(DF) SPRINGTIME BABIES

Monday evening, I hurried home from work, tired but with full intentions of spending the hour and a half or so before dark, working on the goat fence. What is it they say about best laid plans? In this case, they were led astray by small creatures of the springtime baby variety.

I knew my milk goat was bred and even the general time frame for a due date, but I really thought it would be another week. Not that I don't keep breeding records, problem is the big white billy (yes, the one in my profile photo) goes quietly about his business. No noise, no show and no stink except during breeding season (and not much then). Simply put, he was so sneaky about the whole affair that I wasn't completely sure which day to mark on the calendar. Knowing pretty close to the date, I marked April 1st +/- a week, still thinking it was more likely on the plus side. I WAS WRONG!!!

I had not yet prepared for the little devils and, of course, first thing they did when they were strong enough to walk was to start getting in trouble ........... they ARE goats after all. So it was through the fence and into the pen with their dad. He is a very gentle, good natured goat but really doesn't like things messing with his legs. The rescue was followed immediately by kid proofing the bottom of the pen, which should have already been done but had been put off in favor of more immediate considerations.

This is the mother's second set of kids, and this time looks like she will be giving more milk than last year. As the photo shows, there is reason to believe there will be plenty for the babies and some for us as well. Even though I hear that use of raw milk is increasingly coming under fire and the push is on to make it illegal, I will be using milk from my own goats. Goat milk is excellent for drinking fresh, cooking, making cheese and anything else you would use milk for, with the added benefit that the enzymes haven't been killed. Honestly, I truly believe that the stuff you get in the grocery store is worthless, and worse yet, somewhat toxic. Just my opinion, but at least it is an informed opinion. So, for now at least, I will enjoy the little goats and the fresh milk ......... just some of the pleasures of springtime on the farm.