Goat Milk, and More

{{If you don't visit our Hickory Hill Goat's page, you can visit it here. I have updated photos of all the goat kids and information on all of them.}}

Last night was a long night for us. We were on tornado watch, but were blessed to be located between the two fronts that moved East. While we did get some severe thunderstorms and rain in early morning hours, we didn't have tornadoes in our area. I am extremely thankful for the new weather radio we bought as well as storm alerts that we get on our cell phones. 

The creek had time to settle down by the time I went out for photos, but we also didn't get the amount of rain we got last week.  So, it isn't flowing as wide or quickly as it was then.

This last Sunday, we were able to take round bales to both the sheep and the bucks. The sheep needed their shelter reconstructed and an unused hay bale cover brought over from the goat pasture. Al brought all the old bedding and used hay to the compost area where it will break down for future compost.

We also relocated the ducks to an area in the back which has a "pond" for them to swim in. Really, the pond is just where the rain has collected in some deep tractor treads. The ducks love it!

Some of you may be interested in an update on Ivy Rose, our doe who had a traumatic delivery. I had the veterinarian out on Monday to take a look at her after Ivy developed what appeared to be an infection. The examination determined that Ivy had an infection, which is no surprise. Ivy was put on Ampicillan, Moxidectin, and was given a steroid shot to help with swelling*. Despite acting normal, she actually had a fever. The vet said that Ivy has a lot of scarring and could possibly have permanent damage, but only time will tell. She said it might not be a good idea to breed her again in the future, but that an exam in a year would help determine that for certain. Not breeding her again would be so sad, because I waited so long to get kids from her. (*Since she is on medication, she is on milk withdrawal. This means her milk will be dumped until the proper amount of time has passed.)

I started milking three of the goats on Monday. Juniper, a first freshener, is determined to NOT go to the stand. I literally drag her part of the way, then have to carry her to the stand. I am considering not milking her since she doesn't give much milk. I have been working on getting Ivy to the stand as well. She has to be pulled, but she is getting there. We bring her little guy to the stand with us. He hangs out with her while she eats her feed from the stand. She allows us to milk her a little and doesn't fight us. She also is a "dream" to milk. (Listen to my goat talk...LOL) When I say that, I mean that milking her is quick because her teats are a good size, but also the orifices are large, which allows the milk out more quickly. 

The remaining three goats will begin to be milked on Sunday morning.  This will include Amber, who has a single buckling, and Wendy, who is nursing triplets.  Today, I got nearly half a gallon with Jersey, who is nursing twin bucks, Juniper, who is nursing twin does, and Mocha, who is nursing triplets.  I am so excited to see how much milk I actually get on Sunday morning (without Ivy's milk, of course). 

 And of course there is that long awaited drink of fresh goat's milk...