Great Expectations

Alternate Title: Are My Goats Really Pregnant? If So, Now What?

This morning the vet came by, and Lilly and Annabelle had ultrasounds. I'm am sooooo excited to report that they are both indeed pregnant and they are both carrying at least two kids!!!

Lilly was bred on January 31st and Annabelle was bred on February 1st. Both were in beautiful condition at the time of breeding, and they continue to be. So far I have done nothing differently as far as nutrition: I continue to give them a mix of alfalfa and grass hays, and a half cup of grain a day along with free choice minerals. Fresh, clean water (warmed twice a day and in heated buckets) is always available. Their coats are lush and they appear to me to be in great condition. I do struggle with my ability to judge if they are overweight (they are so fluffy in the winter, and their rumens make them look fat) so I asked the vet today to help me, and she did a great job demonstrating how to tell, and she determined they are in good shape right now.

Online there is a lot of technical info about goats and using ultrasound for pregnancy detection, and also many personal thoughts and stories in the forums. There is also a TON on purchasing your own ultrasound unit so you can do it yourself. I suppose really experienced people who have lots and lots of goats may wish to do that, but I really wanted my vet to come out and take care of things, including discuss upcoming vaccinations, check on my goats with fresh eyes, and to simply chat with me about what I should be looking for, feeding, and doing over the next few months.

My specific ultrasound goals for the girls included 1: confirming pregnancy (goats do not "show" much until later in the pregnancy) and 2: trying to determine if there are multiples (knowing full well that it is not always very accurate). Neither doe has been in heat since the breeding and my other two girls have been in heat a couple of times since then, so that is a good sign, but I still want to be sure. A big reason for knowing more details regarding pregnancy is the fact that nutrition for my little mammas will become increasingly important as we get closer to kidding. 

I have read many scary things regarding what can happen if you over or under feed your pregnant goats. I'm certain that there are lots of people who just hope for the best and everything turns out great.  It's like people who don't care about their dogs and let them run free - those dogs never seem to get hit by cars. The one freakin' moment my loved and pampered dog gets loose I lose him in the road. Sigh. It's been several years now but I guess I'm still bitter. But back to goats: I feel an immense sense of responsibility to have my girls stay healthy throughout this process, and to kid healthy babies. I confess to having moments of panic ("what the heck am I thinking??") contrasting with moments of great confidence ("this is a natural process that has been happening for eons"). I do believe in preparation, however, so preparing is what I've been doing.

I feel more confident after my visit with the vet. For $134 she drove to my house, examined the two does, did the ultrasound on both does, examined my old doe who seems to be having some trouble chewing (the vet found she is missing a tooth but is still in good condition, so I just have to monitor her at this point.) and stayed and discussed important things like nutrition and vaccinations with me. 'So worth every single penny.

This was the contraption the vet used - she had no problems seeing the kids. She was able to snap a still shot, and when I put on the glasses I saw the little head and front legs of a kid! It was blurry to me, but it made sense after she explained it, haha :)

Vinny and Sal are not coming near the barn as long as the vet's truck is in the driveway :)

This was taken after the vet left - Leo is sitting on the counter wondering what all the hubbub is about. You can see Vinny still won't come near the barn, despite me handing out treats. You can see some treats sitting by my checkbook - macaroni - their favorite :)

Annabelle and Lilly both did so well! They stood still (well, I held them, but they didn't really struggle) and were sweet for the vet. Here Annabelle is peeking around the corner, wondering what the heck just happened.

These vets are amazing: Maplewood, from Middleport.

Great Expectations :)

Leo & Juno

** This post has been sitting in my drafts folder since last summer - 'thought I should finally publish it!

Barn cats are controversial. Most adoption organizations will not let you adopt a cat for your barn, despite the huge population of cats and kitten in the shelters who are waiting for homes. Yes, there are more dangers for cats that live outside: coyotes, cars, fur traps, nasty people with guns. A barn kitty's life expectancy is shorter and that is a hard fact. It is true that to simply set free cats on your property (or worse yet, somebody else's property) is an abomination, but a properly cared for barn cat is the happiest form of feline.

So what constitutes proper care? Absolutely every single thing you would do for your indoor cat.

