So Maggie kidded (single buck) at 4:15, and her vulva is still pretty swollen and open- is this normal? She passed the placenta about an hour after giving birth, but other stuff is still coming out a little at a time- that's normal, right? Thank you so much!
Yes it is normal! That long string with the clusters on it Im sure you know not to pull it. She will continue to bleed off and on for a few weeks. Sometimes they will appear to be all cleaned out & you may find a small amount of blood again later on. And congrats on your new buckling!
Also, if she's a dairy goat don't be surprised if she starts bleeding while you're milking her. The action of milking or being suckled causes the hormones to continue with uterine contractions and push more of the "stuff" out. My FF bled off and on for almost three weeks after she kidded this year and always seemed to get going when she was up on the stand.
That is so true about the milking stimulating contractions. I was handmilking Elizabeth last night to get some colostrum because the kids wouldn't suckle her and as soon as I started milking her she passed teh afterbirth.
Yes, if we have multiples and they're taking a little longer than I like, I milk them out and the next kid(s) come quick and they drop that placenta soon. :thumb:
Thank you for all the replies- I thought it probably was, but being as this was my first goat birth, I was a little nervous! And thanks for the tip about milking making the placenta come out sooner- I was waiting out there quite awhile to make sure it came out. Mom and babe are both doing great now, he is so very cute.
