Whole Goat Care

I have a doe that was in heat and visually confirmed bred to the buck on Nov 15 which put her 150 day due date on the 14th. She still has not kidded. She is eating good, pooping & peeing normal. Laying around a bit more but no more than any other goat here has in late pregnancy. Udder is full but not strutted, ligaments looser but not anywhere close to gone. The problem is because I was helping my mom out more last fall and was away from home more I was having a hard time catching the does in heat to pen/hand breed them so we ran the buck with the does for a couple months, starting on the 15th the day she was bred.

This doe has kidded 3 times in the past on our farm with no problems at all. Twins every time and within the normal time frame. Though last year she did go to day 153, still normal though. She has always taken on the first heat cycle she is introduced to the buck too in the past.

What would you do? Wait a bit longer? How long is safe to wait? Call the vet? My problem is knowing for sure if she is over-due or is it possible she did not get pregnant that day and did at a later date since the buck was in with the does. I did not see the buck show any interest in her after that first couple days though. I would hate to induce her and lose the kids if the due date could be wrong but I sure don't want to take a chance on losing the doe if it is correct. The other does that were pasture bred to him at that time have all kidded now this week. Advice please?

What breed is she? If she is a full size breed i would just wait. I had a boer last year go 159 days. With the drought causing mineral issues with the hay and pastures more and more breeders are having slightly longer gestation periods this past year. I think we will all see small issues like this for a couple of more years, especially with our older does.

Yes she is a Boer. Did the one that went to 159 days have any problems? I guess I am nervous about this because in all this time I have never had a goat go over 153 days. Seems like they continually come up with new and interesting ways to give me ulcers. Thanks for the advice!

no, she had a very easy birth and all three kids were fine. I have decided i quit worrying until I hit 161 days just cause it will kill me other wise!!

Thanks Kendra!