Our first kid was born today with snow still on the ground. We just finished the second recorded blizzard warning in Oklahoma history. The reported snow fall was 15 inches and drifts were several feet deep. The wind chills last week were minus 20 below, downright cold.
Fortunately the bitter cold left us for a day or so. Still with snow knee deep in places, the first kid arrived. It looked healthy, but we left it alone. The doe had enough to take care of. She didn't need our interference. We decided not to tag the kid for a few days. The next snow storm is forecast two days from now.
Once the kids start to come, we can expect the majority of the does to kid in the next two to three weeks. Timing is important. Good mothers can take care of the kids in the snow and ice if it doesn't get too cold. But deep cold with the snow can result in losses.
If most the does wait till next week to deliver, the snow should be gone. It is always a humbling reminder as a goat rancher that sudden changes in the weather can hurt your production. For believers in God, it is a good reminder that He is in control and we are not.
Have a good one and stay warm!!
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