The Kidding Stall

A room in the barn for practical, calm kidding guidance and checklists. Because the barn is real life, not just paperwork.

The Kidding Stall

A calm place and practical hub preparation of new life, steady hands, safe kidding, healthy offspring, and clean records.

Kidding season is exciting… and it can also make your brain feel like it has 47 tabs open. This page is your one-stop “reset”: what to do before, during, and after kidding + what to record and where to go next.

Before Kidding

A few small things done early can save you a lot of stress later.

What to have ready

Clean kidding area with dry bedding
Fresh water + quality hay for the doe
Gloves, towels, lubricant
Iodine/umbilical dip + small cup
Thermometer
Scale (if you have one) + notepad
Flashlight/headlamp
Basic first-aid and your vet contact info

Good “peace of mind” prep

Confirm due dates and make a simple watch schedule
Braid or Ponytail excessively long hair where needed for cleanliness
Keep a kidding notes sheet nearby (date, time, events) or a photo on your phone until you can get to the house works too.

During Kidding

Normal can look messy. The goal is calm observation and clean assistance only when needed.

Watch for

Strong labor with no progress
Obvious distress or exhaustion
A kid presented incorrectly
Excessive bleeding
Anything that feels “off” to your gut

If something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to pause and get experienced help quickly. Calm and timely beats panicked and late.

After Kidding

The first basics

Make sure the doe is stable, drinking, and interested in her kids
Dry and warm the kids as needed
Dip navels
Confirm nursing/colostrum intake
Note any concerns right away so you don’t forget later

Record What Matters

Good records protect your program and support honest, accurate registrations.

Recommended notes

Doe + buck
Date/time of birth
Number of kids + sex
Any assistance needed
Markings, eye color
Early observations (strength, nursing, temperament)

Need Help?

If you’re a member and you’re in the thick of it, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out through the member area and we’ll help you troubleshoot calmly and quickly.

When it’s urgent: always contact your vet first.

My Doe Is In Labor (Right Now)

Quick Start (Next 5 Minutes)

Clean hands, gloves if needed, good light.
Fresh bedding. Quiet. Minimal “helpers.”
Watch for steady progress (not just contractions).
If you need to check, use lubricant and go gently.
Have your vet/mentor number ready before you need it.

Note: Calm hands help more than frantic Facebooking/Googling.

What’s Normal

Nesting, pawing, vocalizing, getting up/down.
Water bag/bubbles.
A kid appears with two front feet + nose.
Doe rests between pushes but returns to pushing.

Red Flags (Don’t Wait)

Call help if:

Strong pushing with no progress
Water breaks and time passes with no kid
Only one foot showing / no head / something feels “not lined up”
Doe is exhausted, trembling, distressed, or collapsing
Heavy bleeding or foul smell

What NOT to Do

Don’t force or pull hard against resistance.
Don’t keep checking repeatedly “just because.”
Don’t let the stall become a party.
Don’t ignore your gut, early help is cheaper than late help.

Quick Notes to Record (Even if you’re tired)

Doe, buck, date/time labor began
Birth order (Kid A, B, C)
Any assistance given
These are important notes that help you learn your doe and her patterns

I Need to Check Presentation / Something’s Off

Normal Presentation -What we Want

Two front feet + nose (think of it as a diving pose)

Pushing a baby out can take some time. Stay calm. This will help your doe stay calm. Have faith in her. She’ll feel your energy.

Quick tip: If she’s doing good but having a little trouble passing that big ole baby forehead, lube up & stick your finger in her bum. Push down gently. Babies head should pop right out.

Signs It Might Be Wrong

One foot only
No feet, just nose
Feet but no head
Head but no feet
Doe pushes hard but nothing advances

If You Must Check (Safe Basics)

Wash hands, glove up, use lubricant
Gently feel for two feet + a head
Work slowly; stop if you meet firm resistance
If you can’t confidently identify what you’re feeling: call help

When to Call Immediately

Stuck kid
Exhausted doe
You can’t identify presentation quickly
You’re unsure. Period

Weak or Cold Kid

First Priority = Warmth

Cold kids can’t digest milk well. You MUST Warm them first.

Dry thoroughly
Warm environment (careful with heat sources)
We use a heat pad & blankets
Warm the kid’s core gradually

Quick “Is This Kid Okay?” Check

Healthy signs:

Warm mouth
Strong suck reflex
Trying to stand

Red flags:

Cold mouth, limp body
No suck
Weak cry / unresponsive

After Warmth - Then Colostrum

Once warm and alert:

Encourage nursing
If not nursing, supplement appropriately (your preferred method)

When It’s Urgent

Kid won’t warm up
Labored breathing
Persistent weakness after warming
Call vet/experienced help.

Colostrum & Feeding

Why Colostrum Matters

Colostrum is immune protection + energy. Early intake matters most.

Nursing Checklist

Kid latches and sucks strongly
Doe allows nursing
Belly feels “fed,” kid settles after

If the Doe Won’t Cooperate

Have you given her private space with her baby? Many does are very private.
Does she need a quiet, contained space away from the rest of the herd?
Ponytail her flank hair, hold the doe calmly & steady. Help guide the kid to the nipple.
Last Resort: Consider separating briefly and doing supervised nursing sessions

When to Supplement

Supplement if:

Kid is weak or not nursing
Doe has udder issues
Multiple kids and one is consistently missing out

Simple Feeding Notes (for your records)

Nursed vs supplemented
Any concerns (weak kid, slow starter)

Record This Kidding (For Registration)

Minimum Record (Recommended)

Doe + buck
Date/time of birth
Number of kids + sex
Assistance needed (none / mild / significant)
Markings and notable traits (polled/horned)
Notes: vigor, nursing, concerns

Helpful Extras (If You Can)

Birth weights
Birth order (A/B/C)
Placenta passed time. Eaten or not?
Any meds given

What Makes Registrations Easier Later

Write it down same day
Keep kid IDs consistent (Kid 01 = first born, etc.)
Take a quick photo per kid for your own reference

Member Shortcuts

Aftercare: Doe + Kids (Next 24–72 hrs)

Doe Check (Daily)

Eating/drinking normally
Bright attitude, normal movement
No foul smell, no fever signs
Udder comfortable, milk flowing

Kid Check (Daily)

Warm, active, nursing
Normal poop (watch scours)
No coughing/labored breathing
Growing stronger each day

Bonding Issues

Some does need a little time
Supervised nursing helps
If rejection is strong/persistent: get help and make a plan

Next Doors