C&D Farming..oh what a life!

[Duckfarmerpa1]

@Bruce , you’re a riot! My friend is very nice, but not the type up for any manual labor, if you get my drift? But, I’m still going to supply her store with tons of eggs, and some cheese for her here and there. That should give me a happy ballence. We have wayyy too much milk for just us....Busty does a great job! I have a lady coming tomorrow to look at all three goats. It would be so nice if they went together, since they are getting on so good. I will admit, I’d love to keep Brooke, the calm 6yr old, she’s such a sweetheart. But, she does get stubborn when I try to ge5 her back in the pen...oh well...

 

[Baymule]

Maybe you need to do better research on breeds before jumping in the deep end, then realizing that you can't swim. That is how most of us operate, but you do have some special health needs to consider. Would hate for you to get hurt.

 

[Duckfarmerpa1]

@Baymule , you are totally right...I thought I knew a bunch about Alpines, but I was more focused on the milk. I’ve seen pictures of them standing in a line, next to people at big farms...showing off the udders. But, it was very hard to tell their size. After this experience, I’m only sticking to my small breeds. Hopefully Busty will be my largest goat that way, and she’s a peach. When we go to breed, I’m also going to make sure the buck is smaller than the girlies...we did that last year, with bunnies, etc. That is why we weathered Willy, because we could easily see he would be too big. Yes, this was a hard learning experience, for me, Chris and especially the goats!! I hate that this is the way it all turned out. When I spoke to the people interested in them, I gave them, weight, height, etc..so they were aware of the size first! This has caused me a ton of worry, and concern. Last night Chris even had a hard time with .maple on a leash. Brooke is absolutely no trouble and I wish I could keep her because she is sooo sweet. The dairy farm we got her from, used to take her to all of their events, to sell soap, etc. But, even though she is sweet, I know down the line the size will be an issue...so, I’d rather sell her with Maple and Ozzy, since they seem bonded pretty well. Even my biggest pig, doesn’t give me a worry, but they are a gentle breed and I don’t have to work with them as much with goats, So, yes, this was a hard one to swallow. I’m praying the6 will be happy at their new farm. They are good, nice goats, just very head-strong, body strong... Thanks everyone for your input and support! Means a ton!

 

[chickens really]

Denise we all learn as we go...
I think your doing great figuring out what works and what doesn't for you. As you know I have Fancy a pure fainting goat and Ozzy who is Fainting goat Nigerian cross wether. Today I'm supposed to be be getting two Nigerian Does. I finally have my fence to where Fancy can't get out. Took 8 foot high fences for a tiny bad goat..

 

[rachels.haven]

Until they go, try convincing them they want to do what you want because it's in their self interest (a handful of alfalfa pellets in a big can rattled or an animal cracker in the hand some times works) and be very consistent in your routine and handling of them. That is my approach and I rarely have to manhandle my goats, except to drag the bucks off the stand at spa day. That being said, part of the reason I like lamanchas is that they are at least partially laid back people pleasers (my nigerians aren't though, but are selfish, greedy, competitive little things, bless their hearts, but they catch on fast).

 

[Bruce]

If Brooke doesn't go I'd bet you could deal with just her.

Took 8 foot high fences for a tiny bad goat..

8 foot is for deer!! A little fainting goat shouldn't be able to clear even a 4' fence.

 

[chickens really]

If Brooke doesn't go I'd bet you could deal with just her.


8 foot is for deer!! A little fainting goat shouldn't be able to clear even a 4' fence.

She could clear 4 foot fence and jump up on my 6 foot high dog kennel...Never under estimate a goat!
Her looking for a way to get out!
8 foot fence..

 

[Bruce]

I guess she needs a couple of strands of hot wire to keep her off the fence.

 

[rachels.haven]

That looks like my dwarf goats' "huh-uh, oh no you didn't!" face. Mark of a snot goat, it is!

 

[chickens really]

I guess she needs a couple of strands of hot wire to keep her off the fence.

Don't need hot wire as of today. Possibly if she gets more tricky?