tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549161370173790292024-03-20T08:12:08.632-07:00Lally Broch Farm: A Maine Family HomesteadUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-33749425348743484962021-04-29T12:11:00.006-07:002021-04-29T12:13:45.524-07:00A Family Visit: Ryan & Abigail<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfF9FIBRiHJvfZdq9pl2zKxtfWKTwkyFpu6SYd5PfRZxzCHun3A59o47bCr-bWT8C21PaQBslYIUEm1m5OhvF-ENN6xbuJh6we1YNZCjx7z9Lrh6s64wJpjfEf80mBp_GH9pMiKvj7Ow/s859/177350350_889085361638956_4737389325585218187_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfF9FIBRiHJvfZdq9pl2zKxtfWKTwkyFpu6SYd5PfRZxzCHun3A59o47bCr-bWT8C21PaQBslYIUEm1m5OhvF-ENN6xbuJh6we1YNZCjx7z9Lrh6s64wJpjfEf80mBp_GH9pMiKvj7Ow/s320/177350350_889085361638956_4737389325585218187_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myles loves peanut butter treats.</td></tr></tbody></table>I wrote this post back in March, also, but couldn't find the time to edit images and post it until now. Time seems to be feast or famine, as many things are on the homestead. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***************</div><br />Sean's brother, Ryan and niece, Abigail spent the last two weeks with us. Visiting from North Carolina, they needed to quarantine so there wasn't a whole lot they could do outside of the homestead. Thankfully, we had LOTS to keep them busy right here. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinJMq9qrIcSjSGCHcaG3ik5eukJO5w4KAKD_YnSvGvqU2jBEYqvQ9a9HKkOLa-g4yNNR0ALCwYfEeXNXVwxcbPf2mzqCaKWd_XRqxc0KGWiNoGUK1GrzQTLjH4yWU6_k3h8c1puv_jV4/s1832/178377057_317375686613326_2810355395338308612_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinJMq9qrIcSjSGCHcaG3ik5eukJO5w4KAKD_YnSvGvqU2jBEYqvQ9a9HKkOLa-g4yNNR0ALCwYfEeXNXVwxcbPf2mzqCaKWd_XRqxc0KGWiNoGUK1GrzQTLjH4yWU6_k3h8c1puv_jV4/s320/178377057_317375686613326_2810355395338308612_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior boards repurposed from<br />pallets. Exterior boards and plastic<br />wrap will make the shelter draft-free.</td></tr></tbody></table>Ryan was a god-send, helping Sean with finishing up the buck barn in the back woods. They installed the roof and finished the walls. All that is left to complete is the floor on one side before the boys can use it properly. In the meantime, the older wethers and young breeding bucks are fascinated with their new space, giving it lots of attention. Additionally, Ryan was invaluable helping with animal chores morning and evening, pitched in with tracking CD&T immunizations, assisting with picking up and stacking hay stores, and even put his hand to mucking out the barn along side Sean. When we began milking this week, Ryan strained the milk and recorded milk yields for us.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHasxP2XOX0qJHdbmvCfhx8bzc_FtV8HSmxZTdb7CR08rZ7rpWi8VV_0BD705xf7f9Bw5sC4Gq5i6_Zk0NZ49yRZ480u7kGxF1ASsjjFMXh-EZU62XIvtm9NU-3lZgo0y5wnmEHUHw8g/s1944/174316412_326875282335900_2184986789629099161_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="1458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHasxP2XOX0qJHdbmvCfhx8bzc_FtV8HSmxZTdb7CR08rZ7rpWi8VV_0BD705xf7f9Bw5sC4Gq5i6_Zk0NZ49yRZ480u7kGxF1ASsjjFMXh-EZU62XIvtm9NU-3lZgo0y5wnmEHUHw8g/s320/174316412_326875282335900_2184986789629099161_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting Feta curds</td></tr></tbody></table>Miss Abigail tried her hand a making bread from scratch, helped make lotions for a Tiller & Rye restock, learned how to make soaps, and made our first batch of cheese for the season. She took on the responsibility of bottle feeding Jake's morning and evening supplementary bottles and helped with tracking copper bolus treatments for our herd. Abigail is staying on here at the homestead for a while longer and we are thrilled to have her with us. While her Dad's flight was in the air, she watched Honey give birth to a BIG, singleton doe who needed a helping hand to be born. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY4iWWFdcYQzAqw1yE6OE0nLznNpGxoq4QA5db3GbGe1-TmI5zJviwzyCJ8mZhy9MGxJsS8V8He8oesgVdWYO2A0gm0C-8RDgP8YWu1g8lfFkJ5OuAYnWQtxXjJW9V_c9MekUsAEDT_E/s915/176430165_829166934355045_1634585903084334085_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY4iWWFdcYQzAqw1yE6OE0nLznNpGxoq4QA5db3GbGe1-TmI5zJviwzyCJ8mZhy9MGxJsS8V8He8oesgVdWYO2A0gm0C-8RDgP8YWu1g8lfFkJ5OuAYnWQtxXjJW9V_c9MekUsAEDT_E/s320/176430165_829166934355045_1634585903084334085_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail and Jake</td></tr></tbody></table>It hasn't been all work. We've played board games, watched movies together, stargazed and had a bonfire in the doe pasture. Once their quarantine time was past, Abigail and our daughter had an adventure hiking and browsing for treasures at the Big Chicken Barn. Since we share the same faith, we also enjoyed family worship times and meetings for worship via zoom. Snakes, crested geckos, ferrets, and goat kids joined us for snuggle-times.<br /><br />I can see why having a large family was a blessing when more folks farmed for a living. The many hands made light work of necessary chores and gave us time to spend with one another each day. <br /><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">*********************</div><br />Boy! Time has a way of flying! I meant to post this almost 3 weeks ago! Since then, Abigail has returned home to her parents and made plans to return for a visit soon. We are looking forward to that for sure. Maybe, we can even convince her hard-working Dad and Mom to come along for an extended stay this summer! Oh the projects we could tackle. I mean, how I look forward to relaxing time to chat and catch up. ;) <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. We enjoy your company. <br />Sean & Sonja<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-39477491804899349742021-04-28T09:25:00.006-07:002021-04-28T09:25:57.115-07:00Hatching Season Begins: Sebastopol Gosling<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFN36WMdiO4hG1yKSuI-i8WEwL5m8KVEb43LYmpRjZS5bK5fs1bqPKfL9TwI2Kq-xo-hVcjNnOGy0Je2hpK_I6drwT1O906SPE4XS7XRv-BwbXy7qKMudvtS-DiOydF0P2-ayvjD763M/s2048/167276542_154092079951224_6777052766137144617_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFN36WMdiO4hG1yKSuI-i8WEwL5m8KVEb43LYmpRjZS5bK5fs1bqPKfL9TwI2Kq-xo-hVcjNnOGy0Je2hpK_I6drwT1O906SPE4XS7XRv-BwbXy7qKMudvtS-DiOydF0P2-ayvjD763M/s320/167276542_154092079951224_6777052766137144617_n.jpg" /></a></div>With the weather making a valiant attempt at warming, the geese, turkeys, ducks, and chickens are all thinking HATCH SOMETHING with varying degrees of success. Since we aren't ready for chicks quite yet, we have been thwarting all the hens efforts to procreate by collecting eggs from the nest boxes each morning. In response, they have begun their yearly game of "Find Where I Am Laying My Eggs Now". I have no illusions that we will win this game, but if we can help minimize the number of 'Barnyard Beauties' (what we affectionately call chicks of mixed heritage) hatched in favor of pure bred chicks which can be adopted to other families, that would be well in my eyes. <br /><br />The turkeys have started laying, but not yet sitting on nests. THOSE I do want to hatch- the sooner the better. <p></p><p>The ducks have no hope of success. At least, not without my purchasing another male to live here. Our big boy, Boris passed last year and we haven't had the heart to find another until now. Without a male, our females have zero chance of hatching ducklings for us this season. And, I would love more Muscovies living here. <br /><br />Which bring us to the geese. Lucy decided to lay a nest under Sean's ladder, next to the barn, in the open. Since she wouldn't be shifted from that intent, we built a small shelter over and around her to offer some protection from the elements. And, 28 days later, she hatched out ONE single gosling. We candled the other eggs in the nest. 3 stopped developing early and 3 others were not fertilized. This singleton is getting lots of attention from the entire flock of geese. Gregarious by nature, our geese have the philosophy of 'It takes a village...' so they are all very protective and supportive of this little one. It is sweet to watch. </p><p>Three other geese are now sitting on nests in their shelter within the pond area. If they are successful, more goslings will join our farm in May. <br /><br />These short video clips were captured in Early April. I hope you enjoy. :) </p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nsyDMATJAH0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. I hope you come again.<br />Sean & Sonja Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-67456139282164986572021-04-01T13:51:00.001-07:002021-04-13T13:54:38.169-07:00Doe's Secret Code of Honor<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Doe's Secret Code of Honor<br />Author Unknown</div><br />The doe's secret code of honor is as old as goats themselves and is ultimately the species
best kept secret. No doe shall ever kid before its time. (Its time being determined by the
following factors):
<br /><br />1- No kid shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all involved. Your owner's
house must be a wreck, their family hungry and desperate for clean clothes, and their
social life nonexistent.
<br /><br />2- "Midwives" must reach the babbling fool status before you kid out. Bloodshot eyes,
tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean the time is getting close.
<br /><br />3- For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you, kidding must be delayed
by at least one day for each item. If they use an audio monitor, one good yell per hour
will keep things interesting.
<br /><br />4- If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. She'll be fine while we're away for
the weekend," Wait until they load the car, then begin pushing!
<br /><br />5- Owner stress must be at an all time high! If you are in the care of someone else, ten to
fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're getting close.
<br /><br />6- When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait at least three more days.
<br /><br />7 -You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are mandatory! Little
teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing your food around in the bucket and then
walking away from it, and nesting, are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new
things to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.
<br /><br />8- The honor of all goats is now in your hands. Use this time to avenge all of your barn
mates. Think about your friend who had to wear that silly costume in front of those
people. Hang onto that baby for another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three
more days seems fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, those awfulwormings can also be avenged at this time.
<br /><br />9- If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when to have the kids, listen
to the weather forecast on the radio that has been so generously provided by those who
wait. Severe storm warning is what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into
action! The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a good
chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching for a flashlight that
works!
<br /><br />10- Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time someone comes
into the barn to check you. Your barn mates will love you as the extra goodies fall their
way too.
