Goat Gestation Calculator

For goat keepers, from homesteaders to commercial farmers, accurately predicting a doe's kidding date is fundamental to good management. It allows you to prepare kidding stalls, monitor the doe's health closely, and be ready to assist if needed. Our Goat Gestation Calculator is a simple tool to help you forecast this exciting event.

The "Five-Month" Rule and How the Calculator Works

Goat pregnancy is famously known to last "five months." While this is a good rule of thumb, the exact duration can vary. The calculator provides a more precise estimate by using the specific number of days for different types of goats.

• Standard Breeds (e.g., Alpine, Nubian, Saanen, Boer): The average gestation period is approximately 150 days.
• Miniature Breeds (e.g., Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy): These smaller breeds often have a slightly shorter gestation, averaging around 145 days.

The calculation is simple: Estimated Kidding Date = Breeding Date + Average Gestation Days. By selecting the goat type, you can refine this estimate for better accuracy.

Confirming Pregnancy in Does

Besides tracking breeding dates, there are other ways to confirm if your doe is pregnant:

• No Return to Heat: A doe typically comes into heat every 18-21 days. If she does not return to heat after being with a buck, it's a strong indicator of pregnancy.
• Blood Test: A veterinarian can perform a blood test as early as 30 days after breeding to check for pregnancy-specific proteins.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can detect fetuses around 40 days and can help determine the number of kids.
• Physical Changes: As the pregnancy progresses, you'll notice a growing abdomen (usually on the right side), and her udder will begin to develop, or "bag up," in the final month.

Signs of Impending Kidding (Labor)

As the estimated due date from the calculator approaches, watch for these signs that kidding is imminent:

• Udder Development: The doe's udder will become very full, tight, and shiny.
• Hollowing and Ligament Relaxation: The area around her tailhead will sink as her pelvic ligaments relax to prepare for birth. You may be able to feel that the ligaments on either side of her tail are soft and have disappeared.
• Discharge: A long string of clear or milky-white mucous discharge is a classic sign that labor is beginning.
• Behavioral Changes: She may become restless, paw at her bedding to make a "nest," separate herself from the herd, and become more vocal.
• Contractions: You may see her side contracting or her pushing. The appearance of the amniotic sac (the "bubble") means kidding has started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How accurate is this calculator?

It provides a reliable estimate based on breed averages. However, individual does can kid several days before or after the calculated date. First-time mothers or does carrying multiple kids might have slightly different timelines. Use this date to know when to start your "kid watch."

What is a "kidding kit"?

A kidding kit is a box of supplies you should have ready before the due date. It typically includes clean towels, iodine for dipping the newborn's umbilical cord, surgical gloves, a flashlight, and your veterinarian's emergency contact number.

When should I be concerned and call a vet?

Most does give birth without any issues. However, you should call a vet if the doe has been pushing hard for over 30 minutes with no progress, if you see signs of a malpositioned kid (e.g., only a tail emerging), or if the doe seems to be in extreme distress.