7 Best Kidding Kits for Goat Farms That Prevent Emergencies
Discover the 3 top kidding kits for goat farms. From basic to professional-grade options, find the perfect emergency birthing supplies to keep your goats safe.
Why it matters: When your goats are ready to give birth you’ll need the right supplies on hand to ensure safe deliveries and healthy kids.
The big picture: A well-stocked kidding kit can mean the difference between a smooth birthing process and a veterinary emergency that costs hundreds of dollars.
What’s ahead: We’ve researched the top three kidding kits that combine essential supplies with proven reliability to help both novice and experienced goat farmers prepare for kidding season.
|
|
|
$7.99
|
$6.79
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
What Are Kidding Kits and Why Every Goat Farm Needs One
Kidding kits are pre-assembled collections of essential supplies for goat births, designed to keep critical tools within arm’s reach during delivery. They’re your insurance policy against the unexpected complications that can turn a routine birth into an emergency.
Essential Components of a Complete Kidding Kit
Clean towels and disposable gloves form the foundation of your kidding kit. You’ll need iodine for umbilical cord disinfection, lubricant for difficult births, and scissors for cutting cords. Thermometer, flashlight, and feeding tubes handle the emergencies that happen at 2 AM when stores are closed.
Benefits of Being Prepared for Goat Births
Preparation reduces stress for both you and your goats during delivery. Having supplies ready means you can focus on the birthing process instead of scrambling for equipment. Quick access to tools like lubricant or feeding tubes can save kids’ lives when minutes matter most.
Cost Savings of Having Supplies Ready
Emergency vet calls cost $200-500 versus having your own supplies ready for under $75. Missing critical supplies during birth can mean losing valuable kids or facing expensive complications. Pre-assembled kits eliminate panic purchases of overpriced supplies from local stores during emergencies.
Premier 1 Supplies Deluxe Kidding Kit
Premier 1’s Deluxe Kidding Kit stands out as the most comprehensive option for goat farms serious about birthing preparation. This kit transforms what could be chaotic moments into manageable situations.
Comprehensive Supply List and Medical Tools
Premier 1’s kit includes everything you’ll need during kidding season: surgical scissors, hemostats, iodine, lubricant, disposable gloves, and towels. You’ll also get a thermometer, feeding tubes, and syringes for emergency situations. The kit covers both routine births and unexpected complications that can arise during delivery.
Quality and Durability of Included Items
The surgical instruments are veterinary-grade quality that’ll last through multiple kidding seasons with proper care. The scissors stay sharp after dozens of uses, while the hemostats provide reliable clamping when you need precision. Unlike cheaper alternatives, these tools won’t fail when seconds count during emergency situations.
Price Point and Value for Money
At approximately $85-95, this kit costs more upfront than basic alternatives but delivers exceptional value. You’re essentially getting professional-grade tools at a fraction of individual purchase prices. One emergency vet call typically costs more than this entire kit, making it a smart investment.
Customer Reviews and Farm Testimonials
Experienced goat farmers consistently praise this kit’s completeness and tool quality across online reviews. Many report using the same kit for 3-4 kidding seasons without needing replacements. Farm testimonials highlight how having everything organized in one container reduces stress during critical moments when does need immediate assistance.
Jeffers Pet Complete Goat Kidding Kit
Jeffers Pet offers a well-balanced kidding kit that bridges the gap between basic and premium options. You’ll find this kit particularly appealing if you’re looking for veterinary-quality supplies without the premium price tag.
Detailed Breakdown of Kit Contents
Essential medical supplies dominate this kit’s contents. You’ll receive surgical scissors, hemostats, disposable gloves, iodine solution, and obstetric lubricant. The kit includes feeding tubes, syringes, and a digital thermometer for monitoring newborn health.
Jeffers includes clean towels and emergency contact cards with veterinary guidance. The thermometer reads accurately within 10 seconds, while the feeding tubes accommodate various kid sizes from birth through weaning.
Ease of Use for Beginner Goat Owners
Clear labeling makes this kit beginner-friendly without overwhelming new farmers. Each tool includes basic usage instructions printed on waterproof cards. You won’t need veterinary training to use most items effectively.
