goats on the homestead

Temperatures have been in the lovely sixties during the day this week. A bit chilly in the mornings and in the shade during the day, but in the sun ~ perfect.

We've been letting the goat girls out to graze for a couple hours in the morning, then again in the evening. Opal(mamma) produces better if this is the case giving us a bit over a quart, otherwise she only gives about three quarters of a quart. Uno(the Mr.) is let out on the in between times. We are trying with great diligence to keep them apart so that I can track better breeding/kidding.

Saphire is truly due to kid any day now. She is getting rather large, making me a bit nervous. She was bread to early really and I do hope she delivers fine. Also hoping for strong babies with some pretty color!

Names have been chosen for the bottle babies ~ Sir Charles and Jada
They are doing well, growing strong, running and jumping around as if they have ants in their pants!  Even starting to nibble on some grass. Freedom our mostly Australian Shepard has completely adopted them as her babies, to the point of growling at some guest children for trying to pet them. We have had to reprimand her for that, thankfully she is now okay with humans. It's a sight to see her cleaning, laying with them, letting them crawl and jump all over her.

Goats are a fun and productive animal for a smallish homestead and we do so enjoy them...most of the time ;)

JM