<br /><br />Remember, this code of honor was designed to remind man of how truly special goats
are. Do your best to reward those who wait with a beautiful doeling to carry on the Doe
Code of Honor for the next generation of those who wait! <br /><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-21070388764411504452021-03-05T11:48:00.006-08:002021-06-01T00:17:28.475-07:00Hiking with Goats 2021<p>Spring is less than 30 days away and it is time to start planning for the new season. Activities like: starting seeds for the garden, planning building projects, repairing winter damages, improving fencing, continuing towards completing our creamery and getting licensed. Important things. Things that take both time and money. <br /><br />It is also time to look forward to hosting family, friends, and visitors in safe, distanced, private and semi-private farm visits. In 2020, we navigated the limited hosting of individuals and became practiced with social distancing, wearing masks, and setting up hand-washing stations. For 2021, we are going to continue in the same vein. <br /><br />Our first dates for Goat Snuggling and Hiking with Goats are up and active on our square space web site. Click below to see dates/times and reserve your special time with us.<br /><br /><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wAvpC_r5wg33kR0c3X_6WqrQRuGZzxmzwZvxT-kC0IAnc-6pi5fxJlATOvAwSo4ciZwGOGQthUccQpEqULyojUUAAzvOzWbU8mXZvnLnzRahsarJ5AMZv0LvAwrk3RvFhd4CjrO-toY/s960/60955089_1225848350917447_97439953109123072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wAvpC_r5wg33kR0c3X_6WqrQRuGZzxmzwZvxT-kC0IAnc-6pi5fxJlATOvAwSo4ciZwGOGQthUccQpEqULyojUUAAzvOzWbU8mXZvnLnzRahsarJ5AMZv0LvAwrk3RvFhd4CjrO-toY/s320/60955089_1225848350917447_97439953109123072_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></i></div><i><b>Goat Snuggling 2021: </b></i><br />Book a visit to the farm and interact with the goats and the other animals who make their home here. Your semi-private experience is limited to no more than 10 people per time slot (to allow for social distancing). The first 30 minutes is an informative, guided tour to meet the animal residents of Lally Broch Farm: feed the geese and ducks, find fresh laid eggs, watch the peacocks, and feed the piggies before meeting the stars of the show, 2021's bouncy goat kids- 16 have been born so far this season! The last half hour is self-guided. Hang out in the fields with the goats or revisit an animal that was extra special to you. Our studio and creamery spaces will be open for you, too. Sample cheeses. Browse soaps, lotions, lip balms, totes or the unique jewelry we create with eggshells. We offer 20% discount during Goat Snuggling days.<br /><br /><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://lally-broch-farm.square.site/" target="_blank">RESERVE GOAT SNUGGLING TIME</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGD1ng1LYXOu20TuRkgJJ6pnOIlqoUTsbZ7aG_kj7ZuTfmxRQGnViMZQHvkll-luxAYlAb6bePUnSTBr5MgKXDYKdplzGs8yiDZcfvWLIrniEqx0FmnYjNUtZj9mQ2b_MEHdZ3U7oCE8/s960/60478684_1225848857584063_1577320735091720192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGD1ng1LYXOu20TuRkgJJ6pnOIlqoUTsbZ7aG_kj7ZuTfmxRQGnViMZQHvkll-luxAYlAb6bePUnSTBr5MgKXDYKdplzGs8yiDZcfvWLIrniEqx0FmnYjNUtZj9mQ2b_MEHdZ3U7oCE8/w320-h180/60478684_1225848857584063_1577320735091720192_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hiking with Goats Experiences 2021</b>:<br />We are looking forward to hosting your family of up to 6 people for a completely private farm tour and guided goat hike up Mount Waldo to the quarry at the top. Your 2.5 hour experience begins with an educational and interactive hour long tour of the farm where you will interact with the animals who live here, including ducks, geese, doves, peacocks, heritage turkeys, chickens, Vietnamese pot belly pigs, and of course, goats and their happy, bouncy kids. Spend a little time in the pasture getting to know the goats within the herd while our family packs a snack of our own freshly made cheeses, local breads & crackers, in season fruits, and home made lemonade to enjoy at the peak. We'll choose the most suitable goats and kids to come with us for your adventure. Once people and goats are safely loaded up, you'll follow us in your vehicle to Mt. Waldo (5 minutes away) where you and your new goat companions will enjoy a guided half mile hike. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg5Q_wAMTJBkr7ynJ4Cd1vQF7KEBYTOOdWv3bEg4I_aDAbc95EgIJ-2Y9pAF_ZQHPL01_LOLiPpG6v3IS_0axFyff0jWKeeBHK9d57PnYQZNGHw7a3lxpJ6VBjPrxk5ub1qs3sSGvvfw/s960/60542010_1225848574250758_2940032511431933952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg5Q_wAMTJBkr7ynJ4Cd1vQF7KEBYTOOdWv3bEg4I_aDAbc95EgIJ-2Y9pAF_ZQHPL01_LOLiPpG6v3IS_0axFyff0jWKeeBHK9d57PnYQZNGHw7a3lxpJ6VBjPrxk5ub1qs3sSGvvfw/s320/60542010_1225848574250758_2940032511431933952_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There are two turn outs with spectacular views along the trail. These make excellent places to stop for pictures or to rest, if needed. The path is quite steep, but we have hosted children as young as 3 years old and adults into their 70's. The trail is not wheel chair accessible. Though we hike at your pace, it may not be a suitable activity for those who are not able to walk unassisted. If you have concerns, please call (207-323-4982) or email us (sonjatwombly@yahoo.com) so we can help guide you in booking this adventure or amending the tour to fit your needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, educational, interactive experience for your family to enjoy. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://lally-broch-farm.square.site/product/hiking-with-goats-farm-tour-experience/35?cs=true&cst=custom" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">RESERVE PRIVATE FARM TOUR, GOAT SNUGGLING, & HIKE</a><br /><br />It may not seem like it when the thermometer is hovering around 14*, but Spring *is* coming, Friends. With the year we've all lived through, it is the perfect time to do something special, like visit our homestead. We would love to host your family. <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us, Friends. We are thankful for your company.<br />Sean & Sonja<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-13277663519596715922021-03-04T11:38:00.000-08:002021-05-31T23:30:45.590-07:00What's in a Name?<p>One of the most common questions we get asked is some variant of "Do all the goats have names?" in a suitably surprised tone. Followed by, "How do you remember them all?"</p><p>The short answer is. Yes. They do. All of them. And, we remember them because we develop love for each one. On our family farm, we are there for nearly every birth and death. After nearly 12 years, we know their parents and grandparents and at this point, sometimes their great grandparents. </p><p>So, who are they? Well, writing a post about 58+ goats in detail would get quite involved, but I thought I would share our herd queens with you. <br /><br />{I am including animals who may have [passed] or been //adopted//. Those are indicated with the symbols in the last sentence. :) }</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNmwcjFBqnoebYBuLMgD-Gxhm7WlL4Jap_99luteKvOv0-hg-YHFMiUu0sC6TP6ZKFQhYiTUOMkVyJ_HmTCzSpAbZecowonKU6sq49tMdbGUNiOuheeUrpcMD-AcjGCSKDcCfq2pALxw/s960/74270812_1350832171752397_867065695614009344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNmwcjFBqnoebYBuLMgD-Gxhm7WlL4Jap_99luteKvOv0-hg-YHFMiUu0sC6TP6ZKFQhYiTUOMkVyJ_HmTCzSpAbZecowonKU6sq49tMdbGUNiOuheeUrpcMD-AcjGCSKDcCfq2pALxw/s320/74270812_1350832171752397_867065695614009344_n.jpg" /></a></div>Rachel- our first purchased female goat. She broke her horn when just a kid and it grew back curly. She's technically Sean's girl. Her twin, [Leah], was mine. Leah passed in the winter of 2019 at 11 1/2 years. Rachel is mother to: Karen Happuch (aka Quinn), Keziah, [Lydia], //Mason//, Honey, and a yet to be named son. Grand kids and Great Grand kids born to this line include: Piper, Isaac, Damaris, Martha, Brigitta, Comet, Hope and Nisan.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxl0nDcm6VO-Zox8w-vTutWI2CsJhnE5wLagRbkaZJpKu4Hq6DaRnk3tUVfOOizxIaKOufg7CH0_DBlC32JsAOGuQynbklKS3HCHpKiBra5ad1F7csvkcFw_yVRnUVRsTB8bWnJp7eL0/s960/118580772_1637992083036403_7941817897688313356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxl0nDcm6VO-Zox8w-vTutWI2CsJhnE5wLagRbkaZJpKu4Hq6DaRnk3tUVfOOizxIaKOufg7CH0_DBlC32JsAOGuQynbklKS3HCHpKiBra5ad1F7csvkcFw_yVRnUVRsTB8bWnJp7eL0/s320/118580772_1637992083036403_7941817897688313356_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Abigail- first female kid born on our homestead. Her Mother was our beloved [Ellie]. Abby had a twin brother, [Asher]. Abigail is a hearty keeper and an easy milker of wonderfully, creamy milk. In her prime, Abby provided 90 ounces of milk to a milking. She is mother to Eleanor, Mitzpah and twins this year- they are still awaiting names.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLufGX8G1sQvscL6ippuazcEjUSXbz-LMx4bp2G1HOvHqKh48rtI6CskmyNlI2om5grU1-QOt9xagQiCEsM3FqKHe8moky_e2hcMikNorJudd5C60rKXhSW3D0pgzLDBurx14V_TBe5Y/s631/57821589_1208494052652877_7822353795093889024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLufGX8G1sQvscL6ippuazcEjUSXbz-LMx4bp2G1HOvHqKh48rtI6CskmyNlI2om5grU1-QOt9xagQiCEsM3FqKHe8moky_e2hcMikNorJudd5C60rKXhSW3D0pgzLDBurx14V_TBe5Y/s320/57821589_1208494052652877_7822353795093889024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>[Leah]- Rachel's twin and my first female goat. She is the beginning of the naturally polled gene and perfect lamancha ears being introduced into our herd. She was a quiet, sweet soul who is still missed. Her young include: [Judah], [Elijah], Eve, Tierzah, //Rocket//. But every goat born here that is naturally polled can be traced back to her, though her sons and grandsons. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW7J3FXUrBEiOg8VqZSy7b60m6a8pTc-Ru4zCuQWRE1D_HktFulqh5V_4e27dtAPtw4RipkyuuWJeEsWyN2T3EWxZAsSjeusTeHYg8Am7fv1zMFh5kS2lAbtHIeP0fKDv96LUpJodwTw/s960/92381472_1504057973096482_2540043890782633984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW7J3FXUrBEiOg8VqZSy7b60m6a8pTc-Ru4zCuQWRE1D_HktFulqh5V_4e27dtAPtw4RipkyuuWJeEsWyN2T3EWxZAsSjeusTeHYg8Am7fv1zMFh5kS2lAbtHIeP0fKDv96LUpJodwTw/s320/92381472_1504057973096482_2540043890782633984_n.jpg" /></a></div>Jemimah- My anniversay gift and one of the sweetest girls you want to meet. Quiet in disposition, but oh so vocal, with a distinctive gait from breaking her front leg years ago and striking eye stripes. She came from a farm in Houlton, and was worth every mile. Her perfect Lamancha ears and creamy milk make her invaluable to our creamery plans and breeding program. Her children include: Iscah, Milcah, Bathsheba, Daniel, Tamar & Ezri. She became a grandmother for the first time two season's ago when [Keturah] was born and again this year with the addition of Ja'el. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rk7-G5AWtNTLDOWcPWV0Ca_zHqtuho92KVpXRmAYkzkZtiKN6Mp_uEKA_Ur1T89Yf_VvgCsvWVLyvRDxWauEGovgdn3bWH1a17vqtzDCmhwQ2CKs4RYWGWNsQ6rw_Ii0Uc5eQdjbrWM/s960/87502443_1469633043205642_3043216210205343744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rk7-G5AWtNTLDOWcPWV0Ca_zHqtuho92KVpXRmAYkzkZtiKN6Mp_uEKA_Ur1T89Yf_VvgCsvWVLyvRDxWauEGovgdn3bWH1a17vqtzDCmhwQ2CKs4RYWGWNsQ6rw_Ii0Uc5eQdjbrWM/s320/87502443_1469633043205642_3043216210205343744_n.jpg" /></a></div>Naomi- came to us from a neighboring farm who purchased her at an auction house. She didn't fit in at their homestead because of her bad attitude towards people and bullying of bigger goats. She is a beautiful red Nigerian Dwarf. Though Naomi doesn't seek out our company, even after many years here, we have an understanding and she has a permanent home with us. Naomi does not appreciate being milked, despite our best coaxing, so we respect that choice and leave her be. She has given us beautiful, friendly, hearty offspring: //Anna//, //Jareth//, //Tobey//, Neptune, [Myra]. And includes grand kids and great grand kids: Julia, //Leisl//, [Peta], //Gunter//, //Kinder//, //Margo//, & //Elliott//.