I used the machine when I was milking all four, and she got a break from it for several weeks when I thought she was breaking blood vessels from it (first thought she had mastitis, but no). Then she was on the machine for a while, then when I dried two off for pregnancy I continued milking her...
I have a ff doe who kidded a single buckling last June. I pulled the kid and bottle fed it, and have milked the doe ever since. I've been down to one milking for a few months, and get about 4.5-5.5 cups a day. I'd started to dry her off last winter after breeding her, then got suspicious that...
I just finished the last of my lard. Here is a little video I made of how I will use everything....nothing is wasted. Pig fat is loaded with nutrients so even my hens and dogs will benefit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIAijmQR8_s
....rated G! Plum and Dorian courting. I made this video and a few others in response to friends who were worried that I was shoving unwilling does in with the buck.....sigh.....cityfolk!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckq9234hJsA&NR=1
Thanks! For anyone who didn't see what Ms. Research is referring to.......Here is a youtube video of him the next day, when I finally put Ginger in with him. No goat porn shown! Just lotsa snuggling, so cute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AdI98XDYoQ
Don't worry, he is fine. I, on the other hand, think I lost a few years of my life when I saw him do this for the first time!
Link found on my blog: http://blueviolafarm.blogspot.com/
Thanks, zz, but now I know it was the hay. I just got a load of the same lovely hay and started feeding it at night a few days ago and mornings, too, starting this morning. The same chalky film is at the bottom of my jars again.
The milk from my older post was only 3 days old at the most as I...
I'd take your rhubarb plants if you were closer!!! :P You can probably get rid of them by advertising them on craigslist a few times, free, "dig yourself" and then you just have to fill the hole. Got compost?
I don't know avocados, living in New England, but can you trim the lower branches...
Electric wire down low, installators/insulators, and a fencer. Otherwise, they'll dig out in no time flat! And you could use a few more panels and a gate, and some sort of shelter.
2.5 quarts each, or from all three? Two jars, two quarts each, would work well. Or three one quart jars. The thing I love about jars is they go into the dishwasher so easily. And a lid can go right onto each one as it is filled. I can aim into a wide mouth jar with the goats with tighter...
Personally, I hate barbed wire. If an animal decides to try to escape, they will often need veterinary attention and stitching. If they get partially through the fence and panic and run along it, they will actually SAW into their flesh.
Go electric (multi-strand) or field fencing. Consider...
I don't clip udders for the same reason you stated....injury to the udder when going through brush. I want the hairs to alert the doe of multiflora (you know multiflora!!!) or any sharp branch before said branch rips into the udder. Like a cat's whiskers.
As for warmth, I wouldn't worry about...
Aww....poor baby girl. Poor you! :hugs What a hard start you are having. Go hug that little one and don't resent the six month old twins. They are acting in a way that is natural to goats.
I'd try to get another goat, doeling or wether, that is not only the same age but the same size and if...
Be the Boss Goat! Goats are tough, you have to be firm. My first question is.....how on earth did she get out of the stanchion? Sounds like your stanchion needs some sort of adjustment. She shouldn't be able to escape.
You let her get away with it for a while, so you will have to be VERY...