Spring is well underway. For those of you who have farm animals, this tends to be a busy—and adorable—time of year. While animals can and do give birth all year, the majority of expectant mamas go into labor in spring. Read on for some tips from a Wichita, KS veterinarian on being prepared for your new arrivals.

Supplies

Make sure that you have a good first-aid kit on hand. You’ll also need a few specific items, such as latex gloves, clean towels, halters, and lubricant. If you have a large herd and/or plan to be welcoming plenty more animals, you may want to invest in a calf jack, though your vet will likely have one. Bailing twine is also good to have on hand for smaller animals.

Keep Animals Calm

Do everything you can to keep your expecting pals free of stress. Don’t add tattoos or ear tags, and don’t put them into a new herd group. This won’t be a great time for travel, either.

Keep A Close Eye Out

As your expectant mamas approach their due date, you’ll want to start checking on them more frequently. Twice a day is usually good, but this of course will depend on how many animals you have. You may start keeping them inside or close to their birthing stalls.

Get The Camera Ready

There are few things more special than seeing new life. Keep your phone on hand, and prepare to snap some photos of your newest charges!

Consult The Vet

Take a few minutes to check in with your vet. It’s important to know what some of the warning signs are that would signify something is going wrong. These may vary a bit from animal to animal, but some common ones would be extended labor, foul discharge, and lethargy. Ask your vet for more information.

Food

Fetuses go through a huge growth spurt in that last trimester. Proper nutrition is crucial at this stage. This is one time when you don’t want to choose between quality and quantity: go for both! It’s worth noting that fescue grass, which is quite common here in Kansas, can be an issue, as it often carries a fungus that can cause complications. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions or concerns about helping your animals deliver? Contact us, your local Wichita, KS animal clinic, today!