Goat kidding season is right around the corner. Prepping your kidding bag now, helps alleviate the stress of not being ready.
I’ve put together a must-have list of everything I refuse to be without in my kidding bag, and I dive into exactly why each item matters so much when those tiny hooves finally arrive.
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Number 1: gloves. Always. Gloves are essential if you need to assist in the birthing process or help clean off the kids quickly, and trust me—you will need them. Keep a box on hand at all times.
Second, OB Lube. When you’re reaching in to be absolutely certain there are no remaining kids, or stepping up to help with a tough birth, this stuff is a true barn lifesaver. I always keep a full gallon on hand—you’ll never regret having plenty ready when your hard-working mamas and their tiny, wobbly babies are counting on you.
Next, hand sanitizer. If you need to step in and help, you want truly clean hands—right up to your elbows. I always scrub my hands thoroughly before any kidding, but when things start happening in the barn, they get messy fast and the babies deserve the very best start.
Baby wipes. I keep them on hand to keep my hands clean, to wipe any goo away from noses, and to quickly clean an udder if I have to.
Rags and towels that I use only for kidding—because those first moments matter so much. Babies come out so incredibly slimy and slippery, full of life and possibility. Most moms jump right into cleaning as soon as their little ones hit the ground, but not always. I always keep dedicated rags close by so I can start gently cleaning and drying them right away, giving them the warm, loving start they deserve.
Puppy pads. This makes it easy to set the kids on and clean them well. We use shavings in our barns and they stick to the kids when theyre born. Its messy and I like to have a clean place to evaluate the kids.
A trusty nose bulb. Newborn kids arrive wet and wiggly, and sometimes their noses and mouths are full of mucus that can quickly turn into trouble. With a good nose bulb in your hand, you can clear those tiny airways in seconds.
Next, scissors. Keep them clean, you can snip the umbilical cord after tying it off. You don’t want a long umbilical cord, it can get caught in things or get messy.
Floss to tie the umbilical cord before trimming.
Umbilical spray. Make sure to spray the umbilical cord to help it remain clean and dry out properly.
Ketosis strips for mama are non-negotiable. If you have a heavy milking goat, keep these on hand so you can check her in an instant and give her the care she deserves. I’ve walked this hard road before, and I refuse to face another season unprepared.
Propylene Glycol is another vital staple to keep on hand when you’re facing ketosis in your herd. If you even start to suspect ketosis, stop and call your vet for clear directions FIRST—your quick action and their guidance can truly make all the difference.
Molasses. After every kidding, my does get a generous molasses-and-water boost. It’s such a powerful, comforting burst of energy, and after all their hard work, they absolutely deserve every sweet sip!
Fightbac. I first discovered this while working for a vet who specializes in goats, and I haven’t gone a single day without it since. It’s a staple in my kidding bag and one I never leave the barn without. It’s an incredible disinfectant, and I rely on it to clean the udder and keep my girls healthy and comfortable.
Thermometer. Have several of these in all of your kits for your farm, but definitely one in your kidding bag.
Nipples and bottles. Sometimes things don’t go smooth, and when they don’t, every minute matters. If mama isn’t feeding the baby, you need to be ready to step in and do it yourself. That first crucial hour in a kid’s life is absolutely vital, and they must get colostrum. I swear by the gray caprine nipples from Caprine Supply, because they pop right onto a 16 oz bottle and let you focus on what really matter.
Lastly, a really good book. Sometimes, you’ll be there for hours, heart pounding with every little sound. When Maggie kidded for the second time, I sat in the barn with her from midnight until 6 a.m., watching and waiting, determined not to miss a single moment. I could feel it in my bones that night, just from watching her on the cameras, that she was getting close, and there was no way I was going to let her face that long, quiet night alone.
I’m the first to admit I’m not a professional—this is simply the routine that has proven itself for me and my herd. But I truly believe a strong relationship with a trusted vet is worth its weight in gold. The right vet can partner with you to create a plan that fits your land, your animals, and the way you care for your homestead, so you and your herd can truly thrive.
Happy kidding!
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