We are getting ready for a new season of kids! All three of our does are very large with kids and Splat is first, due in the next week. Splat is the queen of our herd and our best milker. She gives a lot! I'm looking forward to seeing what Dancer and Smores will do this year, also. They were first timers last year and we'll see if their milk production will come close to Splat's records. We sure are missing our milk and cheese around here!
Our does are enjoying alfalfa and orchard grass, In Season grain, free choice minerals, kelp and baking soda, handfuls of black sunflower seeds and woodland browse. They sure love the salal and blackberries.
I think we have everything in order: towels, molasses, baby monitor..... It's always hard to know *exactly* what to have on hand for emergencies. From talking to other goat folks, I have things in my herbal and medicine cabinet, but honestly there are times when THE thing you need happens to be what you're not equipped with. Sometimes rotten things happen regardless of how ready or prepared you think you are. And sometimes you have everything on hand with a dozen years of experience and still things go awry. What I have found in our goat-communities is a lot of love and grace for those things that don't go as well as we hope, even when it is our own error. There's always someone who has been there, done that (and then they give you their private telephone number so you can chat!). You sure learn a lot of humility raising these wonderful animals, too.
I'm not sure there will ever be a time we enter into this season without soberness and a bit of anxiety. But it sure is helpful to know that ultimately these creatures are God's and we are just their caretakers. We are praying for a sweet season, and for lovely homes for the kids when the time is right.
If you are interested in getting put onto a waiting list (no pressure to buy), feel free to contact me and we can do that. If you know much about kinders, they usually sell fast! We sure do love our goats. Check back in soon; I hope to have news of successful kidding to share with you!
If you are not nearby, you can check out the new
Kinder Goat Herd Map and find a breeder closest to you.
