We had babies at 2am this morning! Thanks to Deborah’s advice - I sat on my hands and witnessed the most perfect quick “ painless” birth ever!! This doe Maeyella is a second freshener and had the same success with her single buckling last year.
But I’m worried -( because after all - I have goats I have to worry about something!:) even though I squirted out both teats to make sure there was milk right after kidding, I’ve only been able to milk about a cup of the colostrum from her.
The udder still feels fairly full - but when I squeeze - I don’t get milk??
The 2 girls had no trouble finding the teats and they get on them fine-I hear suckling - but they’re also sqallering while they’re nursing. It is now 6:00 and they haven’t laid down and gotten quiet yet. Seems like I’m the only one who wants a nap!:)
Anyone had an experience like this? Is she just not letting down milk for me- but she does for the kids?
What should their tummies feel like if they’re successfully getting milk?
She’s not a bad Milker - usually got 1qt a day once a day milking as a FF.
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Some kids are just little piggies. If they're bouncing around and nursing, they're doing fine. They'd be dead by now if they weren't getting anything. I wouldn't worry about peppermint oil or vitamin C. If the udder has reduced in size, then there's no issue with edema.
Hi- thanks for sharing. I was just "milking " to collect the colostrum. I know that never comes out as easy -but this seemed really hard to get anything.
Since I wrote - a little change. I took before kidding and later yesterday udder pics. If the udder is 3" smaller overall than the first pic- the kids must be getting sonething right.
I am massaging with peppermint oil and giving her vitamin C.
I only worry because one of the girls especially just hollers when she's nursing with that tail going side to side- like when they can't get milk!
But they are active and bouncy and absolutely refuse to take a bottle- very strong so must be getting something!
That's pretty amazing to have only had one in all of your experience! I was hoping it wasn't a fault that would mean my doe should not be bred. I'd hate to give up such an easy kidder!
It seems pretty early to try milking, only a few hours in. As you've noticed, you won't get a lot, and it's colostrum not milk, which is vital for little babies to consume.
Some does will have edema when they freshen, so they'll feel really full, but you have trouble milking them. I've only had that happen once, and it was with a first freshener who turned out to be my best milker ever. Her kids had no trouble getting milk out.
Since it's been 14 hours since you posted, I'm sure there've been a lot of changes.
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Some kids are just little piggies. If they're bouncing around and nursing, they're doing fine. They'd be dead by now if they weren't getting anything. I wouldn't worry about peppermint oil or vitamin C. If the udder has reduced in size, then there's no issue with edema.
Since I wrote - a little change. I took before kidding and later yesterday udder pics. If the udder is 3" smaller overall than the first pic- the kids must be getting sonething right.
I am massaging with peppermint oil and giving her vitamin C.
I only worry because one of the girls especially just hollers when she's nursing with that tail going side to side- like when they can't get milk!
But they are active and bouncy and absolutely refuse to take a bottle- very strong so must be getting something!
That's pretty amazing to have only had one in all of your experience! I was hoping it wasn't a fault that would mean my doe should not be bred. I'd hate to give up such an easy kidder!
Congratulations on a great kidding!
It seems pretty early to try milking, only a few hours in. As you've noticed, you won't get a lot, and it's colostrum not milk, which is vital for little babies to consume.
All best!
Some does will have edema when they freshen, so they'll feel really full, but you have trouble milking them. I've only had that happen once, and it was with a first freshener who turned out to be my best milker ever. Her kids had no trouble getting milk out.
Since it's been 14 hours since you posted, I'm sure there've been a lot of changes.