Seeing as December and January are known kidding months and the spring kidding season is simply right around the corner, I felt it was appropriate to share how simple it is to make an at home kidding kit. This kidding kit is very simple and will provide you the means to better manage your herd through the kidding season. Below I have a list of the items inside it and what their function is, it goes as following:
Sterile Scissors - used to cut the umbilical cord to an appropriate length also to cut the string used to tie the umbilical cord.
Thin String - string is needed to tie the umbilical cord to stop bleeding after it is cut.
Iodine - used to dip the umbilical cord in in order prevent infection.
Shot Glass - used to hold the iodine.
Snot Sucker - unsure of the proper name, can purchase in the baby section at most stores. Used to suck fluids out of nose and to stimulate breathing. Be sure to squeeze the air out before inserting into the nostril.
Iodine Swabs - kidding can be a traumatic and stressful time for goats, in labor the constant readjustment in attempt to get comfortable can be hazardous and the goat may snag on loose metal and injury itself one way or another, same can happen with the kids, use swaps to treat these cuts(if there are any) to prevent infection.
Molasses - in labor the doe loses a lot of fluids, provide her a container of warm water with a couple tablespoons of molasses to encourage her to rehydrate.
Vitamin B Complex - a shot of this will help restore energy and iron. Allow your doe to bond, with her kid. Use this only when the kid is completely cared for or when the doe is having a difficult time. ( Another less traumatic solution is about 15 cc of Red Cell orally, it will serve the same purpose).
Syringe & Needle - have the needle already attached to the syringe, so all you have to do is take the cap off and give the shot (used for vitamin b complex, if utilized).
Surgical Gloves - a must for any kit, use the entire time while utilizing the kidding kit to ensure sanitation.
Lubricant( not pictured) - in the case your doe has problems kidding you will need this to lubricate your arm so you can try and readjust the kids, remember don't interfere unless your sure of a breach or your doe has been in labor for an overly long time.
Clean Clothes - used to dry off the kid(s) assuming it is to cold to allow their dam to lick them clean, always if possible let the doe clean her babies, but be sure to clear the face to ensure the kid doesn't suffocate.
I hope this inspires you to start your own kidding kit! This is completely transferable to lambing as well. Remember to always have on hand electrolyte mix, bottles, nipples, colostrum, and milk to feed you kids if issues arise. As a homesteader, I encourage you to try as hard as possible to give the animals you raise the best possible chance at survival as you can. When you brought these animals to your farm you excepted that very responsibility, don't just let a kid or lamb or any other animal die because your tired of trying. Give it your best shot, after all, as homesteaders, animals are a vital part of our culture, treat them with respect.
