Teddi Bear the Goat Kid

Our first kidding of the year was way too eventful for my taste. Grace, a 94% registered Boer doe and our ‘09 Grand Champion Market Goat, was bred to a neighbors show buck. We are really excited about her kids since they are sure to be high quality. She kidded last night about 6:30. Thank God Ted was there and checked on her again just before heading home from chores. Her first kid was born naturally but the second kid had her head bent back and was presenting us with only two, long, front legs. Ted had to glove up, push the baby back into the uterus and then manipulate the kid into the proper birthing position with her head forward. He then pulled the kid out but she was already dead. Thankfully, Grace did not prolapse, something common to goats with difficult births.

But the first doeling, now named Teddi Bear by ClaireAnna, was born quite weak and unable to nurse.  Here she is immediately after birth.

We had to bring her home, blow dry her to warm her up and give her some milked out colostrum. Then we put her back out with mama. This morning, she still hadn’t nursed, so we milked the mama again and brought Teddi Bear home to give her a bottle. Claire had a fun morning taking care of her.

No comments about what a wreck my house is. Ted’s been busy and I’m broken!

Teddi Bear had a nice nap on the kitchen floor with Claire’s hat for a pillow.

Here she is with her sweater on, just before we put her back out with her mama.

Grace was doing poorly this morning, so I decided to call in the vet. Birthing problems are not common in goats, but when they have them, it really knocks them for a loop. Grace had a fever, was dehydrated, not eating or drinking and having trouble standing. And trust me. A goat the won't eat is a very sick goat indeed. The vet came out and treated her for infection and hydrated her. By evening, she was doing much better and started to eat on her own and little Teddi Bear was finally nursing properly. We are still concerned about both of them since there is a chance that Teddi did not get enough colostrum and Grace may still not recover. But we are doing everything we can to help them through it. Lets pray the rest of our kiddings go more smoothly then this one!