Lake Orchard Farm: Um, yeah, so ...

A whole year has passed since I have posted here, and I am a bit ashamed. I have been using the farm's Facebook page more, posting photos and updates there. Also, the farm's website has frequent updates, including information about Freddie and Stanley. Check it out :)

Meanwhile, I am here today to type up notes I took LAST YEAR on Annabelle's kidding as she is due today!

A brief summary on last year: Lilly delivered on day 146, and it was easy as pie. 'Triplets for her first kidding - 2 bucklings and a doeling. The last little guy was only 2 lbs. 2 oz, and was just the sweetest little thing ever! Lilly was a great mom - she very clearly let me know she about to kid (crying, looking worried, unsettled, mucous string an hour before kidding), and her babies slid right out with little issue. Annabelle went on day 147, and she was a bit more subtle with her messages (no crying, just a little worried seeming, maybe mucous? maybe bloodshot eyes? tail arching sideways). Her twins were ginormous: the doeling was 4 lbs. 12 oz, and the buckling was a whopping 5 lbs. It was not an easy delivery due to their size as well as the presentation of the first kid (just the head with her legs tucked under). It was stressful on all of us, but the kids were very healthy and Annabelle was a champ. I retained the two doelings - one from each batch - and after weaning I let the three boys go together to a nice farm with people who love them very much.

Only Annabelle is bred this year as Lilly did not take despite our best efforts. I have a hunch that the cyst she had last fall (ultimately fixed by Fertagyl) may have affected her for the long term, so I have decided not to try and breed her again. That leaves Annie, who was successfully bred to a nice buck from DeBuck HomeStead. Annie is huge and uncomfortable, but we are so lucky to be in a cool and dry stretch of weather, so that really helps. My guess is tonight or tomorrow, and fingers crossed for an easier delivery.