First, both males and females need to be fixed. It keeps them from roaming as much and - duh - it keeps them from making more cats. We have a neighborhood cat periodically visit our barn and it sprays, so not only is this cat making more cats it is smelling up my barn (yes, smelling up my barn because cat urine odor is extremely offensive, even in a barn). It astounds me how many people have unfixed cats.

Barn cats also need a constant supply of food and water. Well fed cats will still hunt, contrary to the myth that you have to keep them hungry. I guarantee your barn will be rodent free even when you have healthy food available.

Regular worming and vaccinations are also a must. These kitties are exposed to more than any inside cat, and it is our responsibility to keep them safe and healthy. By the way, even the goats are vaccinated against rabies.

A warm bed is also a must. My cats love the hay, but when it gets cold they want their comfy bed to snuggle. Leo likes to snuggle in the stalls with the goats, and some mornings I find Juno in a hay rack :) but most mornings I find them in their beds.

Barn cats need grooming from time to time. Of course their claws need to be intact, but their coats may get burrs or matts, and it is your job to take care of them.

Human affection needs will vary from cat to cat, depending on if the kitten was more feral or more tame. In my experience, my barn cats are friendly but will not go near our house even when we have tried to bring them in on the harshest winter days. They are too stressed and they feel safest in the barn. However, they love their humans, and they love attention.

So now to the fun part of this story: the addition of Leo and Juno.

 

Little Mammas & Receiving Goat Worship

I am happy to say that I believe both Lilly and Annabelle are pregnant as neither have appeared to come into heat since their dates with Lux. I am considering either ultrasound or blood tests to be certain, and so I will be calling the vet this week to inquire about that and see what they think.

I am nuts with excitement! I have been reading as many articles as I can find about caring for pregnant goats, the actual kidding, and then the first several weeks of kid care. I have been watching kidding video after graphic kidding video to try and desensitize myself to the process - and I think it has been working because now I feel less terrified. I have drawn out kidding pen plans, and gone over the plans with my husband (the saint). I have updated the website but I wish I had better photos of my little mammas - that was something I neglected to get last summer. I am hopeful to find homes for the kids, although if each doe only has one kid I may not need any homes other than my own ;)

Behaviorally I think the mammas are more affectionate toward me. I have always said my boys worship me but my girls only appreciate me. Well, I have been feeling worshiped by the girls lately, too. With goats, appreciation looks like this: you sit down on a bench and they come over, curious to see why you are there. You scratch them, they like it, but then they wander back to whatever it was they were doing before you got there (eating, most likely). With goats, worship looks like this: you sit down on a bench and they come up and snuggle, looking for scratches. They nibble gently on your sleeve, and maybe even paw you if you stop scratching. They will hang out with you as long as you sit there. Receiving Goat Worship is better than any drug.

So this leaves me wondering: has the breeding made this change in the does' behavior? Or is it just their age? When they were little kids they loved to hang out with me, but then became more distant - maybe they went through a "teenage" stage where they were too busy to really snuggle, and now they have settled into their mature personalities? They will be two years old in May. I really don't have the answer but I do know I LOVE having my snuggly girls back!

Kid Jammies

I know I'm pathetic, but I have already been shopping for my unborn kids. Goat jammies: I had to! Yeah, I know it'll be summer but the nights could still be chilly in June, right??

While searching online I found very few already-made jammies. Hoegger Supply have some that come only in pink and blue. Eh. So many sites have patterns to make your own jammies but I am not crafty at all. Some easier diy ideas include making little jammies from sweatshirt sleeves or socks, both of which seem doable, but still eh. And then Bingo! I did find a couple of Etsy shops that sold some cute jams:

I almost ordered from Wilkinson Farm - they have really cute knitted sweaters, but they look a little warm for June.

Chicken Scraps Shop have some very reasonably priced and very cute fleece coats that come in adorable patterns. I just ordered six!

The photos are from the shops, but hopefully it's okay 

to use them as I am advertising :)

We are (hopefully) expecting!

So this is a pretty big deal to us as newbies: both Annabelle and Lilly were bred to a buck, and we will hopefully have kids June 23rd/24th-ish! We are super excited and nervous, but this has been in the works for a couple of years so I feel as ready as I'll ever be.