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gRmmVLweoQqk7qigEXA_i38cOu0atNcXU-jcDO5UK6xDUtb7iNGFAtBK-3dqI3olSE0clZ64SxmyK68DuOimc0Z4jUN8RKIvMxeOgcNE7fudHTAyYI6syQVlfXRDVAZAfecTIFd6M24/s960/94238530_1514133918755554_2697236635799519232_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gRmmVLweoQqk7qigEXA_i38cOu0atNcXU-jcDO5UK6xDUtb7iNGFAtBK-3dqI3olSE0clZ64SxmyK68DuOimc0Z4jUN8RKIvMxeOgcNE7fudHTAyYI6syQVlfXRDVAZAfecTIFd6M24/s320/94238530_1514133918755554_2697236635799519232_n+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Lily and her sister, [Bailey] came to us from a devoted goat keeper who could not continue to care for them because circumstances in their life changed. These ladies have been loved since the moment they met Reva and her family and have a home here as long as they live. Lily has a genetic abnormality or scar tissue which prevents her from nursing her kids. She is a fantastic, protective mother and we help her out by offering bottles of goat's milk to her kids so they have the nutrition they need to grow. Between the sisters, we have welcomed our beloved goats: [Chloe], Becca & Tabitha, //Jacob//, [Freddie], Kestrel & Hawk, Hannah, Quark, Riker, & Jake.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qrLOq3gnLqUrcWO23CKLgyR7gYBZLIQsuvqSwxzpy-IL6PRE-WKzaM9vsWmxVWQgkNHgdIwgx_TssByT5JYHOLW6_up97P3A9VIXM8VdH7IqHzux_4yCJ7hK2H2Gqlr_4gFIi5VbhlI/s960/78177979_1381593485342932_5364467092470890496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qrLOq3gnLqUrcWO23CKLgyR7gYBZLIQsuvqSwxzpy-IL6PRE-WKzaM9vsWmxVWQgkNHgdIwgx_TssByT5JYHOLW6_up97P3A9VIXM8VdH7IqHzux_4yCJ7hK2H2Gqlr_4gFIi5VbhlI/s320/78177979_1381593485342932_5364467092470890496_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When Quinn and her newborn kid, Piper were adopted along with Jesse many years ago, they began their own herd living with a loving family in Bucksport. Life changes over the years, and when circumstances for the family changed, the entire herd came back here. We got reacquainted with some and introduced to others: Piper, Ruby, Penny, Hope, Copper, Ginger, Henry, Pat, and Nellie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVS08f6M_DYI-2R7-ywWv9f84WbhMplFwESfx6Jvi0bJd_3dYUhZZt5TIs805XFJkMMV7DknfGFczR2Cl78B7YByFqP6WgIGexshxSEXLjqVcKYTWKFmm5o5RuHAhIAMSqk8zxqpGhyphenhyphenM/s960/70928437_1314381748730773_1013505573393530880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVS08f6M_DYI-2R7-ywWv9f84WbhMplFwESfx6Jvi0bJd_3dYUhZZt5TIs805XFJkMMV7DknfGFczR2Cl78B7YByFqP6WgIGexshxSEXLjqVcKYTWKFmm5o5RuHAhIAMSqk8zxqpGhyphenhyphenM/s320/70928437_1314381748730773_1013505573393530880_n.jpg" /></a></div>Phoebe is the daughter of [Jane] and brother to Jesse (our gentle giant with stunning horns). With her mother's passing many years ago, Phoebe has become this line's matriarch. She is part Boer and part French Alpine and is one of our best milk providers. This line includes [Salome], //Hadassah//, //Moses//, //MacKenzie// & //Bryce//, Jay, Ross, Ruth, Elizabeth and her newborn son. Phoebe is due this year once more. We can't wait to meet her kid(s). <br /><br />With 16 kids born to us this season, we have more names to bestow. Each year we choose a theme to name those kids who will eventually be available for adoption as yearlings. Themes from previous years have included: ER, Star Trek OS, birds, solar system, The Sound of Music, and this year we are using Star Trek: TNG and DS9. (When we have time to watch TV as a family, we rely on old science fiction shows. :) ) This year we have named Riker, Quark, Ezri, & Jake with that in mind. While goats who will live here permanently will be named from people in the Bible: Isaac, Damaris, Ja'el, and Tamar are named thus. We have 8 kids in need of names. As we watch them over the coming weeks, we'll get a feel for them and name them appropriately. We love suggestions, too. (You can comment them below.) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYcTxOIo7dHYYsI0pch726ApLw6PgPynSk2ylfLyPuGlxyCtB8Dsmfd2SnJubozg7nO8B7e-qWbEWt3o_g7vRwgEsJuUHCx7fBarmpNUgdmPliyuSwqjm8kk3XxhyphenhyphenZiJDYdFjpmd6FJY/s960/64597074_1247252825443666_7880010569946759168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="797" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYcTxOIo7dHYYsI0pch726ApLw6PgPynSk2ylfLyPuGlxyCtB8Dsmfd2SnJubozg7nO8B7e-qWbEWt3o_g7vRwgEsJuUHCx7fBarmpNUgdmPliyuSwqjm8kk3XxhyphenhyphenZiJDYdFjpmd6FJY/s320/64597074_1247252825443666_7880010569946759168_n.jpg" /></a></div>As the children, grandchildren, and great grand children grow and spend time with us, we learn about their individual personalities, their goofy quirks, and preferences. We live in harmony with these animals. Kids stay with their Mothers until they are weaned. The girls stay with their mothers all the time. At weaning, boys move to young buck housing together. We only milk once per day, in the mornings, leaving the rest of the milk to be available to nurse kids as they choose. Those goats who want to be loved on and snuggled with have lots of opportunities for that kind of affection. We go hiking with those who enjoy that activity. And, for those goats who prefer the company of their herdmates to people, we respect that decision, providing food, water, shelter and caring for any medical needs. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDDTJ_RI_67nKmcdkbCUm7rhUm00PW96WlUCc2hhvr2NrKWOb1IcJtKA3LsYBQ9kVtAsVW003Z77f41ymQChFUxb54ntmGzJUey91A2U4fDJA3g4Ub4-hLh5OIJl97Eus2ylwSk3ef9k/s960/60478684_1225848857584063_1577320735091720192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDDTJ_RI_67nKmcdkbCUm7rhUm00PW96WlUCc2hhvr2NrKWOb1IcJtKA3LsYBQ9kVtAsVW003Z77f41ymQChFUxb54ntmGzJUey91A2U4fDJA3g4Ub4-hLh5OIJl97Eus2ylwSk3ef9k/s320/60478684_1225848857584063_1577320735091720192_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We did not host any Hiking with Goats Activities for 2020 because, well, 2020 should say it all. But, we are looking forward to 2021 and offering Hiking with Goats for you once again. We are looking at dates and times for kid snuggling, too. If you haven't visited us yet, 2021 is the perfect year to make that happen. If you have, it's a great time to come again and see how we've grown!<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us, Friends. We are happy for your company! <br />Sean & Sonja <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-87058171727636159332021-02-16T12:30:00.001-08:002021-02-16T12:32:13.350-08:00Marathon Goat Kidding Weekend (GRAPHIC) <p>I don't even know where to begin. What a kidding season so far. We have more than a dozen experienced does expecting kids this year and five first fresheners. Those worry me. Not panic, but the uncertainty of milk coming in properly, kids positioned normally and sized appropriately, among other things, weigh heavily on my heart and mind.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HTPNsoMkLg8Qy9jYEnt4nY_VLWNe4mYe1lI_P45rq19pPhWCifnbmxDAtteGxCRaisyxHWDRG50Nkq24TST5Jc5hD_24obFub6G2TkXKmM1a6ur4FhWuUmCmj5eq1m47PgHyS4xraEY/s2048/148134764_241625694113257_6133114181604667567_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HTPNsoMkLg8Qy9jYEnt4nY_VLWNe4mYe1lI_P45rq19pPhWCifnbmxDAtteGxCRaisyxHWDRG50Nkq24TST5Jc5hD_24obFub6G2TkXKmM1a6ur4FhWuUmCmj5eq1m47PgHyS4xraEY/s320/148134764_241625694113257_6133114181604667567_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia on her way to Belfast Veterinarian <br />Hospital</td></tr></tbody></table>I guess the best idea is to try to arrange events chronologically. So, starting on Wednesday, that would bring us to Julia's kidding. Julia began labor around 10 am on Wednesday morning. Things progressed normally for several hours with mucus and contractions beginning. In the early afternoon, things started to go pear shaped. Contractions stopped being regular and slowed to almost a stop. We called our Veterinarian's office and decided to bring her in. If the kid were still alive, we hoped for them to be able to help her deliver it or if not, we expected to pay for a c-section. Upon our arrival 25 minutes later, their exam revealed that Julia's kid was dead. They helped her to deliver and we brought her home to heal and rest. A sad ending, but we took comfort that Julia is alive and expected to fully recover. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW7izzAqReNoEK0Yi6DFW-zMen0T_7OROtEQmql0zdI5jAgx6NQpNiGabzayBY10r2gG8b7ybY_AtOo9S6RWP9xpY1DkhaeaoJpmk7lp0uvPPGYfWNRGfF6ls9kdlEul7NCiR_sdmHsI/s2048/148885356_243758377288127_5906539271409201255_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW7izzAqReNoEK0Yi6DFW-zMen0T_7OROtEQmql0zdI5jAgx6NQpNiGabzayBY10r2gG8b7ybY_AtOo9S6RWP9xpY1DkhaeaoJpmk7lp0uvPPGYfWNRGfF6ls9kdlEul7NCiR_sdmHsI/s320/148885356_243758377288127_5906539271409201255_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth with newborn son</td></tr></tbody></table>Thursday was spent caring for Julia, watching Moms with their kids, and our normal routine. Because several does were due any time, we started checking does every 2 hours through the daytime and every 3 hours overnight. It makes for restless sleep, but it is necessary when the weather is in the single digits. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwav6ZeGjlgVWNLW5Pc80E-gp1E-ZsVdxRuIYCN2kkFWuy9dpiRLCNoc7X6Q7gt-XTCmrpmN8Pm8YBkR0n6u9Kug1w6YnYwlZ85lI8ZjE5TCrSZFfw4uWmoCrppBC3HqE7owzsuXYyI/s2048/149153900_180470556808400_6503885579971546580_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwav6ZeGjlgVWNLW5Pc80E-gp1E-ZsVdxRuIYCN2kkFWuy9dpiRLCNoc7X6Q7gt-XTCmrpmN8Pm8YBkR0n6u9Kug1w6YnYwlZ85lI8ZjE5TCrSZFfw4uWmoCrppBC3HqE7owzsuXYyI/s320/149153900_180470556808400_6503885579971546580_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assisting Elizabeth</td></tr></tbody></table>Elizabeth went into labor on Thursday evening and delivered a large, single boy around 8:45 pm. It was a challenging birth for her first time. The kid presented with one hoof forward and it's head. The second hoof lay straight back, along his back. Sonja helped deliver this kid after 20 minutes of pushing hard with no forward progress. Firm, outside pressure on the base of the kid's head, which was through Elizabeth's pelvis, helped bring him forward enough to then provide traction in a downward motion to help him be born. We helped Elizabeth to get him clean and dry. First time Mom, Elizabeth was immediately attentive and her son was up, walking and eating within hours. They continue to do well. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy6yCj1cso5hZx5lN4FfyV74lSBOiFw-0mdlri8DajakeaS8RcN09DTQYLNjsElVvVUYxLYClKBzv-LguiDgX5HvEOl-Oym9jyJamPsmPvls9Mnxvwp5N86UqWkITicxYyiOK2elp4lM/s1505/148696242_433924317851473_7066639770214127527_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1421" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy6yCj1cso5hZx5lN4FfyV74lSBOiFw-0mdlri8DajakeaS8RcN09DTQYLNjsElVvVUYxLYClKBzv-LguiDgX5HvEOl-Oym9jyJamPsmPvls9Mnxvwp5N86UqWkITicxYyiOK2elp4lM/w189-h200/148696242_433924317851473_7066639770214127527_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those Baby Bumps! </td></tr></tbody></table>At the 6 am barn check on Friday morning, Sean discovered Eve had a mucus discharge. We got her settled in her private kidding stall with water, hay and grain to await delivery. By mid-morning, chores were finished, tails were checked, and since no one seemed imminent, we went inside to warm up and eat something. Sonja cooked breakfast. Sean took out a warm water bucket to Elizabeth and have one last look around. The table was set when Sean returned with the news that in the 45 minutes we had been inside, Rachel- who showed no signs of kidding had delivered a son, who was clean, dry, standing and eating. Breakfast needed to wait. We thought we could move Eve out of her private stall to allow Rachel and her kid to have a safe space, inhale our breakfast quickly, then set up another stall for Eve- who was still only having occasional contractions.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s4TMBK0uX0qEWe1j5vLPis0av6KFSdLnCWRQVJD0ryDN4tPoktO71LKRxNqrtMp7N2_Mhc5Cbx2cvCzzEGgMYePVOi_FJgWXE5HI-_z-7bWjoFq-X9c7bX5vYrzwDBf25f2jcsdt0V0/s1595/149416038_1137727953326661_5731030018709001573_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s4TMBK0uX0qEWe1j5vLPis0av6KFSdLnCWRQVJD0ryDN4tPoktO71LKRxNqrtMp7N2_Mhc5Cbx2cvCzzEGgMYePVOi_FJgWXE5HI-_z-7bWjoFq-X9c7bX5vYrzwDBf25f2jcsdt0V0/s320/149416038_1137727953326661_5731030018709001573_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel and newborn son</td></tr></tbody></table>Nope. No sooner had we escorted Eve out of her stall, that she started actively pushing. That meant delivery would be sometime within the next 30 minutes, if all went normally. Breakfast would wait. Sean set up a stall, moved Rachel and her son- who was bouncing along on his feet as if he were days old, into it and returned Eve to her original kidding stall. <br /><br />Eve's labor continued normally and around 1:30 pm, she delivered twins; first a daughter and then a son. Eve needed no assistance with the delivery of her first kid- perfect presentation and delivery. We helped Eve dry her daughter while we awaited her second kid. The second kid presented one hoof and head (again!). Twins are normally smaller and this one was being delivered just fine without our assistance until it's shoulder emerged. Then, the kid went stiff, then limp and its eyes rolled back into its head. It was clearly in distress. Sonja pulled the kid and began stimulating it by rubbing him firmly with a towel and suctioning his nostrils and throat. It seemed so much longer while it was happening, but in reality within 45 seconds or so, the kid was breathing and crying on his own. We helped Eve to clean and get him dried. Both kids were up and nursing in short order and Eve is a very attentive mom. They continue to thrive.