It is very important that does kid in a clean environment, either a well-rotated pasture or a stall bedded with straw or other absorbent material. Few does require assistance during kidding, though problems are always a possibility. Normal delivery is the nose between the front legs. A breech birth (hind legs coming out first) is also considered normal. If a doe has made no progress within an hour after hard labor begins (after the water sac breaks), her birth canal should be entered and the status of delivery determined.
If does are kidding on pasture, it is important to observe them closely and to provide assistance with kidding if needed. Additionally, if the weather is cold and/or wet, then it is beneficial to provide shelter for the newborn as they don't have the body heat to keep themselves warm. You may need to dry them off and/or provide shelter so that their chances of surviving the weather are improved.