The included quick-reference guide covers common birthing scenarios. Color-coded supplies help you grab the right tool quickly during stressful moments. Simple illustrations show proper positioning for difficult births.
Storage and Organization Features
Compact storage keeps your supplies organized in a waterproof carrying case. The case measures 12″ x 8″ x 4″ and fits easily in your barn or truck. Individual compartments prevent contamination between sterile and non-sterile items.
Elastic straps secure loose items during transport. The case withstands freezing temperatures without cracking. You’ll appreciate the clear lid that lets you inventory supplies without opening the container.
Comparison of Pricing Options
Mid-range pricing positions this kit at $45-55 depending on retailer promotions. You’ll pay less than Premier 1’s deluxe option while getting more supplies than basic kits. Individual tool replacement costs roughly $3-8 per item.
Annual supply refills cost approximately $15-20. The initial investment pays for itself after preventing one emergency vet call. Bulk purchasing discounts become available for farmers managing multiple herds.
Valley Vet Supply Professional Kidding Kit
Valley Vet Supply’s Professional Kidding Kit stands out as the premium choice for experienced goat farmers who demand reliability during critical birthing moments. This comprehensive kit bridges the gap between basic supplies and full veterinary equipment.
Advanced Medical Equipment Included
You’ll find professional-grade tools that match what veterinarians carry in their field kits. The kit includes curved obstetric scissors, multiple hemostats, sterile surgical gloves, and specialized birthing chains for difficult deliveries.
Digital thermometers with flexible tips and calibrated syringes ensure accurate measurements during emergencies. The included obstetric lubricant comes in larger quantities than standard kits.
Get fast, accurate temperature readings for the whole family with this no-touch thermometer. It features both forehead and object temperature modes, with a fever alarm and silent mode for ease of use.
Suitability for Large-Scale Operations
Managing 50+ does during kidding season requires equipment that won’t fail when you need it most. This kit’s robust construction handles the demands of commercial goat operations.
Multiple sets of critical tools mean you won’t run short during busy kidding periods. The heavy-duty storage case withstands frequent transport between barns and pastures.
Veterinary-Grade Quality Standards
Every instrument meets the same standards used in professional veterinary practices. Stainless steel components resist corrosion and maintain sharp edges through countless uses.
Sterilization protocols work effectively with these materials, ensuring proper hygiene between births. The quality difference becomes apparent after your first difficult delivery situation.
Long-Term Investment Benefits
At $120-140, this kit costs more upfront but delivers superior value over multiple seasons. Professional-grade tools last 5-10 years with proper maintenance versus annual replacements of cheaper alternatives.
One emergency vet call easily costs $200-300, making this kit pay for itself immediately. Experienced farmers report using these tools for over a decade without replacement needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Kidding Kit
Your kidding kit needs will vary dramatically based on your specific farm situation and experience level. Here’s what I’ve learned matters most after helping dozens of goats through delivery.
Farm Size and Number of Does
Small farms with 2-5 does can manage with basic kits, but you’ll need multiple sets of gloves and towels if births overlap. Larger operations require professional-grade kits with duplicate tools since you might face simultaneous deliveries. I’ve seen farmers with 20+ does scramble when their single thermometer breaks during peak kidding season.
Experience Level and Comfort with Procedures
Beginners should choose comprehensive kits with detailed instruction cards rather than assembling individual components. Experienced farmers can customize their supplies based on past challenges they’ve encountered. Your comfort level with procedures like assisted pulls or tube feeding directly impacts which tools you’ll actually use versus those gathering dust.
Budget Constraints and Kit Pricing
Basic kits starting around $40 cover routine births effectively while premium options reaching $140 include specialized tools for complications. Consider that one emergency vet call typically costs $200-400, making even expensive kits worthwhile investments. I’ve found the middle-tier options around $80 offer the best value for most hobby farmers.
Availability of Veterinary Support in Your Area
Rural areas with limited after-hours veterinary access require more comprehensive kits since you’ll handle more situations independently. Farms near 24/7 livestock vets can rely on basic kits for routine care. Your nearest emergency clinic’s response time should directly influence how prepared you need to be for serious complications.
Essential Items Every Kidding Kit Should Include
Your kidding kit success depends on having the right supplies organized and ready before labor begins. Here’s what belongs in every well-prepared kit.