I will mostly use the pronoun "I" as my husband is not nearly as into this as I am -- but he is a willing assistant. Twice he drove a goat an hour and a half in the back seat of his brand new truck to meet a smelly buck. Twice he hoisted in and out of his truck a now-smelly doe. Twice he missed out on things he really wanted to do (football party, quiet night at home) just because I came into the house saying "we have to go now!". Twice he listened to me ramble on in the truck for three hours about plans and what we have to do to prepare. He will also "willingly" build my kidding pens, he will also most certainly be present to assist me when the does actually go into labor, he puts up with the vast amounts of money I spend on my goat obsession, he listens to me go on and on about my dreams and goals ... he supports me, and I could not be more grateful because I know this goat thing isn't his choice. He clearly loves our animals but mostly he loves me. How lucky am I. Seriously. To have a supportive spouse is one of the best things one could ever wish for.

So KIDS - we are going to have babies! Some concerns and thoughts that are racing through my mind include:

-- I have a lot more reading to do so that I feel at least somewhat knowledgeable about the birthing process. I have never assisted in the birth of anything, not even a guinea pig.

-- I have to purchase all the supplies I'll need, but I did make two purchases already: a surveillance camera and a baby monitor.

-- I have already planned the barn layout with the kidding pens, and also the layout outside so all goats can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine safely. Now we just need to construct it (Jim, the saint, is needed here).

-- I think I am going to have "Open Barn" a few times a week after the babies are born so that everyone who wants to visit can, and so that the kids are well socialized with people. I'm thinking evening hours with cocktails and Saturday morning with the orange squeezer set up :)

-- How the heck will I feel confident in giving up my babies to people I don't know?? Applications? References? Gut feelings?

-- How many kids do I keep this year - one doe and one wether? I really don't want a larger herd but how can I NOT keep at least one??

-- Wait - what if neither doe is even pregnant at all, and my hopes will be dashed and I slide into a deep depression?

-- I am not experienced - what the heck am I thinking, that I can successfully handle kidding??

-- I am filled with a roller coaster of feelings including courage, excitement, doubt, fear, joy, panic .... it kind of reminds me of the time I was expecting a baby myself.

Lilly on her way to meet Lux, Sunday, January 31st

Annabelle on her way to meet Lux, February 1st

August Barn

Wow. The last post is from a frigid February day, and here we are in warm and sunny August. It's been a whirlwind here since February with my mom's wedding, school wrapping up, traveling, landscaping, family, church ......... but the farm family is all happy and healthy and soaking up summer.

I am super pleased with the condition of the goats. Their coats are all shiny and silky, and they are all healthy and content. Last summer I struggled with getting them shined up - I even tried copper boluses - but nothing seemed to get them looking (and that means feeling) the way they should. Plus, if you have never tried forcing something down a 100 lb. goat's throat then you can only imagine how much fun it is!

So what is different this year? Well, the goats were settled into the barn when this winter hit, unlike last year when I moved them to their new digs in January. There is a lot to be said about stress affecting our animals (and ourselves, but that's a conversation for another time) and that is why stability and routine in the barn is vital. I truly believe stress took it's toll last year.

We added two barn kitties to our family, and I am in love (Apollo is not so excited). Leo and Juno are so sweet and playful and joyful and fluffy and curious and purry - I will write about them soon. My barn mornings in the summer are my raison d'etre. I am refilling my spirit each time I am in the barn, interacting with my goats and kittens, sweeping floors and clipping hooves and filling food bowls. If only I didn't have to work to pay for the floors and bowls and hoof clippers! Ah well, I am starting to feel ready for school to start but meanwhile I am savoring my leisurely barn mornings.

As I last posted about my winter routine, I snapped a few photos to share about my summer morning barn routine.

When I first enter the barn I am chastised loudly for how tardy I am regardless of the time, and it is never later than 8 a.m. in the summer. I do a quick visual check to make sure everyone is fine, and then I prepare the grain bowls. I slide the bowls through the Bigs' fence (I think of prisoners, haha!) before I get to cleaning. The three young girls are tied to their "station" so that I can precisely control their feed, and they go right to their stations because it's their routine. The Bigs (which include my old doe Ellie) only get a token amount of grain and minerals so they scramble between the bowls. Imagine a giant game of goat Twister.

