It's been very busy here lately. Haven't had time to do much of anything. The kids starting coming last Sunday and it hasn't let up yet. Sunday evening Ruby started things off and it has been pretty much a two a day thing every since with the exception of today. It's almost noon, and there have been three does drop already today. I think the action has come to a stop for the day though. That would be nice. I have been getting up every day shortly after 4 am to go out and check on things, feed the new mothers, make sure they have water. Then come back to the house for some coffee and a shower. Then it is off to work. I usually get home around 6:30pm, go out and feed, water and check on everything again. Then in for dinner. Check them over and hay the new mothers again around 10:30. Get a little rest, check on them around midnight and then again at 2 or so. It does get tiring after a while, but that's the price you pay if you want to do this sort of thing. I will be posting pictures of some of the newborns shortly.
Now a little about the dogs. These things are incredible. The instincts they have are so strong and they are so fun to watch. When a doe goes into labor, two of the dogs(usually Corey and Brownie) will go up and lay down real close to the mother. They actually keep the other goats away from the one in labor. It is truly amazing to watch. When the baby is born, the dogs stay real close and will even help clean the newborn if the mother will let them. The other two dogs will tour the rest of the herd and keep lookout for intruders. I know that is what they are bred to do, but it truly amazes me to watch them do it, knowing they learned it all on their own. They will get right up there and lay next to the new baby after it has been cleaned, I suppose to help keep it warm. They are so gentle with the newborns, I can't even explain it. Just to watch them lay there and lick it so softly then jump up growling at anything that comes near it. As soon as whatever they were growling at leaves, they go right back to the baby. They are a joy to watch. I have never seen anything like it.
Don't forget to tune into the next episode of: Two and a half Kings of Knots Acres.
Till then, have a great day.
About Me
- David Alexander
- "This is home". That's the best way to describe this farm. There aren't too many who understand the underlying meaning behind that simple phrase. I wish everyone could.
My Back Yard
2 comments:
It's a shame I'm probably the only one who understood and appreciates the humor of that last statement!
That's ok, I figured you would probably be the only one and that is fine.
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