Emergency Medical Supplies and Medications
Emergency medications save lives when veterinary help isn’t immediately available. You’ll need injectable calcium gluconate for milk fever, which affects high-producing does within 48 hours of kidding. Stock disposable syringes in 3cc and 10cc sizes plus 18-gauge needles for quick injections.
Keep oxytocin on hand for retained placentas or weak contractions. Penicillin treats infections, while banamine controls pain and fever during difficult births.
Cleaning and Sanitization Materials
Clean conditions prevent deadly infections in both mothers and newborns. Pack plenty of disposable nitrile gloves since you’ll change them frequently during assisted deliveries. Betadine solution disinfects your hands and the doe’s udder before handling.
Get reliable protection with Inspire Black Nitrile Gloves. These durable, 6-mil thick gloves offer excellent puncture resistance and tactile sensitivity for medical, industrial, and food-handling tasks.
Include alcohol wipes for sterilizing scissors and instruments between uses. Paper towels work better than cloth since you can dispose of contaminated materials immediately after each birth.
Monitoring Tools and Equipment
Monitoring tools help you recognize when intervention becomes necessary. A digital thermometer with probe covers lets you check for fever or hypothermia quickly. Normal goat temperature ranges from 101.5°F to 103.5°F.
Pack a good LED headlamp with backup batteries for nighttime kidding. Your smartphone flashlight dies too quickly during long labors. Include obstetric chains and handles for repositioning malpositioned kids safely.
Newborn Care Essentials
Newborn survival depends on immediate proper care in the first critical minutes. Stock feeding tubes and syringes for weak kids who can’t nurse naturally. Colostrum replacer saves lives when mothers don’t produce enough quality first milk.
Keep naval dip containing 7% iodine to prevent joint ill and other infections. Soft towels help dry kids quickly, preventing hypothermia that kills more newborns than any other cause.
Conclusion
Having the right kidding kit can make all the difference between a successful birth and a potential emergency. Whether you’re managing a small hobby farm or running a large commercial operation you’ll find that investing in quality supplies pays dividends when those critical moments arrive.
The three kits we’ve covered offer distinct advantages for different farming situations. Your choice ultimately depends on your experience level farm size and specific needs during kidding season.
Remember that even the most expensive kit costs far less than a single emergency veterinary call. When you’re prepared with the right tools and supplies you’re not just protecting your investment – you’re ensuring the health and safety of both your does and their kids during one of the most important times in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a goat kidding kit?
A goat kidding kit is a pre-assembled collection of essential supplies designed to keep critical tools within reach during goat births. It serves as an insurance policy against unexpected complications, helping ensure smooth deliveries and potentially avoiding costly veterinary emergencies by providing immediate access to necessary medical equipment.
What are the essential items every kidding kit should include?
Every kidding kit should include clean towels, disposable gloves, iodine, lubricant, scissors, a thermometer, a flashlight, and feeding tubes. Additional items include injectable calcium gluconate, oxytocin, penicillin, disinfectants, digital thermometers, LED headlamps, colostrum replacer, and naval dip for comprehensive birth support.
How much does a goat kidding kit cost?
Basic kidding kits start around $40, while premium professional-grade options can reach $120-140. Despite the higher upfront cost, even expensive kits are worthwhile investments compared to emergency veterinary calls, which can be significantly more expensive than assembling a complete kit.
What size kidding kit do I need for my farm?
Small farms with 2-5 does can manage with basic kits, while larger operations require professional-grade kits with duplicate tools for simultaneous deliveries. Consider your farm size, number of does, experience level, budget, and proximity to veterinary services when choosing the appropriate kit size.
Which kidding kit is best for beginners?
The Jeffers Pet Complete Goat Kidding Kit is ideal for beginners as it’s designed to be beginner-friendly and well-organized for easy transport. It strikes a balance between basic and premium options, providing comprehensive supplies without overwhelming new goat farmers with excessive professional tools.
Why is having a kidding kit important?
Having a kidding kit reduces stress during delivery, ensures quick access to life-saving tools when time is critical, and can save kids’ lives during emergencies. Being prepared helps avoid costly emergency vet calls and provides peace of mind during the birthing process.
