Southern by choice
Herd Master
Goat Whisperer and I (Southern by choice) decided we would like to do a journal together. We both own our own herds but we also co-own many goats together.
We have both worked very hard and tried to be very selective in all we do. We are very blessed and are proud of what we have accomplished.
We discuss everything concerning breeding, planning, milking, management, and direction of our herds. There have been times of disappointment, discouragement, excitement, hope, stress, joy, and amazement.
Goat Whisperer tends to focus on certain areas, I focus on others. I think we have a really great balance. We wanted to start this journal and share some of what we do, the whys, the hows, and other things we have learned along the way.
My (SBC) focus are Lamanchas and Miniatures Lamanchas.
Goat Whisperers is primarily Nigerian Dwarfs. Although she pays alot of attention and co-owns some Lamanchas. The mini's are not far behind.
She can tell you about that. We also do some Miniature Nubians.
Today we took some pics of some animals we may be listing for sale... however we are wishy washy on a few.
I'll start with my 2 Mini- Lamancha boys. In hopes that it encourages others I have included some how's and why's.
I think GW will be posting about one of her bucks.
So these two boys are from Star's triplets last year (2015). We sold the doeling - which we really regretted but there is a long story behind that. We may be able to buy the doe back but now that she has freshened and is producing so well for a FF that may not happen. We did list the boys but I took them down as I was not comfortable with them just going anywhere.
We worked so hard at lining up the matings- we didn't just throw a standard and a dwarf together. That is a big thing... SELECT for strengths and what you want to bring out. We NEVER breed for EARS. Nor eyes.
Originally I liked the Chamois and contemplated wethering the black buckling. I ended up waiting... and GLAD I did. The black one doesn't photograph well but he ended up really coming around. We kept both. With the tragic loss (accident) of their dam and their sister sold, this was a blessing that we kept them. We will keep one but sell the other. Their dam was a slow grower and they have followed. The black one was a little wild getting pics because he kept running to the trees but you can still see the following.
Topline! Beautiful topline! RUMP! Rear width leg placement, strength of shoulder, length! These boys are gorgeous. This was a great line up! Star is gone but I do have her half sister. I may put the buck over her and hopefully get some does. Very proud of what they produced.
We have used the buck that sired these boys and have been very happy. That is a big thing! KEEP offspring around so you know what your buck is doing. Use that buck on several does with different udders etc... this will tell you what your bucks does.
There is no setting up, no pinching, no leg placement being done.
Look at that topline and rump.
You can see the "Dalton's Way" in this buck!
I was trying to get his front width and rear width in this pic
First generation Mini's need to be SPECTACULAR! Never breed a mediocre doe with a mediocre buck for first generation mini's. Look at strength and weekness and select carefully. Your f-1 can be a great foundation.
I see many f-3 and f-4's that ended up with horrific udders because of breeding for a "name", "ears" or "noses". Be smart. It takes time and work to get great mini's. We will keep working at it and maybe one day we will have American or PB Miniatures!
We have both worked very hard and tried to be very selective in all we do. We are very blessed and are proud of what we have accomplished.
We discuss everything concerning breeding, planning, milking, management, and direction of our herds. There have been times of disappointment, discouragement, excitement, hope, stress, joy, and amazement.
Goat Whisperer tends to focus on certain areas, I focus on others. I think we have a really great balance. We wanted to start this journal and share some of what we do, the whys, the hows, and other things we have learned along the way.
My (SBC) focus are Lamanchas and Miniatures Lamanchas.
Goat Whisperers is primarily Nigerian Dwarfs. Although she pays alot of attention and co-owns some Lamanchas. The mini's are not far behind.
She can tell you about that. We also do some Miniature Nubians.
Today we took some pics of some animals we may be listing for sale... however we are wishy washy on a few.
I'll start with my 2 Mini- Lamancha boys. In hopes that it encourages others I have included some how's and why's.
I think GW will be posting about one of her bucks.
So these two boys are from Star's triplets last year (2015). We sold the doeling - which we really regretted but there is a long story behind that. We may be able to buy the doe back but now that she has freshened and is producing so well for a FF that may not happen. We did list the boys but I took them down as I was not comfortable with them just going anywhere.
We worked so hard at lining up the matings- we didn't just throw a standard and a dwarf together. That is a big thing... SELECT for strengths and what you want to bring out. We NEVER breed for EARS. Nor eyes.
Originally I liked the Chamois and contemplated wethering the black buckling. I ended up waiting... and GLAD I did. The black one doesn't photograph well but he ended up really coming around. We kept both. With the tragic loss (accident) of their dam and their sister sold, this was a blessing that we kept them. We will keep one but sell the other. Their dam was a slow grower and they have followed. The black one was a little wild getting pics because he kept running to the trees but you can still see the following.
Topline! Beautiful topline! RUMP! Rear width leg placement, strength of shoulder, length! These boys are gorgeous. This was a great line up! Star is gone but I do have her half sister. I may put the buck over her and hopefully get some does.
Very proud of what they produced. We have used the buck that sired these boys and have been very happy. That is a big thing! KEEP offspring around so you know what your buck is doing. Use that buck on several does with different udders etc... this will tell you what your bucks does.
There is no setting up, no pinching, no leg placement being done.
Look at that topline and rump.
You can see the "Dalton's Way" in this buck!
I was trying to get his front width and rear width in this pic
First generation Mini's need to be SPECTACULAR! Never breed a mediocre doe with a mediocre buck for first generation mini's. Look at strength and weekness and select carefully. Your f-1 can be a great foundation.
I see many f-3 and f-4's that ended up with horrific udders because of breeding for a "name", "ears" or "noses". Be smart. It takes time and work to get great mini's.
We will keep working at it and maybe one day we will have American or PB Miniatures!
