Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Our First Casualty

We're expecting wee goatlings starting in February out to possibly April...

So when one of our goats took sick, we did not think she was in labor. Instead I made the brilliant deduction that her labored breathing was because she had pnuemonia.

She was standing alone away from the herd for a long time and would not eat so we put her in the garage with some straw to sleep on, and hay and water. In the morning - she was better - but she had a very small dead baby.

It was awful and has left me questioning my capabilities as a goat farmer.

The bright side is that we are now flung head first into the milk business without even so much as a how-do-you-do.

Two more of the lovely mama's are looking like they might kid any time now too.

Yikes. :)

More later.

4 comments:

It's me said...

Heather, I am so sorry to hear this. But as stupid as it sounds I want you to know something.... even EXPERT goat farmers make mistakes and see things wrong and have goats die. Please do not necessarily BLAME yourself (as in: I was so wrong, it was this it was that) but rather LEARN and move on. You will be a goat farmer. Heck, technically you are one now, but you one day you'll be the goat chick you want to be. Honor the little lambchop (or rack, as lambs can be) and move on.

Peace to you and happy new year.

Anonymous said...

Hey there..you commented on my blog ages ago and I just made it over to your blog. I am so sorry to hear about your baby goat :-( We lost our first (and only until this May) goat kid last spring and it was very sad, they are so darn cute and sweet.

It's me said...

Heather, just checking on you. it's been a while.

Secret Garden Supper Club said...

Oh I have so many updates. I need to post!
:)