<br /><br />On Friday afternoon Sean left a message with Dr. Caputo to update her on Julia's recovery and in light of two more first fresheners getting ready to deliver, possibly over the weekend, discussed options for treatment if things went south. The receptionist confirmed that we could simply call and Dr. Caputo would meet us at the office. Armed with that knowledge, we felt as reassured as possible. Things would probably go just fine, but in case they didn't we had a plan.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9VmRUAtsfAhEevcAsXJAr7TwaHYw_K88o0SU-30N6dOag1irYgVLSkAZc_hOaakzlMaMInlfGc4lrH0cv1EM4w4BvWqgKfUbpRmODS407Xm6p-LVRvN5nKZZd_0VYbWlQoNsrYXdzG8/s1231/151113806_2748155442181015_7082217376573121580_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9VmRUAtsfAhEevcAsXJAr7TwaHYw_K88o0SU-30N6dOag1irYgVLSkAZc_hOaakzlMaMInlfGc4lrH0cv1EM4w4BvWqgKfUbpRmODS407Xm6p-LVRvN5nKZZd_0VYbWlQoNsrYXdzG8/s320/151113806_2748155442181015_7082217376573121580_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby and her twins</td></tr></tbody></table>Kid watch continued as Tierzah, Abigail, and Hannah were all due at any time. On Saturday morning, Abby delivered first with no complications. Within half an hour, she had given birth to a daughter and a son. Small twins, their legs were bent in strange angles and not strong enough to support them in standing properly. This is common; colostrum and time sort things without assistance most of the time. Abby was attentive to her twins, but we didn't have time to watch the new family closely because it was Tierzah's turn. <br /><br />Tierzah went into active labor around 10 am. With our new barn cameras installed, we messaged our friend, Shea from <a href="https://knottygoatsoapery.com/shop" target="_blank"><b><i>Knotty Goat Soapery</i></b></a>, to see if she wanted to tune in and watch the delivery. When 20 minutes of steady pushing passed with no progress, Sean called Dr, Caputo's answering service and we asked Shea to come out to give her opinion. Things might have still been okay, but we were getting prepared in case they weren't. <br /><br />They weren't. First, Dr. Caputo's answering service informed Sean that she was out of town for the weekend. Our safety net was gone! Through mixed wires, we thought we were covered and discovered we could have a problem! We quickly messaged our local goat peer group asking if someone might have time to call into local large animal practices to see if we could be seen if necessary. We are so grateful for their willingness to help take that off our shoulders so we could focus on Tierzah. They were fantastic and within minutes we had leads on several potential experts should it come to that. <p></p><p>It came to that- Tierzah had a large, singleton who was presenting head first, no hooves. While waiting for Shea, Sonja gloved up, squirted on lots of lubrication, and did a careful internal exam. She could feel the kid's head ready to be delivered, but no hooves present. Knowing we would need to push the kid's head back inside in order to find the hooves and that smaller, more experienced hands than ours were 10 minutes away, we decided to wait. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishnRQQOfQcPIqpamMUpR6Hfu3O96r8h7kYBPIS3bnEWw1XP9SWH1-3nNCt7YI5bj7-a8Hr2xCJBq3gjPPliuAgiiDPSa4OEBRFKpRLrY5dXAYc3wroXETklSyzjHYwcbb0fqd6mONbcA/s2048/151172851_167998858246417_6567410208128210327_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishnRQQOfQcPIqpamMUpR6Hfu3O96r8h7kYBPIS3bnEWw1XP9SWH1-3nNCt7YI5bj7-a8Hr2xCJBq3gjPPliuAgiiDPSa4OEBRFKpRLrY5dXAYc3wroXETklSyzjHYwcbb0fqd6mONbcA/s320/151172851_167998858246417_6567410208128210327_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shea helping stimulate kid</td></tr></tbody></table>When Shea arrived she did the same exam and reached the same conclusion: the kid's entire head was in the vaginal vault (past the pelvic canal) but her folded front legs were holding her back. Shea tried to push the kid's head back inside to try to grab hooves, but couldn't get her hand inside far enough. We paused and discussed alternatives. The BEST option was to have a veterinarian assist. They have the good medicines to manage pain and the ability to perform c-sections, episiotomy, and control complications. The closest veterinarian who could take us in an emergency was hours away- a ride which would almost certainly mean that we had given up on a live kid birth and would be trying to save Tierzah's life. <br /><br />We decided that Sonja would try again. She pushed the kid's head back inside the pelvic cavity and was able to get her entire hand inside this time. She could just feel the smooth surface of a hoof, but couldn't manage to grip it hard enough to pull it forward. When she removed her hand, the head followed back into the vaginal canal. Sonja asked Shea, "Do you want to try again before we give this up?" Once the kid begins taking breaths, they can't be pushed back inside; they have to be delivered or die. Time was running out. Shea agreed. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftre0bSwl2xj5gdU7KvVswNZmAyOJTnbzhtmW1VKJli9IRwGgBxDXA2zetEjU-uyo8CzOYBMoajJixdx23y4pAw8TzJJAh6fJILEDGxxu6EzXcNIYTMpubD3-vnXRU_HpRgJfmeLSWBY/s1155/147858649_713416172704811_5861224294713006822_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1009" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftre0bSwl2xj5gdU7KvVswNZmAyOJTnbzhtmW1VKJli9IRwGgBxDXA2zetEjU-uyo8CzOYBMoajJixdx23y4pAw8TzJJAh6fJILEDGxxu6EzXcNIYTMpubD3-vnXRU_HpRgJfmeLSWBY/s320/147858649_713416172704811_5861224294713006822_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tierzah and daughter</td></tr></tbody></table>On her second attempt, Shea was able to insert her entire hand. She could just feel a hoof with her pinky finger. Closing her pinky and ring fingers together, she pinched the hoof and pulled it forward. As she withdrew her hand holding the hoof, the kid's head stayed in the forward facing position and followed. One hurdle passed. Tierzah's cervix was dilated properly, but as a first freshener, the kid's huge head had a hard time pushing through the vaginal opening. In the end, it took Shea applying pressure to the base of the kid's head, externally, from the base of Tierzah's tail with one hand and carefully easing the kid's head through with the other. Sean had the kid's leg and it's head pulling it downward and out. Sonja was holding Eve's head to prevent her horns from injuring Shea accidently with one hand and easing the other side of the kid's head through with Shea. Tierzah had the hardest task- she pushed and strained with all she had. And, it worked. Somehow, it worked. The kid was born, but our relief was cut short when it stiffened in distress instead of coughing or crying. <br /><br />Shea and Sonja stimulated the kid by rubbing it with towels and used a syringe to remove fluids from nostrils and mouth. It took longer than seemed comfortable, but in minutes, the kid began coughing. Tierzah was initially not convinced this wet, crying ball of goo was worth her time or the efforts to deliver her. It didn't take long for her to change her mind. For all the trauma of birth, the kid- a girl- was active and nursing in short order. The pair are doing great.<br /><br />Shea left around noon. With everyone stable, fed and watered, Sean and Sonja grabbed a quick breakfast/lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. We called the back-up veterinarians who offered to take Tierzah to thank them for their time and confirm that we had one more mother due sometime within the next 24 hours. We were hoping Hannah would hold out until Monday, but in case she didn't we wanted to be set up. Most of the time, goats will kid without needing to call out a veterinarian, but when you need one, you NEED one. We don't dare be without a plan. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeHKqRo8qZU0ZIV6Zd02UQw2g9PCPy34oc9OKWPvEkKd-edjeW5a0Olp6WyIa1MTxv0yZNPyF81usoKDmPRDWLEI52XMdf9Rx5GI71CyHfeui69d64sTeVhgV-9FEuoVv9xO0C6M7MT0/s2048/150187942_217943630066970_2437310433929122941_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeHKqRo8qZU0ZIV6Zd02UQw2g9PCPy34oc9OKWPvEkKd-edjeW5a0Olp6WyIa1MTxv0yZNPyF81usoKDmPRDWLEI52XMdf9Rx5GI71CyHfeui69d64sTeVhgV-9FEuoVv9xO0C6M7MT0/s320/150187942_217943630066970_2437310433929122941_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail's daughter</td></tr></tbody></table>During the rest of the afternoon, we saw that Abigail's twins were having a hard time maintaining their temperature and they didn't have a rooting or suck response. We brought them inside to warm up on a heating pad. When they were warmer and began to be active, Sean milked Abigail and we offered the kids a bottle. The little girl drank 4 oz without hesitation. The boy would not suck. Not the nipple, not my finger, not anything. We took him outside to try to get him to drink from Abigail, but he wouldn't even try. He was clearly not doing well and needed colostrum. <br /><br />With no other alternative, we tube fed him 3 oz of his mother's colostrum. Warm and full, we returned the twins to their anxious Mother while we continued to monitor their progress. In the early evening, we attempted to get them to nurse again from Abigail, but they were weak and unwilling to try. It is not usual, but sometimes it takes a little bit to get sorted. We offered a second supplemental bottle of their mother's colostrum and this time both kids drank without a problem. We returned them to Abigail's care. <br /><br />I realize at this point, that this is an extremely long post, Dear Reader. However, we didn't get a break all weekend, and neither shall you.<p></p><p>At 5 pm, Hannah went into labor. She had contractions here and there, but nothing regular. First timers can take a longer time in stage one, so we were aware, but not overly concerned. By 8 pm, a large bubble appeared and popped in a whoosh of brownish liquid. A second bubble appeared immediately after. A little strange, but not uncommon. Some does have two or three bubbles appear before the real one shows. Worth noting, but no need to panic. The lack of visible contractions and pushing WAS more concerning, as was the lack of vaginal stretching in preparation for birth. Sonja asked Sean to call the Dover Foxcroft Veterinarian Hospital answering service to have a veterinarian call us back and she messaged asking Shea to come out again and give a second opinion. Shea arrived in about 10 minutes and the veterinarian called back at the same time. Shea agreed that the delivery wasn't looking normal. We decided to drive the hour+ to get to the veterinarian. Normally we would do an internal exam first, but we didn't want to rupture the bubble or have a half delivered kid, stuck and us having to drive for help. Under the circumstances, we loaded Hannah and went. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpySZnhyphenhyphentx28TJ9UHqAWJGhHJ0BWmbHDxPHF6kEtyGBe1ziwThAVm2FiXWVcQW5d5NIxzWZnd8q8cozU4AS9ggTV3cY31EjnJlJptQlbWHc0IVV69BNVSYBfCJeb2nlfcBARPJab7B3B0/s480/149748140_171381357878812_6211028077170860292_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpySZnhyphenhyphentx28TJ9UHqAWJGhHJ0BWmbHDxPHF6kEtyGBe1ziwThAVm2FiXWVcQW5d5NIxzWZnd8q8cozU4AS9ggTV3cY31EjnJlJptQlbWHc0IVV69BNVSYBfCJeb2nlfcBARPJab7B3B0/s320/149748140_171381357878812_6211028077170860292_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and her son</td></tr></tbody></table>We arrived at 9:50 pm and met the wonderful Dr. Kat. Her initial exam showed a perfectly positioned kid. What should have been an easy delivery turned into an hour long event. The kid was through the cervix, but stuck within the vaginal cavity. We all thought this must be a huge, singleton kid. Dr. Kat prepared and began pulling the kid with both it's legs; it's nose perfectly ready to come through. Sean held Hannah to provide counter pressure. Sonja waited out of the way. After a few attempts went nowhere, Dr. Kat tried to pull the kid using chains. It was unsuccessful. Sean and Dr. Kat switched places to see if Sean could apply enough pressure to pull the kid. Though the vaginal walls thinned and turned nearly inside out, the kid would not budge. During this attempt, to everyone's surprise, the kid who had been limp up until now gave a twitch of it's tongue and leg. We had all assumed with the problematic delivery that we were dealing with a kid that had died en utero and we were just trying to save Hannah. This made everything more urgent and complicated. Sonja asked if she could glove up and help. We took a breath, gave Hannah a quick rest, and discussed trying once more before performing an episiotomy. Dr. Kat pulled legs, Sean held Hannah in place and Sonja pushed the base of the kid's head from outside, near the base of Hannah's tail.