Are you trying to decide if your goat is pregnant? Determining if you have a pregnant goat can be hard! Trying to feel for babies can be even harder! Is that a baby moving….or my goat’s stomach gurgling? Read on to find out how to tell the difference!
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Pregnant Goat – Fetal Movement versus Rumen
Baby goats are an exciting part of raising goats! I love to see bouncing babies frolicking around the field:)
But before the baby arrives, it can be a stressful nightmare!
Is my doe bred? Is this a pregnancy symptom? How can I tell if my goat is pregnant? Can I feel the babies moving….or is that my goat’s rumen? Wait, what is a rumen?
Goat Rumen
Before we talk about why fetal movement can be confused with rumen movement, we need to understand what exactly the rumen is.
Goats are referred to as ruminants. Additional animals that are considered ruminants are cows, sheep, buffalo, deer, elk, camels, etc. Each of these animals contain a rumen.
A rumen is a part of the goat’s stomach. I won’t go into great detail on that now as we will cover that in a future post.
But for now just know that the rumen is a part of the stomach. The rumen will also produce all kinds of gurgling movements that can easily be confused with the kicks of a squirming baby goat!
However, if you know where to feel, you can be sure that you are not confusing these two movements. By feeling in the right spot you can be more confident that baby goats are in your future!
So, where should you feel to determine if the movement is coming from the rumen or from babies?
Rumen movement is felt on the left side of the goat’s stomach. By placing your hand on this side you will definitely not feel baby movement. Any taps or “kicks” that you feel on the left side are actually the goat’s rumen at work and not a baby!
So, if the rumen is felt on the left side, then that means that baby kicks can be felt on the right side of the goat’s belly.
If your goat is far enough along in her pregnancy you might be able to feel baby movement by gently pressing and holding your hand on the right side of your doe’s stomach.
If you feel a hard knot or if something jabs your hand on the right side, then baby goats might be coming soon! This is also a reassuring way to tell that the babies are doing well. It’s so exciting to feel a baby goat kick and to know that they will be jumping and bouncing about in the field soon!
Do you think that your goat is pregnant? Have you felt your goat for baby movements? Would you like to find out what other signs and symptoms to look for to determine if your goat is pregnant? If so be sure to read my post How to Tell if a Goat is Pregnant.
Leave me a comment below and tell me about your experience and if you are able to feel your baby goat’s movements! And be sure to send me pictures once your baby goats are born! I can’t wait to see them!
If you would like to learn more about caring for your goats then be sure to read my Goat Care Section and to take my FREE Goat Health Course!
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So glad to find your site! I was stressing just a little thinking I had acquired a momma to be! I’m a first time goat owner and saw her left side look as if it was doing flips. Now I know that was just her rumen… whew!
My goat is due in 2 days. I felt what seemed like a head on her right side. Nigerian Dwarf goat. It was about half the size of my fist. It would fit in the palm of my hand. I pushed a little to get a response but no response. I felt movement 2 weeks ago. I hope that just means baby is asleep. I used to do this when I was pregant and I always got a response, even if it was just the baby shifting a little. I am concerned that the baby may not be alive. Any advice?
Hi Rebekah, It’s so hard to know for sure. Is the doe acting normal? If she’s acting ok I really don’t know what else to do besides wait. As things get tight and there is less room, there could be less fetal movement. The only way to know for sure is to have a vet check her or to do an ultrasound.
I personally would wait. I usually do not judge based on fetal movement. It is a sign of pregnancy and that baby is ok, but definitely not a good way to tell if something is wrong. If mom is acting normal and fine, I personally wait until labor. If she starts acting like there is a problem or has a problem with delivery, then contact your vet.