7 Supplies for Building Your Kidding & Lambing Kit

It’s 2 a.m. on a cold March night, and the doe in the kidding pen is clearly in distress. This isn’t the smooth, straightforward birth you were hoping for. In this moment, fumbling in the dark for supplies is the last thing you need; panic is not a strategy.

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Be Prepared for Kidding and Lambing Season

The arrival of new life on the farm is one of the most rewarding parts of raising livestock, but it’s also one of the most critical. Kidding and lambing season is a period of intense watchfulness where preparation can mean the difference between life and death. The goal isn’t just to have a successful birth, but to handle the entire process with confidence and competence, minimizing stress on both the animals and yourself.

A well-thought-out plan begins weeks before the first due date. It involves setting up clean, dry, and draft-free birthing stalls and ensuring you have all necessary supplies organized and accessible. When you’re sleep-deprived and working by flashlight, you need to be able to grab the right tool without a second thought. This readiness transforms a potentially chaotic event into a managed process, allowing you to act decisively when every second counts.

Why You Need a Well-Stocked Birthing Kit

A birthing kit is your command center for kidding and lambing. It consolidates every essential item into one portable, organized container—a sturdy tote or a clean five-gallon bucket works perfectly. Instead of running back and forth between the barn and the house for towels, lubricant, or a feeding tube, everything you need is right there at your fingertips. This immediate access is crucial, as many birthing complications require swift intervention.

Having a dedicated kit also forces you to take inventory before the season begins. Are your supplies expired? Do you have enough gloves? Is the iodine bottle nearly empty? A pre-season check ensures you aren’t caught off guard. Ultimately, a well-stocked kit is about more than just convenience; it’s a tool for risk management that empowers you to handle routine births smoothly and respond to emergencies effectively.

Obstetrical Gloves – Neogen Ideal OB Sleeves

During a difficult birth, you may need to go in to determine the position of the kid or lamb and assist if necessary. Obstetrical (OB) gloves are non-negotiable for this task. They protect the dam from the introduction of harmful bacteria from your hands and arms, and they protect you from birthing fluids. It’s a fundamental biosecurity practice.

The Neogen Ideal OB Sleeves are the right tool for the job because they offer shoulder-length protection, which is essential. Standard veterinary gloves that only cover the hand and wrist are insufficient for reaching deep into the birth canal. These sleeves are made from a durable polyethylene that resists tearing, yet they are thin enough (1.25 mil) to allow for the tactile sensitivity needed to feel for a head, a leg, or a tail. They are disposable, so there’s no need to worry about cleaning and sanitation; simply use a fresh pair every time. This is a must-have for anyone who may need to assist a delivery.

Obstetrical Lubricant – Jorgensen J-Lube

Attempting to assist a birth without proper lubrication is difficult, dangerous, and can cause serious injury to the dam. Obstetrical lubricant makes internal examinations and manipulations smoother and safer by reducing friction and preventing tissue tearing. It is absolutely essential for repositioning a malpresented kid or lamb.

Jorgensen J-Lube is the standard for a reason. It comes as a concentrated powder in a shaker bottle, making it incredibly economical and shelf-stable. You mix what you need with warm water to create a viscous, non-irritating lubricant. A single 10-ounce bottle can make gallons of lube, lasting most hobby farmers for many seasons. For best results, mix a batch ahead of time in a clean, labeled squeeze bottle for easy application when your hands are full. This product is for anyone serious about being prepared for a difficult birth; dry assistance is not an option.

Navel Dip – Triodine-7 Iodine Solution

A newborn’s wet umbilical cord is a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to a serious infection known as navel ill or joint ill. Disinfecting the navel immediately after birth is one of the most important steps in ensuring a healthy start. The goal is to both sanitize the area and dry the cord out as quickly as possible.

While many iodine solutions are available, Triodine-7 Iodine Solution is specifically formulated for this task. Its 7% iodine concentration is significantly more potent than standard 1% or 2% solutions, providing superior antiseptic action and promoting faster drying of the umbilical stump. To use it, pour a small amount into a dedicated dip cup—a clean shot glass or film canister works well—and fully submerge the newborn’s navel for a few seconds. Do not spray or dab it on; a full dip ensures complete coverage. Be aware that it will stain everything it touches, but its effectiveness makes it an indispensable part of any kidding and lambing kit.

Absorbent Towels – Uline Premium Shop Towels

Drying a newborn kid or lamb immediately after birth is critical for several reasons. It prevents chilling, which can quickly lead to life-threatening hypothermia. The vigorous rubbing motion also stimulates breathing and circulation, helping to jump-start a sluggish newborn. While old bath towels can work, they quickly become saturated and create a mountain of contaminated laundry.

A better solution is a box of Uline Premium Shop Towels. These are not flimsy paper towels; they are made of a durable, cloth-like material that is highly absorbent and won’t fall apart when wet. They are strong enough for the vigorous rubbing needed to stimulate a newborn, and because they are disposable, they simplify cleanup and reduce the risk of spreading pathogens. Keep a generous stack in your kit. You will use them for drying newborns, cleaning your hands, and wiping down equipment. For the small-scale farmer, their convenience and effectiveness are hard to beat.

