You were eagerly anticipating the arrival of twin kids this fall, but what you got was a surprise beyond imagination! Your goat just gave birth to adorable newborns, catching you completely off guard. This unexpected kidding season may have thrown you a curveball, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn new things and experience the miracle of life firsthand. Follow along as we explore the ins and outs of surprise goat kidding and how to adjust to these delightful surprises.

Surprise Goat Kidding: Not Quite What You Expected

If you raise goats, you know that kidding season usually falls in the fall. It’s a time of year that many goat owners look forward to with a mix of excitement and anticipation. But what happens when kidding season doesn’t go according to plan? What happens when your Nigerian Dwarf goat gives birth unexpectedly in early June when you were expecting fall twins?

Introduction

Recently, I experienced this exact situation on my farm. I raise goats and sheep on the Flanagan Homestead and also teach Horticulture, so I’m used to a busy schedule. However, when I discovered that my goat had given birth during the day while I was working on a sprinkler, I was surprised. Here’s what happened next.

The Birth

When I saw the kid goat for the first time, I was taken aback. The coat color was unusual – a deep chocolate brown with white spots. The kid was healthy and active, but I was still in shock. How was it possible that my goat had given birth in June when breeding season is in the fall?

The answer lies in the breed. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for having a year-round breeding season. Although most Nigerian Dwarf kids are born in the fall, it’s not uncommon for them to have kids in the spring or early summer.

Only One Kid

The biggest surprise was that only one kid was born. Usually, Nigerian Dwarf goats give birth to twins or even triplets. As someone who runs a petting zoo, I prefer twins for obvious reasons. I was disappointed to see that only one kid was born, but I was still grateful that it was healthy and active.

The Goat was not Visibly Pregnant

Adding to the surprise, the goat that gave birth was not visibly pregnant. Nigerian Dwarf goats, in particular, have a small stature, so it’s easy for their pregnancies to go undetected. Plus, the breeding season usually falls in the fall, so it’s not uncommon for goats to not show until later in the year.

What’s Next

Now that the new kid goat is half a day old, my focus is on making sure it’s healthy and well taken care of. With surprise kiddings like this, it’s important to monitor the kid’s health closely. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for being good milkers, so there shouldn’t be any issues with the kid getting enough to eat.

Conclusion

Surprise kiddings like this can throw a wrench in even the most well-planned breeding schedules. However, in this case, the outcome was positive. Although I didn’t get the twins I was hoping for, I was still grateful for the healthy kid that was born. When breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats, it’s important to keep in mind that they have a year-round breeding season and pregnancies can sometimes go undetected.

FAQs

1. Why do Nigerian Dwarf goats have a year-round breeding season?

• Nigerian Dwarf goats were originally bred in West Africa as milking goats. They adapted to the region’s climate, which has a longer breeding season than other regions.

2. Is it normal for Nigerian Dwarf goats to give birth to only one kid?

• While it’s not common, occasionally Nigerian Dwarf goats will give birth to only one kid.

3. How soon after giving birth can a Nigerian Dwarf goat be bred again?

• Nigerian Dwarf goats should be given at least a month of rest before breeding again.

4. What is the average gestation period for Nigerian Dwarf goats?

• The average gestation period for Nigerian Dwarf goats is 145-155 days.

5. What should I do if I experience a surprise kidding?

• Monitor the health of the kid closely and make sure it’s getting enough to eat. If you have any concerns, consult with a veterinarian.