Yes, some goats might have a bloody discharge during the heat. This is not common but certainly not unheard of.
However, if it lasts more than 48 hours then she might be aborting, so keep an eye on her but it just might be a sign of strong heat.
Take her to a buck and see if she’ll let them breed. Sometimes, these sneaky goat heads could act like they are in heat when they’re actually aborting.
If it turns out she is in fact aborting, there is nothing you can do besides make sure she is feeling well.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Doe might be Bleeding
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Virgin Goat
If it is her first time being bred, then she might bleed.
If it’s not then an old scar tissue from a previously ripped cervix or a small cyst might be the cause.
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Discharge
Is the discharge smelly, pungent enough to want to make you puke? If No, then it is likely not something to be worried about. Observe her for the next 24 hours.
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Infection
The first heat after a doe closes her cervix around retained placenta or retained kids, can be the first sign she has a uterine infection…it can go systemic and she can die in hours, or you can treat it.
I would take her to see the vet, and don’t breed her this next heat but treat her for a uterine infection first.
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Aggressive Partner(s)
I have seen very aggressive bucks try to breed a doe, so if she’s “molested” by one that could be why she is bleeding.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis can lead to spontaneous dripping blood as you saw. Your vet needs to stick a rope into her uterus to check its condition to confirm or disprove this condition.
So, if you end up having to go to the vet, you might want to include this in your things to rule out. There’s no cure or treatment for goats, but at least you’ll know what’s going on and not to worry if that’s it.
10 Signs of Heat in Goats
- The does become more vocal than usual
- She wags he tail
- The doe personality changes
- Sticky tail
- Milk volume changes
- Your does act bucky
- Consistent urination
- The buck acts goofy
ALSO SEE: Cylence for Goats Ticks and Mite Control
How to Quiet A Goat in Heat
Goats are noisy when in heat because it’s their way of announcing to the world that they need a man ASAP!
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Breed Them
Yes, you heard that right. One of the few ways to shut a female goat up is to breed them.
Sometimes you might get lucky and your doe hormones quiet down since there aren’t any buck on the property. So, yes, not having a male goat scent near-by helps.
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Lavender
The lavender essential oil works effectively. Simply add in a few drops on a towel and hold it up to her nose.
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Keep Males off Your Property
Having a buck close would heighten the vocalization of a doe in heat.
So, if you keep a buck with them, that could be her problem.
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Wine
Give her about 5cc of wine, homemade is best but any will do, and she’ll calm right down.
You can give every 3-4 hours when needed. It’s great for the rumen and new mothers too – calms them down!
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Surgery
Your vet might be able to do a goat version of oophorectomy to get rid of the hormones causing your goat to scream.
How Often Do Nubian Goats Go into Heat?
Nubian goats (called does) go into heat every 17-22 days when not pregnant.
Smaller breeds of goats such as Nigerians, Boers, Spanish & Fainting, Pygmies and (sometimes) Nubians can breed year-round.
The bucks are in rut usually starting in August through Jan. So, it is just like the deer…. the boys go into rut and then breed all the does.
How Long Do Goats Stay in Heat?
Estrus/heat: It lasts 12-48 hours
Ovulation: occurs 12-36 hours after the onset of standing heat.
Note: The period of heat/estrus is referred to as “standing heat”.
What Age Do Female Goats Go Into Heat?
Female goats go attain sexual maturity or puberty at 6-9 months of age. She might go into heat during these periods or much later.
