One kid so far, wondering if there is another?

[Livestock lover]

Hey guys,

My 7 year old Boer cross doe just had a kid (about 1:45) with little trouble, I pulled a tiny bit because she wasn't making progress after the hooves and head appeared. The kid is doing very well and is standing and drinking.

Now I am concerned because the afterbirth has not appeared and neither has another kid. She usually has twins. Soon after the first kid she continued to have contractions but not really anymore. She is pretty chill and unconcerned, mainly standing Her belly is still quite large. I reached in about a foot not quite up to my elbow and felt no kid. I tried bouncing her and didn't feel anything particularly hard although her belly is quite firm.

Thoughts? Is #2 still in there?

Thanks guys and gals!

 

[Baymule]

@Mini Horses
@rachels.haven
@frustratedearthmother

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Has anything else happened since she kidded? If you went elbow deep and didn't feel anything - and if she's acting normal she's probably finished. I had several of my does who "always" twin or triplet have single babies this year. Sometimes they just need a break, lol.

Is there any afterbirth yet? Is the baby nursing? Nursing will help stimulate her to pass the placenta - but if not she may need an injection of Oxytocin. If she hasn't passed it by morning I'd definitely try to get an injection for her. It's prescription so you'll need to get it from a vet or maybe a goat friend might have some if you don't.

 

[Mini Horses]

Should have passed afterbirth by now. Should have passed a second, if in there. Many will eat the afterbirth...gross. I know but, it's instinct for predation....and huge nutrition in it. How soon after kid delivered did you check?

Your choices.....1.call vet or 2.keep close watch and wait. Closely watch temp of doe, her habits and emotional/physical demeanor. She may have just produced a single. .

If a retained placenta, normally lethargy, temp and need for a vet at once. It can take a couple days to show and can be a major problem.

 

[Livestock lover]

Thank you for the replies! Mom and baby still doing well. The baby is nursing and pretty chipper. The afterbirth got passed last night so I figure she's done.

How soon would she look sick if there was a kid in her still?

 

[Mini Horses]

If she passed placenta, she's done. Congrats!

Any pics?

 

[farmerjan]

She will go off feed and act lethargic pretty soon after if there is still a kid in there. If she passed the placenta and acting fine, then she had a single this year... be glad it is up, healthy, eating and all. Better a single live one then a few dead ones...