This evening brought an unexpected twist to our kidding season. One of our does, who isn’t due until January 29, 2025, decided to kid early. She’s a strong and confident doe, not one to let others push her around. However, tonight she delivered a single premature kid.
The kid was alive at birth, but sadly, it was a preemie and didn’t survive long. What makes this situation unusual is that she still has a full, tight belly, suggesting there are more kids inside. Ultrasound showed that she had 2-3 kids last week. Yet, there were no signs of afterbirth or continued contractions after the delivery of the first kid. She’s since settled back down and is resting peacefully.
For now, we are in a holding pattern, watching and waiting. It’s possible that she could carry the remaining kids to term, as some does can deliver one prematurely and retain the rest if their placentas remain intact. The days ahead will be crucial for her and the unborn kids.
We’re monitoring her closely for any signs of distress, such as fever, changes in appetite, or unusual discharge. We’ll also keep a close eye on her udder development and behavior. While the outcome is uncertain, we’re hopeful that she can still deliver healthy kids when her time comes.
Moments like these remind us of the unpredictability of farm life and the resilience of our animals. As always, we’re doing everything we can to support her and ensure she has the best possible care during this challenging time. Stay tuned for updates as we navigate this unexpected journey with her.
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