Lacy, our nubian goat, was it labor. That was clear.
The pacing, the arching, laying down and getting back up trying to get comfortable.
All were signs that she was getting closer and closer to having kids.
But something wasn’t right.
As time passed progress was slow, and Lacy was uncomfortable.
K and I have been involved in many animal births, and no animals had made the noises Lacy was making.
She was moaning in pain, and what was presenting didn’t look good.
As the Kid presented more and more it was clear the kid was coming out face first.
THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE.
Goat kids are supposed to come out in the “diving” position, legs first, then face.
Having both legs back and face first will cause problems, and the shoulder will be larger and harder for the goat to pass.
K knew we had to do something. After applying superlube, a lubricant and disinfectant she went in…
Getting behind the goat K reached in and tried to readjust the kid’s position.
First she needed to push the kid’s head back into Lacy. That would give space for the legs to come forward and out first.
Next K reached in and hooked each of the 2 legs and pulled them forward and outward.
This wasn’t easy. Lacy was obviously unhappy with what was happening, and she got up and tried to move away a few different times (even knocking over my camera in the process).
Finally K was able to position the kid correctly, and after that with some help pulling Lacy gave birth to a big buck, and to our shock he was still alive!
This was by far the most intense birth we have ever been through on our farm, and an experience we will not soon forget!
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