Today is the 42nd day of the year. Also Spring begins in 38 days!
And I have new baby goats. Life is good!
These two little American Lamanhca goats were born on the cold early Saturday morning of February 1st. Seriously, it was 26°F cold…
But this didn’t seem to phase them at all. And first-time Mama goat “Lucy-Lu” had them all cleaned up well, and ready to go when we came into the barn to do the morning feed and chores.
I set up a heat lamp for the two little boys even though they didn’t appear to be bothered by the cold. Better safe than sorry.
The first week of their life they were pretty quiet and didn’t move about much. But now at eleven days old they are bouncing all over, exploring their surroundings and finding all kind of trouble to get into. So I had to cut their ears off…
Just kidding!!! One of the bucklings was born with ears, and the other was born without. The one with ears would be disqualified from showing because of this undesired genetic “mutation.” Having no ears is a good thing if you’re a Lamancha. Another fun fact: one baby has blue eyes and the other has yellow-gold eyes like his mama.
Chiba, my other Nanny goat, may or may not be pregnant. I can never tell with her. She had a miscarriage last year. The average lifespan of a goat is 8-12 years, but many will live to 15 years. Chiba turns 8 this year. She is a “Boer” breed of goat. Maybe she’s too old now to get pregnant. I don’t know.
I’ll be watching the two little goats as they grow up, and then decide which one to keep for breeding. The other will be sold or butchered. That’s life on the farm. ~A
Leave any comments or questions below : )
Boys! I guess this means no chevre.