Riley’s Surprise

It was mid-evening, March 21st. The first full day of Spring. It was cold – bitter, windy cold. It sure as hell didn’t feel like Springtime being only 30°F.

I had just come home from work, threw my boots and barn clothes on and headed out to the barn for the evening chores and feeding.  I could sense right away the animals were uneasy about something.  The chickens were the first to enlighten me.  They were loud and rowdy and changed their tone to make sure I knew something wasn’t right. I couldn’t ignore them. Chickens can be damn annoying when they want to be.

So of course, I high-tailed it straight to Riley’s stall to check on her.  I found her in labor, only the labor had stopped.  I ended up having to pull her kid out. It was a big, gross, sticky, wet mess, but it had to be done.  That goat just wasn’t going to move on its own.

Once I had the little camel-colored kid breathing and cleaned up a bit, I walked just outside the stall to grab more towels.  The second I returned, Riley proceeded to throw herself onto the ground and birth another kid… I was stunned. Twins. This was completely unexpected… her belly didn’t seem that big…

Forward to today: Both little bucks are doing well. The second-born was very weak for the first day or so, but now is equally as healthy as his twin brother. Riley is doing well too, just a little tired.  I imagine I would be too… She had to change the way she walks just to accommodate those enormous udders of hers. O.M.G…

So there.  Riley’s big surprise. Now you all have to wait patiently for Sweet Pea’s impending day.  As I looked over her this morning, I saw a baby kicking around in that barrel-like belly of hers.   ~A

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