<br /><br />All at once, with a swoosh the kid was born. Not huge at all. 5 pounds would be generous. Sonja got to work trying to stimulate the kid who had been in distress for a while by the look of the copious amounts of meconium staining and dark fluid. It was gasping for breath in slow spurts. Dr. Kat was busy with Hannah, checking her internally, injecting calcium, oxytocin, pain medication, antibiotics and drawing two steroids and an antibiotic for the kid- who we were all surprised to find alive. His nasal passages were clear, but the kid was shocky and not willing to breathe normally. While waiting for the steroids to be injected, Sonja gave him a couple mouth to nose breaths, which seemed to help him get oxygen. The towel was soaked with amniotic fluid and blood. With nothing else to hand, Sonja took off her undershirt and used it to continue to stimulate the kid to wake up. He started to cough and make weak crying noises. The steroids were injected and he began to perk up more and more. <br /><br />Understandably, Hannah wanted NOTHING to do with this troublesome thing. The shock of the traumatic delivery paired with the loss of blood and sedative effect of the pain medicines combined to make Hannah a sleepy mother. She slept next to her kid all the way home. We stopped several times to check on them, but they were exhausted. We considered Sonja carrying the kid during the ride home, but feared removing him would add to the possibility of rejection. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-hH51QxbVN2Hc99AzuFyKuDZh6MnjfykO-RaxB-x302cb6Z_GOuuMKK8PlumUeVQ-aEVCZ0lQCf_WvIZeC0nZa6AyNkRO1xTGa-0a1uZC9g-kurRVx27OLDzpiueM51piYH1fx5Tues/s937/150890000_433797497737156_2235786424222440691_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="937" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-hH51QxbVN2Hc99AzuFyKuDZh6MnjfykO-RaxB-x302cb6Z_GOuuMKK8PlumUeVQ-aEVCZ0lQCf_WvIZeC0nZa6AyNkRO1xTGa-0a1uZC9g-kurRVx27OLDzpiueM51piYH1fx5Tues/s320/150890000_433797497737156_2235786424222440691_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Jake Day 2</td></tr></tbody></table>We settled the family in our laundry room for the night on a stall mat covered with absorbent pine shavings. The kids legs were swollen and he couldn't stand on them. Hannah was dazed and bleeding slowly. There was no way to get him up to nurse, but he needed colostrum. Plus, the act of nursing would help stem the flow of blood and the release of oxytocin would help with bonding. Sean milked Hannah gently and we bottle fed the kid, who ate thirstily and without any trouble. Hannah only had a little over an ounce, but it was a start. <br /><br />A few hours later, Sean milked her again and only came up with about half an ounce from both sides. Her udder didn't fill at all. She just wasn't producing milk yet. We weren't ready to give up. It can take a day or two sometimes. To help stimulate milk production, we kept milking her every few hours. When she didn't produce enough, we added some of Abigail's colostrum to fill the 3 oz we needed per serving. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L3UcNDKEhBq5XHB-ShCwmoge_QoCVfleuEkNYxO4MKXXLsT8UXns8sDI2f3_k0hqVryfl1B7Kx60jVu6MDVBPQdycSdo1zFFRCi3Zp-cC_B0dNTaDtWunbr8cUMgVV2Ko0F5P5iy6c4/s1668/148982999_155045656428116_4410461384507365243_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1668" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L3UcNDKEhBq5XHB-ShCwmoge_QoCVfleuEkNYxO4MKXXLsT8UXns8sDI2f3_k0hqVryfl1B7Kx60jVu6MDVBPQdycSdo1zFFRCi3Zp-cC_B0dNTaDtWunbr8cUMgVV2Ko0F5P5iy6c4/s320/148982999_155045656428116_4410461384507365243_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Jake in barn</td></tr></tbody></table>Through Sunday, the pair remained in the laundry room, where it was warmer than the barn stalls. Hannah lost so much blood and the kid was still unable to stand after 24 hours, though he could move his legs and was active. We bottle fed the boy, who Sean named Jake, every three hours around the clock. We gave Hannah pain medication and more antibiotics. The biggest concern is that though Hannah is not hurting the kid, she is also not cleaning him or coming to his calls. He may end up being bottle raised for nutrition, but if he can be raised beside his mother within the herd, that will be the best for him in the long run. <br /><br />Another issue arose on Sunday, Abigail's twins were having difficulty maintaining their temperature on their own and they still were not latching on vigorously, nor moving as actively as they should be. We supplemented with bottles again. The boy drank normally, but the girl (who had been doing so) absolutely refused. She would not latch onto Abigail either. We warmed her and put her back with her mother to try to get her to drink normally, but she refused to try. After 5 hours of nothing to eat and refusing to suck, we tube fed her 3 oz of her mother's milk and returned her to Abigail's care. When Sean checked her later that night, both kids were finally on their feet steady and rooting under their mother. That's a relief! We will continue to watch the family, but it looks like things have turned the corner there. <br /><br />As I write this Monday night, all of the families are doing great or improving their conditions. For those keeping track: <br />1. Jemimah: 2 girls named Tamar and Ezri<br />2. Iscah: 1 girl named Ja'el<br />3. Becca: 1 boy named Riker<br />4. Tabitha: 1 boy named Quark<br />5. Keziah: 1 boy named Isaac/1 girl named Damaris<br />6. Julia, one stillborn kid<br />7. Elizabeth: 1 boy, unnamed yet<br />8. Rachel: 1 boy, unnamed yet<br />9. Eve: 1 boy/1 girl, unnamed yet<br />10. Tierzah: 1 girl, unnamed yet<br />11. Abigail: 1 boy/1 girl, unnamed yet<br />12. Hannah: 1 boy named Jake<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5idVjPIWqRrvkUChExRxKrhsoD5zNDUuAt6wBgxLfK7PbkxDGzIZ6ygMQiwZjZxYhnjP52NwT06QMar7Wsm7b4cNEt1ONy3ZWPPtiSBy0hYk62ytg-ruUaXLFHgE6Z4I-FYxlLa3zAo/s1683/149241042_275169700618702_2239764488186203693_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5idVjPIWqRrvkUChExRxKrhsoD5zNDUuAt6wBgxLfK7PbkxDGzIZ6ygMQiwZjZxYhnjP52NwT06QMar7Wsm7b4cNEt1ONy3ZWPPtiSBy0hYk62ytg-ruUaXLFHgE6Z4I-FYxlLa3zAo/s320/149241042_275169700618702_2239764488186203693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth and son</td></tr></tbody></table>12 healthy mothers, 8 hearty sons and 7 thriving daughters so far this season. <br />We have 8 mothers left to kid. This year's naming theme is Star Trek: TNG & DS9 for kids who will eventually be adoptable and as always, we use Bible theme names for those who will stay here forever. Do you have any suggestions for names? Comment them below! <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us, Friends. We are happy you are here.<br />Sean & Sonja<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-49006468667233814982021-02-10T16:54:00.002-08:002021-02-10T17:01:54.485-08:00GRAPHIC: Becca Gives Birth<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuvlF9x_Ienpwb_0Z7HBFokfsy6gAeJfyVQ9ItvvQNIl4hdmE0xZENtLIlqh8wsrBAZiNvyntyiUr0YlbCyGPDxc7XtE8hreuzAwqhEIrfYfD3ibPWYQ1dgjsUvryMYFKm8r-soarFvU/s2048/148737168_1031540514041883_2476697428435160657_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuvlF9x_Ienpwb_0Z7HBFokfsy6gAeJfyVQ9ItvvQNIl4hdmE0xZENtLIlqh8wsrBAZiNvyntyiUr0YlbCyGPDxc7XtE8hreuzAwqhEIrfYfD3ibPWYQ1dgjsUvryMYFKm8r-soarFvU/w239-h320/148737168_1031540514041883_2476697428435160657_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca with her kid</td></tr></tbody></table>Plans changed.<br /><br />We thought I was going to make two double batches of soap and then work on some lotions for delivery to our friends at Tiller & Rye in Brewer, ME. Sean thought he was going to frame in and install a door in Bucksport, ME. Nope. By 8 am, plans changed. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHrgtyTAe0GeA-mmEsNRIV1ckowrJT0CQoxIm-IZcOgy3j2N8TYgt4_WhbnZPW4fOTKcO2ajg2DvbeN81JbzXz3hQSAJARnQPlhSOCyW9mgdMr-zjlISwGSE6haiAf3PROpmNWr94dDA/s1920/147936858_485416449287190_2556343892464613402_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHrgtyTAe0GeA-mmEsNRIV1ckowrJT0CQoxIm-IZcOgy3j2N8TYgt4_WhbnZPW4fOTKcO2ajg2DvbeN81JbzXz3hQSAJARnQPlhSOCyW9mgdMr-zjlISwGSE6haiAf3PROpmNWr94dDA/s320/147936858_485416449287190_2556343892464613402_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-delivery.</td></tr></tbody></table>Becca was in active labor, pushing. A few days earlier than I had planned, but nothing to worry about. A quick check showed perfect placement; nose and hooves getting ready to greet the world. Larger than I would like to see in a goat of her size, which made me think she probably had only a singleton coming. I HATE singleton births. In my experience, 9 out of 10 times, a single kid is larger than kids born as twins. As such, they often require assistance. Sometimes that assistance is not enough and the kid or the mother is lost. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjEYVXQ5UwoWgzteRUHD57tTQeFd8RQhAhCB4jhRqwzRLNrwgrblvYWWXZKpFpG8BWgBRhM046EzSWTUT4Or_rpdS6dDMh5FmD_ONIVIlesl8ZHOMV2330n-vMlxL_CTHc5xLg7J6IhA/s480/146507942_1169383066852116_3384050288329746103_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjEYVXQ5UwoWgzteRUHD57tTQeFd8RQhAhCB4jhRqwzRLNrwgrblvYWWXZKpFpG8BWgBRhM046EzSWTUT4Or_rpdS6dDMh5FmD_ONIVIlesl8ZHOMV2330n-vMlxL_CTHc5xLg7J6IhA/s320/146507942_1169383066852116_3384050288329746103_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Milk.</td></tr></tbody></table>Still, Becca is a pro at this and I was aware of the potential risk, but I wasn't overly concerned. Within an hour, and with very little help from us, Becca delivered a strapping, healthy son. Like Tabby's son, Riker- he was a monster in size and was quickly able to stand, walk, and nurse. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztwqC-Z2Abwui0OLoWvLZsk5FTc71gYE5td6ioTtUacwB6FON_v8TzjAT9SH_z665zkEKczL56zse6GXUuceX3ZALNTNC9b_3nrFBCLcqJku1_GfNdAiUJQegPh_d3adIIaike0uuOOU/s1920/149293315_579121209713142_7113295074457513215_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztwqC-Z2Abwui0OLoWvLZsk5FTc71gYE5td6ioTtUacwB6FON_v8TzjAT9SH_z665zkEKczL56zse6GXUuceX3ZALNTNC9b_3nrFBCLcqJku1_GfNdAiUJQegPh_d3adIIaike0uuOOU/w400-h300/149293315_579121209713142_7113295074457513215_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MvqjbQu-UKM" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ivyHBN_4DBy2PFlLDbBUp_Xaw_0QewqRHZ8vOOOI-WJ45f9sYOfr2N3tbtvcxWYLIjUzTPM8yy6FYOKOEKRlBIX3vBUcClB1ofqmMRgKCd1QapbB93OXVPvhLhFQoTrED_OIJeKjnhc/s2048/149085051_415418776236342_6791509845158520454_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ivyHBN_4DBy2PFlLDbBUp_Xaw_0QewqRHZ8vOOOI-WJ45f9sYOfr2N3tbtvcxWYLIjUzTPM8yy6FYOKOEKRlBIX3vBUcClB1ofqmMRgKCd1QapbB93OXVPvhLhFQoTrED_OIJeKjnhc/s320/149085051_415418776236342_6791509845158520454_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia in labor</td></tr></tbody></table>Just as Becca was finishing her delivery, Julia went into labor. Julia is a two-year-old, first freshener. (A first freshener means that this is her first pregnancy.) First pregnancies <i><b>always</b></i> make me nervous. Complications can happen to any goat, but I always worry more the first time through. I think it has to do with (1) the uncertainty of what might happen and (2) past bad experiences with unproven does. Does tend to follow trends, like whether their milk comes in early or later or how long they labor. With record keeping, (and barring fluke occurrances) you can almost map out a delivery. As to the second point, our worst experiences seem to come from young, inexperienced does. Julia worried me so much more than Becca. Would she have ring womb (failure to dilate)? Would she have kids in bad positions for delivery? <br /><br />My gut felt wrong. We messaged our local group of goat folks and asked neighbor, Shea Rolnick from @Knotty Goat Soapery to be on stand by. Sean called our veterinarian, Dr Caputo of Belfast Veterinary Hospital to let her know we might have a problem. Then, we waited. <br /><br />The first stage of labor can take some time. Does will sit and stand- seemingly unable to find a comfortable spot (I remember this well from my own pregnancies!), stare off into space, may want to eat or go off food. Until they start actively pushing, there isn't a lot to do. We try to keep the doe as comfortable as possible and wait with her. Around noon, Julia was still in the first stage and seemed to be making slow progress; her vulva was opening and a small stream of mucus started. Knowing we could still be hours away, Sean and I went inside for breakfast and to warm hands and feet. We continued to check on her every few minutes. <br /><br />Around 1:30, Julia began to really dilate and actively push. We could just see a hoof. It was big. Too big really, but we weren't overly concerned yet. 30 minutes later, we messaged Shea asking her to come out. Julia continued pushing to no progress. I gloved up, slathered on lots of lubricant and carefully felt inside to feel what the situation was. I felt the right front hoof and head just above that. I slipped fingers along the other side, but couldn't feel the second hoof. Not perfect, but still maybe workable. I was most concerned with the kid's size. Normally, I would begin attempting to pull a kid, if I can, but concerned about the size, not wanting to put Julia through unnecessary pain if she was going to need a C-section at the vet, and knowing that a second opinion was only minutes from arriving, I decided to wait. <br /><br />Shea arrived and repeated my exam. She was also concerned with the size of the kid presenting. She attempted to pull the kid very gently, just trying to see if there was any wiggle room and quickly ascertained there wasn't. We were Veterinarian bound. