We are relatively new to goats and recently purchased 5 does - all pregnant - as well as a wether and two bucks in addition to the two 6 month old does we already had. One of the does is due within a month and the other 4 are due in March. Having all the March does due at about the same time, is it necessary for us to provide separate spaces for each of them to deliver and care for their newborns for a period of time or would it be alright for all the moms and babies to be stalled together in a large stall in the barn? We have the ability to rearrange our stalls and have some time to make adjustments if we need to. Also I read on the forum that after a week or so new kids can be put with the herd if they are in open spaces, but I have watched the adult does run rough shod over my two 6 month olds as they let them know they are the bottom of the pecking order....I fear for the newborns! Any information about these pending births would be greatly appreciated. We are very excited, albeit nervous! Our two became 10....and potentially is about to double...or more!!!! Thanks for your help. Having experienced goat owners to rely on for information is invaluable.
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I have the orange one - haven't looked at the catalog of late so was unaware there is a new one. I get my bulbs from them too. I don't think they are as hot as the ones in the feed stores that they sell for chickens and such. They also last for a long time.
Saw on your facebook you had a great vacation Deborah - how wonderful for you. It is hard to get away when you have critters.
I agree with Bev on the heat lamps. I have the older orange ones from Premier but will be buying the black Prima when they run out of the orange ones.
Also, as she said, whether you need to separate the birthing mom depends on your herd dynamics and the individual goat involved. For years we kidded in the barn around other goats, and it usually went okay. We did have one goat who was bottom of the pecking order who was being beaten up when she was in labor, which was very sad to see! We moved all the other goats out, so she could birth in peace.
Bev - Thanks for your input. I appreciate the information and insight. Are the heat lamps you speak of the Prima Heat Lamp from Premier 1?
I think both ways work. I have had them birth with the other girls close by and no problems. I have a small stall that I do like to put the birthing mom in mainly so I can keep a close eye on her for a few days. I think it depends on your does. How the birth went, how strong the babies are. I wouldn't want slow nursers to be out in the bigger area as I couldn't keep as good an eye on them and if they aren't do as well as I think they should I offer the bottle along with mom. If they are in the stall I let them out in the next day or so -as long as the little ones can keep up to mom and are nursing well. It also depends on the weather for me - I am able to keep the small stall warmer if needed. I have a couple of the heat lamps from Premier sheep supply on hand in the birthing stall. They are the safest lamps I think you can find.