Checked Patsy and Edina last night, and while their pinbone ligaments were getting soft on palpation, they had not "disappeared" yet.
This afternoon, I went out to get some firewood and was greeted by Edina with this:
Obviously my obstetrical assistance was not required. I tied, cut, and Betadine-swabbed their umbilicals, so that made me feel all useful. And Edina got a glop of calcium paste, which she did not appreciate.
Both healthy, vigorous kids who found their own ways to a teat. Alas, they are bucks.
We will wether them and offer them as pets/pack/cart goats when they are weaned. Or perhaps keep them around until they are more mature, to help with pasture maintenance. They'll be handled a lot --
And be dog-broke, after a fashion --
Moe is by far the most engaged of the dogs. He got that very serious attitude when his baby brothers and sisters were born, too -- protective and solicitous. Sophia was curious, then went away satisfied and rather miffed that I wouldn't let her eat the placenta while it was still mostly in Edina. Pip is unconcerned, Rosie a bit too keen, and Cole still suspicious that all goats have secret electric fences around them.
Patsy could blow any time now; she's enormous and her ligaments are definitely getting soft. Let's hope she got the memo about having girls.
Question for the goat gurus: The larger of the boys has a wattle in the wrong place. It is just below the corner of his ear. The other wattle is in the usual place. Do I need to do anything about this?
Update: Patsy had twin bucklings the next day -- both pure white.
Sigh.
Sunday, May 30 is our Goat Day party at Brandywine Farm. If you haven't received an invite and want to come, drop me a line. Flame, sangria, and play with the goatniks.
Update: Patsy had twin bucklings the next day -- both pure white.
Sigh.
Sunday, May 30 is our Goat Day party at Brandywine Farm. If you haven't received an invite and want to come, drop me a line. Flame, sangria, and play with the goatniks.
You can clip it off if it bothers you. Other concern would only be other kids sucking on it or it getting snagged on something. It's a bit of an awkward location.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Those are my favorite kind of delivery -- the kind where the momma does everything. We have sheep but has been bit of a boy year for us too -- out of our purebreds, 4 rams and 1 ewe. Argh.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteCan we get a photo of the ear wattle? I've got an inquiring mind.
You get twin boys, Dr. K gets twin boys ... apparently those memos are NOT getting out.
ReplyDeleteYou were hoping for females because these are dairy goats?
ReplyDeleteGrace, Fergie, Di, and the Queen Mum all say Congrats (mm-e-e-eh!) on the newest kids!
ReplyDeleteAs for the misplaced wattle, I think I'd clip it off because of its placement. It's just an extra bit of skin. Too great a chance that it will get torn or caught during brush clearing, head butting. Plus, you might have an easier time selling/giving away the wethers if one of them doesn't have a misplaced part.
Of course, some folks *swear* that rear dewks, especially doubles, should be removed for the same reason. But Opie, with doubles on one side and triples (yes, triples! it's a tiny pad but it's nestled in there with the others) on the other has never had any trouble with his misplaced parts.
BTW, glad you found the FiascoFarm site. It's my go-to source for all things goaty.
I vote for leaving the wattle, misplaced or no. A breeder friend has Toggs, and one of her bucks throws ear wattles- I think it would make the wether-to-be look rather like a rebel- pierced ear and all. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a doe line that produces wattles and I think they're kewel looking. Plus, I can always remember who those particular goats are related to!
Congrats on the new fluff balls- there are few things cuter than baby goats!
Oh, *squee*. How adorable are they? That's it, we're getting goats. I was pretty much sold after I drove past the pasture full of climbing goats enroute to the vet last week, but this sold it.
ReplyDeleteBTW, do *all* goats need/want big cat tree type structures in their pastures, or is this just a local thing?
Carol, I can totally hook you up with goatie goodness. When do you want 'em?
ReplyDeleteThe do like to play King of the World and molest trees, but seem to survive without rated climbing routes in the pasture.
I'd like milking goats, but I'm worried about keeping to a schedule with them, as well as placing all the kids.
ReplyDeleteI also hesitate to admit it, but I think we're looking more at meat goats.
Don't hit me.
That's it-next time I'm going to hope for girls and maybe I'll get boys.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the babies! May the next bunch be all does.