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6obxL4u7KB9MwjtpwLMD8zga2I2hyoFRWnxI7ztNVtN-M1hh3g2Sht17BPcZ3WPYFhIrJbNWgi4EaJWWEDfh6bzZ0D_qi43YA7PIGcFDnVCdTWWaXaNGH5ij7akt_j7VYoAwY24C_6Nk/s2048/148134764_241625694113257_6133114181604667567_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6obxL4u7KB9MwjtpwLMD8zga2I2hyoFRWnxI7ztNVtN-M1hh3g2Sht17BPcZ3WPYFhIrJbNWgi4EaJWWEDfh6bzZ0D_qi43YA7PIGcFDnVCdTWWaXaNGH5ij7akt_j7VYoAwY24C_6Nk/s320/148134764_241625694113257_6133114181604667567_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Veterinarian</td></tr></tbody></table>We carried Julia to Sean's van and drove the 20 minutes to Belfast. They took her in immediately. We waited in the parking lot. We explained we were willing to pay for a C-section if needed. About 40 minutes later we got the call telling us that the kid did not survive, but Julia thankfully did. <br /><br />Julia was sent home with pain meds, an antibiotic and instructions for watchful care over the next 72 hours. Back in the barn, Julia settled into her private stall and ate grain and hay with a decent appetite, but not her normally voracious vigor. That is to be expected with the pain meds she was given. <br /><br />It is always heartbreaking when we lose an animal- even one we hadn't truly met. We'll spend the night examining all the decisions we made; it is easy to second guess each one. And, we'll balance that with visiting with sweet, healthy kids and our beloved herd. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLROuJUcZ2Xcz9Vnd00BwO-y-dkq235TgKsikkGIC64T3vV6lC1lbtBC33TB0hK18GneuWaogJyztTM0OMgK3SEJOnLa2AOsXq3Sg2Ra_FHt8H7LQJDueSADA7fQIYwJDTHe6IaYgBhQ/s480/147599962_1097041654091859_137445132917186218_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLROuJUcZ2Xcz9Vnd00BwO-y-dkq235TgKsikkGIC64T3vV6lC1lbtBC33TB0hK18GneuWaogJyztTM0OMgK3SEJOnLa2AOsXq3Sg2Ra_FHt8H7LQJDueSADA7fQIYwJDTHe6IaYgBhQ/s320/147599962_1097041654091859_137445132917186218_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Healthy Son</td></tr></tbody></table>For those keeping track. We have had seven healthy kids born to five mothers; and one mother with a lost kid. By our count, we have ten more deliveries for 2021 before we can breathe easy. I hope the rest of them are as easy as the first five were. <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us tonight, Friends. <br />Sean & Sonja<br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-3256894269424781512021-02-07T11:37:00.004-08:002021-02-07T12:00:00.386-08:00Molly Goes on a Diet<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J6HRBsdxK_41BOMZ_s-sK_iMa6XYcMEd9ckU-UdoIQg0OmL8iXFCvLnved2WtbBs6j0f223MdsoVKSYTJ6FJfZQrinudsN8zRIIGNW0OwEIBx_T1uHeZMIs1wYZD2ydTdsvjgjdvBwk/s960/93441622_1515978688571077_2653598127394652160_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="788" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J6HRBsdxK_41BOMZ_s-sK_iMa6XYcMEd9ckU-UdoIQg0OmL8iXFCvLnved2WtbBs6j0f223MdsoVKSYTJ6FJfZQrinudsN8zRIIGNW0OwEIBx_T1uHeZMIs1wYZD2ydTdsvjgjdvBwk/s400/93441622_1515978688571077_2653598127394652160_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maternity Photo Shoot<br />Photo Credit: Caitlin Phair</td></tr></tbody></table><p>While Molly was pregnant, her food needs increased to help care for those growing pups. After her emergency spay and the heart breaking removal of her deceased pups, her dietary needs changed. We adopted two 6 week old Border Collie puppies for her to foster, feed, and care for. This is not something we planned for, but the back story seems important for context, so I will retell it here. (I wasn't writing at the time it happened, and only shared it on our FB page.) <br /><br />We were very pleased to allow Molly the chance to be a mom. Our dogs and cats are routinely spayed to help control the pet population. But, we decided to allow Molly to breed one litter for several reasons including her temperament, intelligence, age, and her disinclination to accept outside dogs to our lives. {Our 10 year old Husky, Fenn, was laid to rest the year before due to a marked deterioration in his health. Our 17 year old Pomeranian mix, Buster, passed in 2020, when Molly's adopted puppies were about 5 months old.} With Molly reaching middle age, we didn't want to wait until she was gone before welcoming another dog to love. We found a lovely sire in a young, healthy German Shepherd we knew. He had just the characteristics we hoped to meld with Molly's- intelligence, loyalty, desire to work, and the ability to deter wild predators from preying upon our herds. Black Lab/German Shepherd pups were exactly what we wanted and we had a waiting list of families to adopt the rest of the litter. With this being her first and only litter, and with minimal exposure, we hoped for a smaller litter size. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbbObtRr_IX_CNnVUYLOScBhS1MRjZ3N5q85oF2nM_qa5kFXHGGGZCif8ucwz1vc794PH4sKuVcPA7fDOeOV_tR51hhcCCUFxFErD9R2QGqBceRuoqhtmN9QHoEPnUdnINXTcCajRfZQ/s839/96025409_1528995493936063_5138471591302135808_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbbObtRr_IX_CNnVUYLOScBhS1MRjZ3N5q85oF2nM_qa5kFXHGGGZCif8ucwz1vc794PH4sKuVcPA7fDOeOV_tR51hhcCCUFxFErD9R2QGqBceRuoqhtmN9QHoEPnUdnINXTcCajRfZQ/w242-h320/96025409_1528995493936063_5138471591302135808_n.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly in labor with her toy "babies".<br />May 3, 2020.</td></tr></tbody></table>We got that right- Molly became pregnant with a litter of two. Honestly, that was perfect since both pups were claimed and would be loved. We would keep one and my eldest daughter claimed the second puppy. In actuality, it was not so perfect. The day of delivery things were proceeding normally. We were in touch with our veterinarian just in case there were any complications, but it looked to be going well. Within a short period of time, the first kid was born. It was stillborn. That was sad, but we didn't lose heart. We didn't know at the time that there were only two pups growing, so we expected the next pup would be born alive. Time passed. We called our Veterinarian again. Pups should be born fairly regularly in a normal delivery. Something was wrong. <br /><br />An ultra sound revealed one other pup inside. It was giant. Much too large to be born naturally... and it wasn't moving. The veterinarian was almost certain the pup was already gone. Our hopes were further shattered when they advised an emergency c-section AND spay. It was too dangerous to Molly's health to allow her to try again. <br /><br />We were scared and devastated. Molly was our first priority. We pooled every penny we had to fund her surgery. What should have been a relatively easy (so much so that controlling the unwanted pet population is an ongoing challenge) and joyous event turned into a nightmare. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we couldn't even be inside the building with her while she waited for surgery. The technician suggested we go home and they would call us in the morning. Nope. That wasn't happening. Sean and I waited in the van in the parking lot through the night. In the morning, we took our girl home.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOpkfTcp7iTiHY-AMqMZSXpPmlaoPzu3yD98CUZuqkem5FVOoOQzA7SUEjwSYXRLhPKSyIsOv8hN0KHGu3sK7M08QPp1nqmgWae689AcXRwQ93zVzqsw4in9WRvamBiJr8ChaasgsXVs/s960/96234030_1535669753268637_4128509318683164672_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="960" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOpkfTcp7iTiHY-AMqMZSXpPmlaoPzu3yD98CUZuqkem5FVOoOQzA7SUEjwSYXRLhPKSyIsOv8hN0KHGu3sK7M08QPp1nqmgWae689AcXRwQ93zVzqsw4in9WRvamBiJr8ChaasgsXVs/w400-h338/96234030_1535669753268637_4128509318683164672_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly snuggling her new puppy, Luna.</td></tr></tbody></table>Immediately, Molly was changed. I wouldn't have thought she knew what was wrong, other than the obvious after care of having surgery. The pain medication she was given kept her physical pain in check. Her behavior was something else entirely. She was in mourning. In the days after her surgery, she created nests around the house and filled them with squeaky toys. She frantically attempted to nurse them and frustrated howled and bayed when they didn't move or respond. I have never seen anything like this kind of deep, mourning in any animal in our care. I've seen cats lose a kitten, cry for it, then accept its loss and continue living. Sometimes a goat doe will call for her lost kid, they sniff the dead body, and accept its loss while they care for their living young. Nothing prepared me for the kind of mourning Molly was experiencing. After a return visit to our vet, a visit by a close friend (and former vet tech) who knew Molly personally, and much prayer and discussion, Sean and I looked for a pair of young puppies to adopt for Molly to care for.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL-5ORC6cXlUbMQ5JVU5ClT8pmyPAkdfByoXbuawid0EUHhYBvt4v6Y040il25YwGcM_09Nb4jNDUaIXLMAQ6QL3M31n6JXdve_USKVaHEARnNTRtUEegsBbTr1-aAEJCbs3ncDv5qxQ/s960/101990275_1560715577430721_8932264818318294869_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL-5ORC6cXlUbMQ5JVU5ClT8pmyPAkdfByoXbuawid0EUHhYBvt4v6Y040il25YwGcM_09Nb4jNDUaIXLMAQ6QL3M31n6JXdve_USKVaHEARnNTRtUEegsBbTr1-aAEJCbs3ncDv5qxQ/w300-h400/101990275_1560715577430721_8932264818318294869_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna</td></tr></tbody></table>I am convinced we found an answer to our prayer in finding a pair of 6 week old Border Collie pups. I found the listing in my search for fostering puppies who might need milk. I wasn't sure Molly would accept them or want them- they weren't tiny pups. At 6 weeks, they were drinking their Mother's milk occasionally, but were eating solid food already. We made sure that the farm would accept them back if that was the case. The point was to help Molly, not cause her additional stress. We carried the puppies home, wrapped in Molly's blanket to help transfer some of her scent. Molly's behavior changed almost instantly. She sniffed the pups, cleaned them, and offered them milk. She stopped whining non-stop and turned her attention to caring for the new pups. I was so relieved. Within 24 hours, it was clear the pups would be accepted and stay.