Nasal Aspirator – Briggs Healthcare Bulb Syringe

Sometimes, a newborn emerges with a nose and mouth full of amniotic fluid and mucus, preventing it from taking its first critical breath. A simple nasal aspirator, or bulb syringe, is the tool designed to quickly and gently clear these airways. It’s a small, inexpensive device that can be a true lifesaver.

The Briggs Healthcare Bulb Syringe, designed for human infants, is perfectly suited for this task. Its soft rubber tip is gentle on a newborn’s delicate tissues, and the 2-ounce bulb provides just the right amount of suction to clear airways without causing harm. The technique is simple but crucial: squeeze the bulb first, gently insert the tip into a nostril or the side of the mouth, and then release the bulb to suction out the fluid. Having one of these on hand means you can act immediately if a kid or lamb is sputtering or struggling to breathe.

Colostrum Replacer – Sav-A-Kid Colostrum

Colostrum, the dam’s first milk, is liquid gold. It is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity to the newborn for the first weeks of life. If a dam dies during birth, rejects her offspring, or produces no milk, the newborn is left defenseless without this vital substance. A colostrum replacer is the emergency backup that can save its life.

Sav-A-Kid Colostrum Replacer is an essential insurance policy to keep in your kit. It is made from natural bovine colostrum and is specifically formulated to provide the necessary immunoglobulins (IgG) and nutrients that goat kids and lambs require within their first hours of life. It’s a powder that mixes easily with warm water, so it can be prepared quickly in an emergency. Check the expiration date at the beginning of each season and always have an unopened package on hand. This is not a "nice-to-have"; it’s a must-have for any responsible breeder.

Feeding Tube – Producer’s Pride Lamb & Kid Feeder

A newborn may be too weak, cold, or premature to have a suckle reflex. In these cases, it cannot consume the colostrum it desperately needs to survive. A feeding tube allows you to deliver nutrition directly into its stomach, bypassing the need for sucking. It is an advanced technique, but one that is often the only option for saving a fading newborn.

The Producer’s Pride Lamb & Kid Feeder kit includes a 60cc syringe and a soft, flexible red rubber feeding tube that is appropriately sized for small ruminants. The soft, rounded tip helps prevent injury to the esophagus during insertion. However, this tool comes with a serious warning: improper use can be fatal. If the tube enters the lungs instead of the stomach, the fluid will drown the animal. It is critical to learn the proper technique from an experienced mentor or your veterinarian before you ever need to use it. For those prepared to learn, it is an invaluable life-saving tool.

Post-Birth Essentials for Dam and Newborns

Once the newborns are on the ground, dried off, and have had their navels dipped, the work isn’t over. The immediate post-birth environment is crucial for both the dam and her offspring. Ensure they are in a clean, deeply bedded, and draft-free pen, often called a "jug." This provides a safe space for bonding and protects the vulnerable newborns from the elements and the rest of the herd.

For the dam, offer a bucket of fresh, warm water, perhaps with a bit of molasses stirred in. This helps with rehydration and provides a quick energy boost after the exertion of labor. Keep a close eye on her to ensure she passes the placenta within 12-24 hours and that she is allowing the newborns to nurse. For the newborns, the key is to confirm they are up and nursing within the first hour. A healthy kid or lamb will have a full, warm belly.

Key Signs It’s Time to Call Your Veterinarian

Knowing your own limits is one of the most important skills a farmer can have. While a well-stocked kit prepares you for many common scenarios, some situations require professional intervention. Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian if you observe any of the following:

• Prolonged Labor: The dam has been pushing hard for over 30-45 minutes with no sign of progress.
• Malpresentation You Can’t Correct: You’ve identified a tangled or backward presentation (e.g., tail first) and cannot safely reposition the newborn yourself.
• Extreme Distress: The dam is exhausted, crying out in pain, or showing signs of shock.
• Retained Placenta: The afterbirth has not been passed within 24 hours of the last birth.
• A Non-Responsive Newborn: A kid or lamb is cold, limp, and will not respond to stimulation or attempts to feed, even after warming.

Having your vet’s number programmed into your phone and readily accessible in the barn can save precious time in an emergency. It’s always better to call for advice early than to wait until the situation is dire.

Your Kit Checklist for a Successful Season

Use this list to assemble or restock your kit before the first due date. Keep everything in a portable, clearly labeled container.

• For Assistance & Sanitation:
  • Shoulder-length OB gloves (Neogen Ideal OB Sleeves)
  • OB lubricant (Jorgensen J-Lube)
  • Navel dip and cup (Triodine-7 Iodine)
  • Disinfectant (Chlorhexidine or similar) for cleaning tools
• For the Newborn:
  • Absorbent towels (Uline Premium Shop Towels)
  • Nasal aspirator (Briggs Healthcare Bulb Syringe)
  • Colostrum replacer (Sav-A-Kid Colostrum)
  • Feeding tube and syringe (Producer’s Pride Lamb & Kid Feeder)
  • Bottles and nipples (Pritchard or similar)
• General Supplies:
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Sharp, clean scissors or scalpel for cutting the umbilical cord (if necessary)
  • Umbilical clamps or dental floss for tying off a bleeding cord
  • Digital thermometer
  • Your veterinarian’s phone number

Preparation is the antidote to panic. By assembling a comprehensive kidding and lambing kit, you equip yourself not just with tools, but with the confidence to handle whatever the season throws at you. This readiness allows you to focus on the true reward of your hard work: welcoming healthy, thriving new life to your farm.