Goat Update

Fauna and her big ol' baby bump

Welcome to Monday, dear reader. This week, our girls are scheduled to deliver the first baby goats of the season. We are on baby watch, which is always very exciting. Our girl, Dot, and our twin, Fauna, show signs of early labor. Early labor in a goat is not that different from the signs in a human. The girls begin to build their milk supply in preparation for the babies' arrival. Their udders swell, and a waxy discharge emerges when their teats are squeezed. The muscles in their backend relax, their tail becomes droopy, and the ligaments are very relaxed. Also, their backend swells and a slimy discharge can be seen. The girls also isolate themselves from the herd and build a comfortable nest in the bedding. The workings of the body are truly amazing.

Of course, we are hoping for easy deliveries without any complications. We have our emergency supplies on hand in the event anyone has problems. Our supplies consist of clean, dry towels, latex gloves, lubrication, a variety of medications, electrolytes, clean water buckets, a kid pulling snare (which we have never had to use, thank goodness), baby bottles should we have a bottle baby, and supplements should the mamas or babies need a boost. Our large collection of clean, dry towels is the most commonly used supply. We enjoy being present when the babies are delivered. The Bean calls it catching the babies, much like one catches a ball. We use the towels to clean off the mucus and clean out the baby's nostrils. During kidding season, the washing machine runs constantly with loads of dirty towels.

We were hoping for warmer temperatures for kidding season. As is always the way, the day our first delivery is planned, the daily high temperature is to be thirty-nine degrees, so much for waiting for the cold temperatures to pass for kidding season. We have dealt with much more frigid weather, so I am sure all will be well. I was hoping for fifty degrees or higher, but we can't control the weather. Should anyone have issues, we are ready and willing to set up a nursery in our house. Yes, it is not unheard of for us to keep baby goats in the house if they are having issues. Such is the life of a goat farmer.

Sadly, my sweet geriatric girl, Mama Boo is under the weather and having some issues. Mama Boo is retired from the breeding program and milk producing. I have noticed for a few weeks that she is looking a bit thinner, her coat has lost its luster, and she seems to be aging rapidly. We check the girl's eyelids for color on a weekly basis. Checking the color of their eyelids is the first indication that there is a parasite overload and they are anemic. The Bibbed Wonder treated her with two hard-hitting dewormers, gave her an iron-boosting supplement, a shot of antibiotics, and upped her mineral intake with a focus on zinc. After just twenty-four hours, she is showing signs of improvement. Her eyelids are a bit pinker, she is up and eating, and she has a bit more pep. Eric put her on the unused side of the barn so she can rest and not be bothered by the little goats, but still see the herd. Mama loves the attention and is thrilled to have her favorite treat, Smarties, without any competition. I will keep you posted on our sweet girl and her recovery.

So, dear reader, on this gloomy Monday, the waiting game begins for the arrival of baby goats. We will keep you posted on updates throughout the next few days. Like proud parents, there will be an overload of baby goat pictures on social media when they finally arrive. Goat watch has begun; one of us checks on the goats every hour to be sure we don't miss the big event. We also must keep a close eye on Mama Boo to ensure she does not take a turn for the worse. It's the start of the busy season here on the farm.

On this overcast, chilly Monday, stay safe, be smart, take care of those you love, don't miss the big events, and keep washing your hands.