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBm-exQTDKff4tyWEou9t7FJ-jXghCUvFn8okrg8MjxKpr3wS7QrG8yR2vplxQ3Qc768LnZZCR7uoycC4iHOfX1VmyZHN4gS8uZ7zMRzqLWzmfNo5v6F8OHbvtHf7VY6wq5w9zTZsTiQ/s960/116107011_1604443896391222_8184792927297671605_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBm-exQTDKff4tyWEou9t7FJ-jXghCUvFn8okrg8MjxKpr3wS7QrG8yR2vplxQ3Qc768LnZZCR7uoycC4iHOfX1VmyZHN4gS8uZ7zMRzqLWzmfNo5v6F8OHbvtHf7VY6wq5w9zTZsTiQ/s320/116107011_1604443896391222_8184792927297671605_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo & Luna<br />Belfast Dog Park 2020</td></tr></tbody></table>The larger puppy became part of my daughter, Caitlin's home. She rents our basement apartment, so the transition when it came, was both smooth and easy. She named her puppy Echo. The smaller puppy joined our family. We named her Luna. Molly and Luna are best friends. Echo comes upstairs for doggy daycare while Caitlin is away at work and returns home with her mother in the evenings. The dogs have an outside yard that connects to both our back doors so they can come and go and play as they want to. It is an arrangement that works well. <p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjQALJ0-OJCPiZUrAKZ_dYH4OfFCcPpoTK3lVhnVLsQlbSUOSw5l21c7WMlJEL-UKlUlyYPCfdSxCU6FcCeXhxvxHqcCQJSRgOJS6MQvBA1pqKZD87ghx4mLoeHCmS_wUWViVDdlsfsw/s960/117738984_1627688367400108_821496868582139402_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjQALJ0-OJCPiZUrAKZ_dYH4OfFCcPpoTK3lVhnVLsQlbSUOSw5l21c7WMlJEL-UKlUlyYPCfdSxCU6FcCeXhxvxHqcCQJSRgOJS6MQvBA1pqKZD87ghx4mLoeHCmS_wUWViVDdlsfsw/w300-h400/117738984_1627688367400108_821496868582139402_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly is so patient with Luna</td></tr></tbody></table>The puppies have very different personalities. Echo is quiet and loves to cuddle. She has learned to shake hands, turn in circles and sit when asked. She also loves chasing a frisbee and retrieving sticks. Luna is pure energy. Hugs are not appreciated, but she wants to be next to me wherever I am and constantly looks to me for direction whatever we are doing. Luna knows sit, lay down, catch, back up, off, to me, come and we are working on stay. She is getting better at catching her frisbee. She has been introduced to the goats with the mind that in time, she will help work them with us. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FeVSsmEdj8OgyT5oWx13bfhnxxSOue0SWl_f_30kLlO_4z5nanM-YU2T6jGIfYEAJMBt08af4dXj_ot_mPNHgFY8Z3wRRtC5Pe_snoBpfA7hpgtoi7GtoSik70Ljyd21RHIypHR4MRs/s960/128758915_1718936071608670_4659791934741664142_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FeVSsmEdj8OgyT5oWx13bfhnxxSOue0SWl_f_30kLlO_4z5nanM-YU2T6jGIfYEAJMBt08af4dXj_ot_mPNHgFY8Z3wRRtC5Pe_snoBpfA7hpgtoi7GtoSik70Ljyd21RHIypHR4MRs/s600/128758915_1718936071608670_4659791934741664142_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo (left) & Luna (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y9P7qAoZaN6R0S5jDLrZsmi5VQmTzhiUsBRtOVtlohr4nJoggTblO1zzJXG9JTuVx-dGjL1P_6Fvs0VjbLOgYBLq9c1M6m_XpuVzHAHDQpTlH-Xi06M9NweNOUhCk0Y1NZi_a51gWBc/s2048/147437122_340247153817609_3501110897994059454_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y9P7qAoZaN6R0S5jDLrZsmi5VQmTzhiUsBRtOVtlohr4nJoggTblO1zzJXG9JTuVx-dGjL1P_6Fvs0VjbLOgYBLq9c1M6m_XpuVzHAHDQpTlH-Xi06M9NweNOUhCk0Y1NZi_a51gWBc/s320/147437122_340247153817609_3501110897994059454_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast~ February 2021<br />Molly eats much faster than Luna!</td></tr></tbody></table>All this brings me back to the point of today's post: diet. <br /><br />While Molly was pregnant and nursing her adoptive puppies, she was fed a puppy food formula before switching to Rachel Ray's Nutrish Dish. We are not animal nutritionists, but we believe that feeding the best food we can afford has a positive impact on our animal's health. We like the ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, dried peas, whole dried potatoes, pea starch, pea protein, poultry fat, cranberries, flaxseed, and vitamins and minerals. We also feed farm fresh raw eggs & farm made plain yogurt a couple of times each week. The puppies are doing great on this formula. In time, however, Molly began to gain too much weight. The combination of being spayed and eating this diet, caused Molly to be about 20 pounds over weight. We tried feeding less at each meal and increasing Molly's exercise, but that didn't work and the pounds stayed on. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJii71f6T0VF1TgPi4sug5CqZVVAIVcQZhEU9IcONUxno0MlEKTpU8h0HGqB52XdFuqB9GqVM39SZPvNunxhoH3o7EkhbDBoPWbveGCScp3GsjK4sxKTkhRXR3K1Y6aIx2QhDkRgo9G_Y/s2048/147681510_440493823856787_1415896148609904127_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJii71f6T0VF1TgPi4sug5CqZVVAIVcQZhEU9IcONUxno0MlEKTpU8h0HGqB52XdFuqB9GqVM39SZPvNunxhoH3o7EkhbDBoPWbveGCScp3GsjK4sxKTkhRXR3K1Y6aIx2QhDkRgo9G_Y/s320/147681510_440493823856787_1415896148609904127_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel Ray Nutrish Dish<br />with added chicken</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Concerned about Molly's health, we switched her to another dry food. She is currently eating Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm Raised Chicken dry formula. The ingredients are similar, but it has only 8% fat compared to Rachel Ray Nutrish Dish. And, it seems to be working. She is starting to lose a little extra weight. At her next visit, we will re-examine her nutritional needs with our veterinarian and listen to their recommendations. We want this girl to be in good health and happy with us for as long as possible.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4nZvPhmR1TyBkTt_wMjEgEMOnlPJNdNcBVZPLnBsXT44ZkxMg842HDzYoC9t50Ab_lqvoJHlJgeh8LQNHwRthcVg2wkf-IyJLGkAKbQ80-JgYJXA_go_Arq1R1TLQp_S2bRT4jFvwVk/s2048/147082226_3810052735710947_8478674099246648678_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4nZvPhmR1TyBkTt_wMjEgEMOnlPJNdNcBVZPLnBsXT44ZkxMg842HDzYoC9t50Ab_lqvoJHlJgeh8LQNHwRthcVg2wkf-IyJLGkAKbQ80-JgYJXA_go_Arq1R1TLQp_S2bRT4jFvwVk/s320/147082226_3810052735710947_8478674099246648678_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purina Beneful Healthy Weight<br />with added chicken</td></tr></tbody></table>Have you had good success with a particular brand of dog food? Or, one that you didn't like? Share your experience with us in the comments, please! <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. We are happy you are here. <br /><br />Sean & Sonja<br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-75159676985777647542021-02-06T12:26:00.001-08:002021-02-06T12:26:58.334-08:00A Birth Story: Tabitha & Riker<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bEMF5b4DPZCyumZ6dMs3JTvBUjEkfaDTsBugiXnVolIP-NNq4xyJ41E2BTciLJPmFKPCRnXCatxpTXnIp2SnML7VhJSYathInpzapIivnmjZuvTOr4LB-RqguMZkFbnz6VnYUo1pDNM/s2048/148093688_212807843861935_8307943710159310068_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bEMF5b4DPZCyumZ6dMs3JTvBUjEkfaDTsBugiXnVolIP-NNq4xyJ41E2BTciLJPmFKPCRnXCatxpTXnIp2SnML7VhJSYathInpzapIivnmjZuvTOr4LB-RqguMZkFbnz6VnYUo1pDNM/s320/148093688_212807843861935_8307943710159310068_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riker: 24 hours old.<br />Look at those waddles!</td></tr></tbody></table>Because we knew Tabitha (Tabby/Tabs) was getting close to her time to go into labor, we were still on goat watch around the clock. For those keeping tabs, this means that 4 of the last 5 days involved setting an alarm for every 3 hours to check for signs of new kids being born. We might not be needed, but it is February and as I have written before, freezing cold nights can cause hypothermia and death in kids quickly. Also, if we *are* needed, we want to be there as quickly as possible to deal with a complication. Tabby went into labor between the 3 am and 6 am barn checks. <br /><br /><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgij62eYe6sHmkZa6yIC_fnVPyMM5lH4OlTmOJm_NMD4oNq3bNl3f0vSopdUNvtyZighKb8aPxb3VVDwHmhgqO4OH8_-eN2g1v9nU66M1DW1lXMaASY5iDMzs3IKHUtYUcTFEBTTOhQA/s2048/Kidding+Positions.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="2048" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgij62eYe6sHmkZa6yIC_fnVPyMM5lH4OlTmOJm_NMD4oNq3bNl3f0vSopdUNvtyZighKb8aPxb3VVDwHmhgqO4OH8_-eN2g1v9nU66M1DW1lXMaASY5iDMzs3IKHUtYUcTFEBTTOhQA/w400-h260/Kidding+Positions.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riker was positioned 3rd down on left side.<br />We assisted the delivery.</td></tr></tbody></table>At 6 am, there was a discharge and the promise of a hoof just peeking out. Out first thought is always relief when we see that hoof appear. It should be followed by a second hoof and a nose in a perfect presentation. By 6:20 or so, the nose appeared along with the original hoof. She was making slow, but steady progress. We were conscious that the second hoof needed to be coming along, too. If not, we would be looking at two complications which might need our assistance. (1) It could mean the other leg is folded forward and caught up under the kid's chest. In this case, we glove up and glob on lots of lubricant. Carefully inserting a hand with fingers closed together to find the other hoof and help pull it forward. This usually releases the bottle jam and allows the Mother to push the rest of the kid herself. (2) It could mean the other leg is laying flat along the body, in what we refer to as the Superman pose. (See 3rd image on left of diagram.) One leg forward, one leg back. This position causes the shoulder area to be thicker than otherwise is normal and can cause a hang up. In our experience, gentle but firm traction on the delivered leg and head of the kid while the Mother pushes usually is all that is needed to get the second shoulder delivered. Once freed, the Mother can deliver the rest of the kid normally in most cases. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_LMnH_cVksZ7cXUy8_1S6K3dVPXfVa3x-4suxiKiOuK9GBVtZhdqwlVxXbPvgZvSWcIKl9OmnIu_6SSBqnmFZsi0qg7w7AsTAPKiBfBBJ4zv9djGC-z5IFHE2EYRerqcG4gIeaOH8h0/s2048/146846964_179186080213079_1057642776700616577_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_LMnH_cVksZ7cXUy8_1S6K3dVPXfVa3x-4suxiKiOuK9GBVtZhdqwlVxXbPvgZvSWcIKl9OmnIu_6SSBqnmFZsi0qg7w7AsTAPKiBfBBJ4zv9djGC-z5IFHE2EYRerqcG4gIeaOH8h0/w298-h400/146846964_179186080213079_1057642776700616577_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riker's head and left front leg presenting.</td></tr></tbody></table>And so it went with this delivery. Once the head and leg were visible and no other hoof appeared, it was clear we needed to attempt to help. Sean was already gloved and ready. {I had been in charge of taking pictures and videos, so I wasn't wearing gloves. Plus- Sean is stronger than me... like a lot. All things being equal, when required Sean does more of the exterior traction and because my hands are smaller, I do more internal pulling~ if it is necessary.} He held onto the back of the kid's head and it's leg and pulled out and down with each contraction. Within minutes, the kid was delivered to its torso. Sean stopped assisting and Tabby was able to deliver the rest of the kid in 10 minute more. I made sure the kid's mouth and nose were clear of amniotic fluids and encouraged Tabby with my words and hands.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncm5KItlflgovxWtYQ0euneXqsnYSkQhVJruu0AvAZ8oQg7mJ1dW1FU8VuUnHwXLDU2X4X4eRrvTLBWfbbazGLeoOz4eLPH1qdptPbhfUcRDOh3OBFvCpHaLxLw8k0KnPZeb33q_2q5A/s2048/146819671_861513254612445_3841520506621559871_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncm5KItlflgovxWtYQ0euneXqsnYSkQhVJruu0AvAZ8oQg7mJ1dW1FU8VuUnHwXLDU2X4X4eRrvTLBWfbbazGLeoOz4eLPH1qdptPbhfUcRDOh3OBFvCpHaLxLw8k0KnPZeb33q_2q5A/w400-h300/146819671_861513254612445_3841520506621559871_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tabby was immediately attentive.<br />Between cleaning her offspring, she curled<br />her lip to check his scent.</td></tr></tbody></table>Tabby presented us with a gorgeous, single, strapping bucking. He is a beast in size and attitude. Within 10 minutes of being born, he found his feet and began searching for milk. Because the temperature outside was in the 30's, we filled a couple empty soft drink bottles with warm water to provide a warm spot where Mom and kid could lay. Heaters in the barn are a fire hazard that we don't take. These work great to give some ambient warmth on cold days. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzYUiJ7JnncM2kqSAizNbMzSXZPbv4ba-yCRUK414_hS-KrafVpPVAfkWVgdHciT2WpQJkOJHX3SeFt-Tse715I7mc-LWAYuOpA5p7qsuBdJUemiMbXVLzk4cJdwrxDxfFUHKNZpGik4/s2048/146791319_904772873706068_224440213527307477_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzYUiJ7JnncM2kqSAizNbMzSXZPbv4ba-yCRUK414_hS-KrafVpPVAfkWVgdHciT2WpQJkOJHX3SeFt-Tse715I7mc-LWAYuOpA5p7qsuBdJUemiMbXVLzk4cJdwrxDxfFUHKNZpGik4/s400/146791319_904772873706068_224440213527307477_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goats have a vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ)<br />in the roofs of their mouth. Curling their lip helps draw<br />new scents into it to help identify them. </td></tr></tbody></table>Checking on the pair through the day was a delight. I love healthy, precocious kids who nurse without interference and experienced mothers who clean and care for their young immediately. I'll always be ready to help when it is needed and since I am generally worried about something, its not out of the way to add a new family to my list of concerns and prayers. But, the feeling of contentment and relief that comes in the wake of a good kidding, is the best. When I have nothing to do but enjoy the new life before me, take pictures and videos to share with you all, and pray in thanksgiving. That is the best feeling.