Single buck kid for Liberty on Day 149

At 4.5lbs this is one big buckling!

Liberty was acting very much like she was in the beginning stages of labor last evening, so I ended up staying in the barn all night.   And although had me thinking she was on the verge of hard labor several times during the night dawn came with no kids.

Finally abound 11:30 this morning she started hard labor.  But after nearly 30 minutes of pushing she didn't seem to be making much progress.  I put a finger in to feel around and found the kid was very large and turned sideways.   I had to turn him and work his head out.  That is the most assisting I have ever had to do at a birth and finally shortly after noon Liberty birthed a single buck kid who weighed 4.5lbs.  (2-3 pounds is average).   At that size its no wonder he was having a hard time making it out!

Liberty is a great mom, talking to him and constantly licking him.   And while she didn't want her udder touched prior to birth, she stood perfectly still while I guided him to the teat for his first meal.   He has now found his feet and nursed several times on his own.

He doesn't have a name yet, but since his dam's name is Liberty we plan to give him a patriotic name.

Liberty and her new son resting