Kidding season is one of the most exciting — and nerve-wracking — times on the homestead. Tiny bouncing kids, proud mamas, and long nights in the barn are all part of the experience.

Being prepared ahead of time makes all the difference.

Whether you’re a first-time goat owner or heading into another busy kidding season, this guide covers everything you need in your goat kidding kit, what to expect after birth, and emergency supplies you’ll be thankful to have on hand.

Wicker basket filled with goat kidding season essentials including 7% iodine, thermometer, gloves, bottles and colostrum supplies for newborn goat care — Everything you need for kidding season — all organized and ready before labor begins.

Why You Need a Goat Kidding Kit

Goats rarely wait for the “perfect” time to kid. They’ll go into labor:

During snowstorms
At 2 AM
On the coldest night of the year
When feed stores are closed

Having a fully stocked kidding kit ensures you can handle routine births and unexpected complications calmly and confidently.

You can watch the births of my lamancha kids here…

Goat kidding season essentials checklist with mother goat and baby goat farmhouse scene for homestead birth preparation

🐐 Goat Kidding Kit Essentials

These are the must-have items every goat owner should keep ready before their doe goes into labor.

Umbilical Cord Care

7% Iodine (for dipping navels)
Dip each kid’s umbilical cord immediately after birth to prevent infection. Repeat a few times the first day.
Small medicine cup (for dipping)
Alternatives in a pinch: chlorhexidine, Vetericyn, or Listerine

Umbilical infections can lead to joint ill — this step is critical.

Sanitation & Delivery Supplies

Shoulder-length gloves (and regular gloves)
J-Lube or similar obstetrical lubricant
Dental floss (to tie off cord if needed)
Old towels or puppy pads
Thermometer (always keep two)
Bulb syringe (to clear airway)

Clean, dry kids are warm kids.

Kid Feeding & Weak Kid Supplies

Weak kid feeding syringe
Pritchard nipples & bottles
Colostrum (fresh, frozen, or replacer as backup)
Fortified B Complex (for weak kids)
Strong black coffee (3–6 cc for weak kids once breathing)
Hair dryer (for drying chilled kids)
Dog sweaters (for extreme cold)

In cold climates, hypothermia is one of the biggest risks.

Emergency Medications (Talk to Your Vet)

Always consult your vet before administering medications.

CD&T
BoSe (or selenium/Vitamin E gel)
Propylene glycol
Uterine bolus (dose adjusted for goats)
Penicillin (if prescribed)
Dewormer (often Valbazen after kidding)
Nutri-Drench
Keto strips (for monitoring ketosis)
Polysersum or Bovi Sera (immune support if colostrum intake is inadequate)

Having these ready can save critical time.

Farmhouse style printable goat kidding kit essentials checklist including birth supplies, colostrum items, sanitation tools and emergency goat care supplies

Things to Expect After Birth

Understanding normal postpartum behavior helps you avoid unnecessary panic.

🖤 First Poops

First stools will be black and tar-like (meconium).
For about a week, poops will be soft and mustard yellow.
Keep babies clean if manure builds up and hardens.

🩸 Post-Kidding Bleeding

Does may begin light bleeding about a week after kidding.
It can last up to a month.
Bright red, heavy bleeding is NOT normal — call your vet.

🦵 Wobbly Legs

Some kids may be born with weak or wobbly legs. Selenium/Vitamin E may be needed if you’re in a deficient area.

🐐 Afterbirth

Usually each kid has its own placenta.
If you don’t find one, mom may have eaten it (this is normal).

Within 24 Hours After Kidding

✔ Ensure each kid receives colostrum within the first 2 hours
✔ Check temperature (normal: 101.5–103.5°F)
✔ Dip navels
✔ Monitor mom’s appetite and attitude
✔ Consider deworming the doe (consult your vet)

Stress from kidding can trigger a worm bloom.

Optional (But Nice to Have) Items

Artery forceps
Electric dehorner (if disbudding within first week)
Pull-Eze lamb puller
Scale (to weigh kids daily)
Molasses (for doe energy boost)
Flashlight or headlamp

Cold Weather Kidding Tips

If you’re kidding in winter:

Dry kids immediately
Use sweaters if temps are below freezing
Keep bedding deep and dry
Block drafts
Have a warming box or heat source ready (safely positioned)

In northern climates, preparation prevents loss.

Group of adult goats and baby goats grazing in tall green pasture grass during spring kidding season on a homestead

Final Thoughts on Goat Kidding Season

Kidding season is exhausting, beautiful, messy, and unforgettable.

Preparation brings peace of mind.

A stocked kidding kit, a calm presence, and knowledge of what’s normal can turn a stressful night into a smooth delivery.

There is nothing sweeter than watching newborn kids bounce around the barn knowing you were ready.