This could also be under the title of Good News I am writing a check for delivery for a wonderful little buck called Joshua for delivery in september fingers crossed Ginger II a saanen may start a mini saanen herd next spring. I want to thank all of you who helped me decide to go with a Nigerian Dwarf buck. Please wish me luck. Also as I am hoping to have a goat kidding in the spring I found a site on the tyny goat ranch website on reading the tail ligaments to tell when the doe will be kidding or at least narrow it down. It is on the home page just scroll down to "want to know how to tell when your goat is going to have babies?" click on and tells in words and pictures. My question to those of you who know after looking at these directions do they make sense and does this method help in telling when a doe will kid. The address is http://www.tyny.com/ligaments.html the home page is tyny.com. If this is recommened by those of you who know those of us just starting off with goats might what to check this out. thanks gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gef123@hotmail.com), July 28, 2000

Answers

Yes, the ligament thing is for real. The bone for 5or6 in. above her tail will usually get so loose you can almost get your fingers UNDER it..Mine also do a lot of pawing,trying to build a nest..Some are very vocal..The udder gets full and tight.. Don't be afraid to ask for help if your doe is in labor too long.. How long is too long?? I would think, hard labor for more than an hr. or so. Kidding is SOOO exciting..Doris in Idaho

-- Doris Richards (dorisquilts@webtv.net), July 29, 2000.

Gail,

when I first saw that sight my goats were already bred and due in about 2 months. I went out every evening and felt them. Didn't think I understood exactly what I was supposed to be feeling for and then as the due date got closer and closer I could acually feel the difference! the ligaments on either side got more relaxed. The day each girl kidded I could touch my thumb and finger together..it was amazing!

-- Ima Gardener (ima@gardener.com), July 30, 2000.