Key facts
- Average length: 150 days
- Normal range: 145 to 155 days
- Heat cycle: about every 21 days
- Dry-off: about 60 days before the due date
Smaller breeds such as Nigerian Dwarf tend to have slightly shorter pregnancies, and does carrying twins or triplets may kid a few days early. Multiple births are common, especially from the second kidding on.
Dairy does are usually dried off about 60 days before kidding. Pay close attention to nutrition in the last month: that is when the kids grow fastest and the risk of pregnancy toxemia rises.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is a goat pregnant?
About 5 months (150 days on average), with a normal range of 145 to 155 days.
How often does a goat come into heat?
The cycle is about 21 days (range 18 to 22). Many breeds are seasonal and cycle mainly in the fall, as days get shorter.