The first doe to kid was Sandy, who gave birth to triplets early last Monday morning with no warning. Her milk did take a few hours to come in, and she was a bit slow to cotton on to being a good mother, but instinct finally kicked in. It isn't unusual for a first time mother to not really "get" what's going on. Sandy gave us two doe kids and one little buckling. One of the does will be available at weaning, and the boy will be available as a whether. Overall, Sandy's was the most stressful of the three births; not for anything during the birth, which I actually missed, but for how long it took for things to get going post-birth. It all worked out in the end, though.
The second doe to kid was Brownie, who had twin boys. Her birth went smoothly, just as it did last year (and just as I expected). I missed the kids actually being born, but I know it took less than an hour because that is how long I left her for when I came back to find the twins. Brownie is a great mother, as always. Both of her boys will be available, as whethers or bucks. They are a bit less friendly than the other kids, because of Brownie's protective and shy nature. I am working with them, though, so they shouldn't be too skittish. The third
The third and final doe to kid was Clara, and she also gave birth to triplets. This time I got two boys and one girl. Her girl is being retained, as is one of her boys. The reason I am keeping a male from her, though I had not originally intended to, is because he is being bottle fed and I have gotten too attached. He was the runt and he just would not nurse his mom, despite all of our efforts. He is doing well on the bottle, though. I would like to sell her other male intact, because he looks very nice so far (though you obviously can't tell too much at this age), but also because of the great genetics behind him. I would be willing to sell him as a whether, though. He should be friendly. The available boy is the first pictured. Sorry this goofy thing turns my pictures sideways; I don't know how to fix it.
Well, there is your promised baby-blog! I just want to add a little bit more, just to get it out I suppose, because it doesn't have any real reason. I am apprehensive about selling the ones that I have to sell. This will be the first time I sell any, as last year the first - and at that time, only - baby born was kept. I want, so so much, for them to all go to wonderful homes where they are treated excellently and nothing bad ever happens to them. Now, I feel that God will help me find them the right homes, with folks that will treat them humanely, but the fact of the matter is that there is no guarantee. No matter how careful I am, or how much I pray, some may end up in a less than desirable home, or something tragic - albeit accidental - might happen (that could just as easily happen to them here, and trust me, I lose sleep over that possibility, too. Literally.). My main reason for raising my own farm animals is to have a humane source of food. I want to know that what I and my family are eating is not only better for us, but that it comes from animals who were well treated and loved. And, oh, do I love these guys! However, in order to have a supply of milk, babies have to be born, and those babies have to be sold, because I can't keep them all and they aren't meant to be eaten (as opposed to chickens, for example, which I could keep a completely closed flock of if I desired and never have to sell any at all). I totally want to be able to help other people achieve their goals of homesteading or having a small farm, just like people have helped me by selling me their animals and giving me support, but it is just stressing me right now. I know it will get easier after I sell the first ones, and I am thankful that God has blessed me with a compassionate heart, but sometimes compassion can make life a bit harder. I want to have faith that every goat I place will be loved and treated humanely, but in the end I can't be guaranteed that. I'm also afraid that it will be hard on me to see them go when the time comes, after caring for them for three months at minimum. Right now, I am trying to let go of the worry that I will place them in horrible homes by accident. I am also trying to remember that purebred goats are a somewhat costly investment, and anyone who invests a good chunk of money is more likely to care for what they purchased (which is why you should never give animals away "free to a good home!"). Also, I am hoping that like-minded people will be the ones drawn to Nigies, who are, in my opinion, the perfect goat breed for a small homestead.
I really feel that what I am doing is right, and I know that God will honor that. It's just a matter of me being able to let my anxiety go. Lets face it, I am an anxious person in general, so that is not an easy task for me. Feel free to pray that I master my anxiety. ;) I, personally, shall be praying for that as well as discernment.
Ah! I almost forgot. I will be able to start milking my does next week! I am very excited about that. The first thing I plan to make is Cajeta. Mmm. After that, I will make Mozzarella, then Cream cheese and Cottage cheese, which will lead me into the hard cheeses such as Cheddar, which shall be followed by Brie - a white mold-developed cheese that is very delicate, hard to make, and takes 3 months to age. I think I'm getting ahead of myself. ;)
God bless!
-Rachel in Wonderland
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