After feeding I sweep starting with the concrete outside the barn in the pen (this is where my big boys demand hugs, and they get in the way of the broom constantly), and then I close the Bigs out so I can sweep out their stall. I then open their stall, and close everyone out of the Littles' stall. It's always easiest to sweep without goats.

Here come the Bigs, anxious to check out the clean stall and fresh hay. Will the hay be acceptable? :)

Here is the Little's stall with yesterday's bedding and wasted hay swept in a corner for easy pick up. Note that the hayrack is still full of hay: goats should have access to hay at all times.

I use a snow shovel for efficient pick up.

Here's the stall ready for it's occupants. I have re-fluffed and filled the hay rack, and I always throw a little hay down so that the goats can nibble on it (they prefer to eat off the ground, but hayracks prevent waste and are healthier). I use a bushel basket of shavings per 12x8 stall daily in the summer. Note the desperate goats waiting outside.

The goats are excited to see if this hay is better than that in the other stall (I always use only fresh, mold-free delicious hay, btw)

Invasion

This hay is sooooo much better than the hay in our stall!

Meanwhile the little girls head to the tranquility of the other stall. Eventually they all merge, but every morning it begins with the switch and scramble!

Annabelle nibbles on some loose minerals. The mineral feeder is purposely somewhat challenging to reach so nobody overeats minerals out of boredom.

The Bigs' stall has two buckets of water. Sal is demonstrating.

The Littles' have one pink bucket of water :)

Leo is supervising the morning activities.

Frigid Snow Day

In Niagara County, the temperature seldom gets as cold as it is today: 0 degrees with a windchill of -18. As a result our school is closed and I had some extra time to spend in the barn. Yay!

Keeping your herd warm in these temps can be a challenge. In our old location I had a small shed so I would use an electric space heater during frigid spells, but now that we are in a large barn a heater is impossible. I was concerned that I would have shivering goats this morning but I am happy report that they appear perfectly comfortable. Here is the formula that seems to be working:

1. A draft-free although well-ventilated barn. I open their stall doors on most days depending on the wind direction, but on the crazy cold days like today I keep them closed up.

2. The deep bedding method. I add a new layer of fresh straw each day on top of their bedding "mattress", and I only clean it all out when the weather breaks for a few days. I last changed the bedding about 4 weeks ago so it is really deep right now which is perfect for this frigid weather. The floor is concrete and covered in deep shavings, then loads of straw and the wasted hay build up on top (any goat owner knows that wasted hay is unavoidable - goats are actually very picky about the hay they eat). There is no moisture and no smell whatsoever as it is too cold and the layers of fresh bedding cover it up. When the temps warm up this method is no longer advisable, of course, but in these temps it's the only way to keep your herd warm.

3. Unlimited access to hay. This is true any time of year unless you have enough browse during the growing season, but especially true in the winter.

4. Unlimited warm water. Again, unlimited water is vital 365 days a year, but having warm water available in the winter encourages your goats to drink more and warms them as a hot cup of tea warms us. Heated buckets are a must unless you plan on going out to change the water three times a day. I refill their heated water buckets twice a day with very warm water so they are never without access. I am now lucky enough to have running hot water in my barn, but for years I filled buckets in the kitchen sink and lugged them through the drifts although I have always used a heated bucket. It's worth it for the health of your goats.

A note about coats: I have used them in the past but find them less useful than I thought they would be. First of all I have a goat that likes to pull them off his friends, so I would go to the barn to find goats in various stages of undress! Also, in my experience if the goats are healthy and the above factors are in place, they don't need coats. Of course there are circumstances where coats might become necessary - babies or sick goats - so it's a good idea to have them on hand.

** I am not an expert on goats and I am only writing about my experiences so please do not take my word as gospel. Seek the advice of many, especially your veterinarian.

2.18.15 Update: The brutal cold continues, and my oldest goat Ellie (10 years old) was shivering yesterday. I put a blanket on her - the blanket model with the most velcro so hopefully it will stay in place. She seems much more comfortable now, and I'm guessing her age made he more susceptible to the cold. 

Below are some photos from this morning although the cold made things a little out of focus.

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WATCH A VIDEO FROM THIS MORNING'S BARN TIME :)

Annabelle, Lilly and Butternut

fuzzy heads

the ignored hay rack

hay on the bench tastes more delicious than that in the rack