seldom that a goat will need your help. Before the birth, you will note that the does udders begin to slightly swell. The doe will probably bleat continually, and you will notice that she urinates more frequently and may begin to show a slight discharge. Never move a doe in labor to separate quarters. Goats are herd animals, they will be much more relaxed with their herd around them. After the birth, you may move the new mom and kids to their own quarters, if you so choose.

It is very important that the kid begins nursing within the first couple hours. The doe will provide them with much needed albumin and B vitamins that will help to build up their immune system. The first milk the doe produces is colostrum. Kids do not receive the much needed antibodies from the doe during the pregnancy, so it is very important that they receive as much of the colostrum as possible, as early as possible. If the kid does not nurse, milk the doe and bottle feed the kid.

In the second week, the kid should begin to nibble on hay, and water. If the kid has had colostrum early enough, the foundation for a healthy kid has been built. The kid should be bouncing off the walls, literally. They will be very active, and healthy in appearance. Note the communication between the doe and the kid. The doe will bleat very softly in reply to the kid.