How it works
Boer goats carry their kids for about 150 days, with most does kidding between day 145 and day 155. Boers are a large meat breed developed in South Africa, and they are usually pasture-bred, so the kidding window (from the buck-in date to the buck-out date plus gestation) matters more than a single due date.
Boer does are known as good mothers, and twins are the most common litter, with triplets fairly common in mature does in good condition. Kids are big and fast-growing: birth weights often run about 7–9 lb. A first-time doe carrying one large single is the case most likely to need help at kidding, so keep a close eye on young does.
Boers tend to have a longer breeding season than many dairy breeds, and some herds manage does for three kiddings in two years. That schedule needs does in strong body condition and good feed, so most small herds kid once a year.
How to use it
Enter the day the buck went in. If he ran with the does for several weeks, add the day he came out, so the window covers every possible kidding day. The Boer preset (150 days) is already selected.
Reference chart
| Boer trait | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Gestation | about 150 days |
| Normal kidding window | about 145–155 days |
| Heat cycle | about 21 days (18–24) |
| Breeding season | longer than most dairy breeds; strongest in fall |
| Typical litter | twins most common; triplets fairly common |
| Kid birth weight | often about 7–9 lb |
| First breeding | at about 60–70% of adult weight, often 8–10 months |
| Adult doe weight | often about 190–230 lb |
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Boer goat pregnant?
About 150 days, or about 5 months. Most Boer does kid between day 145 and day 155 after breeding.
How many kids do Boer goats usually have?
Twins are most common. Mature does in good condition often have triplets, and first-time does more often have a single.
When should a Boer doeling be bred?
A common guideline is to breed once she reaches about 60–70% of her expected adult weight, which is often around 8–10 months for well-fed Boers. Size matters more than age.
Can Boer goats kid more than once a year?
Not quite, since gestation is 5 months and does need time to recover. Some herds aim for three kiddings in two years, but that takes excellent nutrition and body condition.
Figures are typical values from university extension and breed-association guidance. Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian. Last reviewed 2026-09-29.