Kidding facilities
Kidding during cold months may require shelter for the does and kids to guarantee kid survival. Temporary kidding pens 4 feet × 5 feet have been used by goat producers with much success. The kidding pens should be located in an area free of cold wind. Does are placed in these jugs during kidding and for 3 to 5 days after kidding. This practice increases the bonding between the doe and the newborn, especially for the first-kidding does. In addition, it allows the producer to provide assistance if there are kidding complications. It also allows the producer to ensure that weak newborn kids get a sufficient amount of colostrum during the first 12 to 24 hours of life. After the kidding season, these pens can be taken apart and stored.
Luginbuhl, J-M. 2006. Pastures for Meat Goats. In: Meat Goat Production Handbook, ed. T.A. Gipson, R.C. Merkel, K. Williams, and T. Sahlu, Langston University, ISBN 1-880667-04-5.