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnq7V6bsWvB8THPeNplBCj0a4bKWY_ZeyTnL-nAerQBPeDACf9mYfTAjhndnH5p-BEoPIIcyNCOO5CA0DlhKWmTKdJIxMR8AtirL6SJtCHVLVtBCGqKLcvmr_eppN_VgjYvyUd6vAiIx8/s2048/144960739_751426885511146_8527710236172481208_n.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnq7V6bsWvB8THPeNplBCj0a4bKWY_ZeyTnL-nAerQBPeDACf9mYfTAjhndnH5p-BEoPIIcyNCOO5CA0DlhKWmTKdJIxMR8AtirL6SJtCHVLVtBCGqKLcvmr_eppN_VgjYvyUd6vAiIx8/s400/144960739_751426885511146_8527710236172481208_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost clean</td></tr></tbody></table>This handsome guy reminds me of beloved Asher, except he has his mother's waddles- which means I love him already in memory of his grandfather. I can't wait to see his personality reveal itself in the coming months. Sean has tentatively named him Riker. Because I know that financially, we cannot keep every single animal who is born here, I understand the need to find good adoptive homes for some of the yearlings each year. We don't separate kids from their moms before they are weaned. And, we don't offer single kids for adoption. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1EH3X-Z1UkbBUDhV3e37sciRpz5lm2fQ0yCmtIxXX6FsuqjNjmGM8YUZx6Tmyy8MkHzl_lH0ixY-p1PqrZxpGQWoi1v6Tq3mk7v6MceVY-m3l-NfUwvqrDG5Lf9W1JI-kfr71QfdI0/s1600/145730050_4066874273336430_67097403240501659_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1EH3X-Z1UkbBUDhV3e37sciRpz5lm2fQ0yCmtIxXX6FsuqjNjmGM8YUZx6Tmyy8MkHzl_lH0ixY-p1PqrZxpGQWoi1v6Tq3mk7v6MceVY-m3l-NfUwvqrDG5Lf9W1JI-kfr71QfdI0/w300-h400/145730050_4066874273336430_67097403240501659_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry and warming by a water bottle.</td></tr></tbody></table>Based on the name Sean bestowed, I asked him, "Are you sure we don't want to keep him to be a future herd sire?" <br /><br />Sean grinned, "Nope. But, for now he is Riker. If we decide he must stay, we can change it." <br /><br />I can live with that. <br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. We are very happy for your company. If you enjoyed this story or if you have any questions, please comment below. I write because I love to and it becomes a diary of the story of our farm. Still, your comments make me feel like I'm not alone here. :) I posted a short video below of Tabitha giving birth. There is a jump from when Riker's head was delivered and his body while I assisted Sean and Tabby, but if you want to see what it is like to help bring new life into the world, check it out.<br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jd6oUjELBs" width="560"></iframe> :) <br /><br />Sean & SonjaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-62530600556688011472021-02-05T16:16:00.008-08:002021-02-05T16:16:56.284-08:00Birth Story: Keziah and Damaris & Isaac<p>As we suspected, Keziah went into labor last night. It was text book in its simplicity. Within 20 minutes both kids were born and within an hour she had them cleaned, dry and nursing. If the rest of the season could go this smoothly, that would be really great. Really, really great. <br /><br />In lieu of a long story, since there really isn't much to tell. I have lots of pictures and videos to share with you. I hope you enjoy them. :) <br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-l8t0lXy9w" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4wBSgfHWS9pDmEf8euUTZsJTxeVY58j_NrLcJcAOe_lfar5VoC3K3a1TGy8J_6htF4aKC9S6zMTsud3VXF0BP1LkWUgSdmAu0eI0f6U1xII6hDtzrl6oI9tOqOZr7jpspINKEVHFvg4/s2048/146336035_266872334803501_7201293276933871174_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4wBSgfHWS9pDmEf8euUTZsJTxeVY58j_NrLcJcAOe_lfar5VoC3K3a1TGy8J_6htF4aKC9S6zMTsud3VXF0BP1LkWUgSdmAu0eI0f6U1xII6hDtzrl6oI9tOqOZr7jpspINKEVHFvg4/s320/146336035_266872334803501_7201293276933871174_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damaris</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefd0fmKMxF_IXlBAjqmL7bDQXspUOJsVewEgo-RjPS4X6nYcT7aSFzgYTllwvRQOYym7GCbTPZegEEelXcnvHXqaRtB79TgLLwiR5F3R4TNkL-EmhZJWxvpYnY6iSJZ3iuXskQ2XLrdY/s1600/144809199_150136473473529_4720225612927396408_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefd0fmKMxF_IXlBAjqmL7bDQXspUOJsVewEgo-RjPS4X6nYcT7aSFzgYTllwvRQOYym7GCbTPZegEEelXcnvHXqaRtB79TgLLwiR5F3R4TNkL-EmhZJWxvpYnY6iSJZ3iuXskQ2XLrdY/w180-h320/144809199_150136473473529_4720225612927396408_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to get <br />down to business</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZC0WzzEbr8XAMI8Nx4A_0gmomik9sH5Nft_A6QFGhXyhsiDKU5nO4h5SVQJ0FIfuoWCGSS7_UZen2WkTb670QtiOEORkXcTy5zjPOTs4JKSQIYA1k_jrzv7ha4XAgnsdZPTVKq5tydw/s2048/145037118_215155880307859_7666737645149245624_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1711" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZC0WzzEbr8XAMI8Nx4A_0gmomik9sH5Nft_A6QFGhXyhsiDKU5nO4h5SVQJ0FIfuoWCGSS7_UZen2WkTb670QtiOEORkXcTy5zjPOTs4JKSQIYA1k_jrzv7ha4XAgnsdZPTVKq5tydw/w533-h640/145037118_215155880307859_7666737645149245624_n.jpg" width="533" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac was born minutes later. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvI_5Kzzq_t29eElTu5D04jnKypGnaep7Gm754lwqYv9Zwm5L344RVwEoR63OY1qz9xwcM1HI_5qiCFqCy3dk0FGwYEgIolznDtzImPtpw18qXebGTs3Vcsy1LlzPIEqW2XzUjWiemLQ/s2048/146463872_236424821542249_7114881436041522002_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1660" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvI_5Kzzq_t29eElTu5D04jnKypGnaep7Gm754lwqYv9Zwm5L344RVwEoR63OY1qz9xwcM1HI_5qiCFqCy3dk0FGwYEgIolznDtzImPtpw18qXebGTs3Vcsy1LlzPIEqW2XzUjWiemLQ/s600/146463872_236424821542249_7114881436041522002_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture of Mom and kid looking at each other. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2LAldRptNIUuDxMm_4AUoFTdgxRrvxq8K89P23ZCktS9oW9L87zGPl6kCneslSZjj_iY99nHEyNV9akiTVNswBOEXKUT5xPLS_U8a-w2GR6jswG5JAHPF_kAqYJawgq4Kb06_4wBkF0/s2048/144689785_471273160716796_6987372250330041708_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="2048" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2LAldRptNIUuDxMm_4AUoFTdgxRrvxq8K89P23ZCktS9oW9L87zGPl6kCneslSZjj_iY99nHEyNV9akiTVNswBOEXKUT5xPLS_U8a-w2GR6jswG5JAHPF_kAqYJawgq4Kb06_4wBkF0/w400-h339/144689785_471273160716796_6987372250330041708_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing and looking for the milk bar. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrgC9MQzzEbzdMD5hBXGVl9BzLnbsFF1fv-NmuegCRd_vSdIRIa8MfHwcMFc5r1Wl8s_O10Pjee82Qz8sUaoUHTZGJ7v-DlKMVN-0B5PGi5giMDZ_qNP0ZGSjLXaKxtn_FDUaFBcwMSQ/s2048/144480635_170634647868747_1436057155877369291_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2048" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrgC9MQzzEbzdMD5hBXGVl9BzLnbsFF1fv-NmuegCRd_vSdIRIa8MfHwcMFc5r1Wl8s_O10Pjee82Qz8sUaoUHTZGJ7v-DlKMVN-0B5PGi5giMDZ_qNP0ZGSjLXaKxtn_FDUaFBcwMSQ/w400-h319/144480635_170634647868747_1436057155877369291_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damaris</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT03T146uef9Tno8oCgHqkDWxpAQCV6u5RaMaXBCHwKxrm8p-vfUHab1b-39Q38_z8xn3a3XQqm_BfMiL-HGKm8SGZWAx8IpJvnDcy6Wr59AiWjjF9stlV4wtE5BuY2hSL4TLMt5XTH0E/s2048/145259422_490113021982378_812384482986082364_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT03T146uef9Tno8oCgHqkDWxpAQCV6u5RaMaXBCHwKxrm8p-vfUHab1b-39Q38_z8xn3a3XQqm_BfMiL-HGKm8SGZWAx8IpJvnDcy6Wr59AiWjjF9stlV4wtE5BuY2hSL4TLMt5XTH0E/w400-h290/145259422_490113021982378_812384482986082364_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPYemdTi7FlhKtVf7229KOejfzfr-BTtvliEfLkCRzabK97ke03ujsc-LBMyBqIUqO2J-b67va5mr29xFxjNixqMqXwq05IjAt4pdHtbBuWs-8CqPzKSDjUazZbO26jaL7vxxW_k8diY/s1600/144803045_134698698498933_4607058974862536200_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPYemdTi7FlhKtVf7229KOejfzfr-BTtvliEfLkCRzabK97ke03ujsc-LBMyBqIUqO2J-b67va5mr29xFxjNixqMqXwq05IjAt4pdHtbBuWs-8CqPzKSDjUazZbO26jaL7vxxW_k8diY/w480-h640/144803045_134698698498933_4607058974862536200_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damaris & Isaac, 12 hours old</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tabitha looks ready to have her kids any minute. If she has them tonight, I hope to have more videos and pictures to share with you tomorrow. Stay tuned! <br /><br />Thanks for joining us today, Friends. We are happy for your company!<br />Sean & SonjaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-32749571171312006022021-02-05T05:09:00.001-08:002021-02-05T05:16:21.474-08:00Signs that Kidding is NearFarming, homesteading, husbandry... whatever you want to call it, this life is far from glamorous. For every sigh of relief, triumph of plans actually coming to completion, or simple progress there is the undercurrent of worry, lessons learned the hard way, and the feeling of never getting ahead to balance it. It is not for the faint of heart for sure. <br /><br />I do not have to tell you that 2020 was a nightmare. You lived it, too. But, we are pragmatic folk here. No sense in wallowing in the past; time to plan for the future as best we can. As the days lengthen and the promise of warmer weather is in the air, we prepare for the next season: Kidding Season.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPQL7Ni_nge7Jtn8BEnyebY5ujqBfYAKYXqSsMqzxIUE8moc_a6l2FXLZN9mj3EFzOs05YHMFLJP-6kjJKGbG6S5ofpzVNSMGmoSdV-MCVOOSmjoyHqe_wRBTtAMzGUZKZHM1A0sqi80/s2048/Kidding+Positions.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPQL7Ni_nge7Jtn8BEnyebY5ujqBfYAKYXqSsMqzxIUE8moc_a6l2FXLZN9mj3EFzOs05YHMFLJP-6kjJKGbG6S5ofpzVNSMGmoSdV-MCVOOSmjoyHqe_wRBTtAMzGUZKZHM1A0sqi80/s600/Kidding+Positions.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>We restock and have ready our Kidding Kit: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL72z6Ki9Z4t5FJRAEw0Ht5mZyOSHEN-ZZvhVi9YQMlFoaXMfk8NZB81kBN78QQ8M_kvyFHtWWpZcA-AF84nfzupkZZVBd1W2HtGdHfEzFAmTAdu1dN2hatShfBIx-0-vrxy3-Y1tAGk/s2048/preview+%25281%2529-page-001.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL72z6Ki9Z4t5FJRAEw0Ht5mZyOSHEN-ZZvhVi9YQMlFoaXMfk8NZB81kBN78QQ8M_kvyFHtWWpZcA-AF84nfzupkZZVBd1W2HtGdHfEzFAmTAdu1dN2hatShfBIx-0-vrxy3-Y1tAGk/s320/preview+%25281%2529-page-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our kidding kit includes: <br />* Nitrile gloves (in case we need to assist internally)<br />* Lube (lube is your friend if you have to assist; use way more than you think you need.)<br />* Disinfectant for hands or tools<br />* 6-8 Clean towels (to help drying kids, only if needed.)<br />* Puppy pads (very absorbant- helps keep area dry and relatively clean<br />* Scale (to weigh kid)<br />* Iodine (to dip umbilical cord)<br />* String (to tie off if needed, rarely necessary)<br />* Scissors (to cut umbilical cord if needed, rarely necessary)<br />* Selenium/Vit E paste (in deficient areas)<br />* Empty grain bag (to dispose of wet puppy pads, gloves, placenta, etc.)<br />* Kid pulling loop<br />* Laminated diagram of proper kid placement (helps with figuring out issues if you have to assist.)<br />* Thermometer (first question vet will ask- temperature of goat in distress)<br />* Birth Record Form (We record information for each kid. Parents names/breed(s), Birth Date, Weight, Birth Order, Complications, Vaccinations, etc.)<br /><br />We also make sure to have medications and additional support items, which might be necessary, on hand. 90% of the time, these items aren't needed, but when they are, you don't want to have to locate them at a store after the fact. Being prepared is especially necessary in rural areas when your Veterinarian or the closest stores might be an hour away. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />These include: </span></div><p>* <i>an antibiotic+</i> (in case the doe needs one for an infection), <br />* Karo syrup (for quick sugar applied to gums), <br />* <i>pain reliever+</i> (in case of complications and mother needs some relief)<br />* colostrum (freshly frozen from another doe, if possible or a powder replacement)<br />* heating pad (to help warm cold kids. ONLY use with direct supervision. FIRE HAZARD)<br />* tube feeding tube and 60 ml syringe<br />* <i>Oxytocin+ </i>(in case of retained placenta. We have a herd of 50 and keep 2 doses on hand<br />* goat sweaters (only if needed, usually kids and Moms do fine regulating temperature)<br />* Pack n Play (if Mom dies or rejects kid and you need to bottle feed kids)<br />* bottles and nipples (if Mom dies or rejects kid and you need to bottle feed kids)</p><p>We have 2 kits stocked and ready to go. Don't forget to have a way to take pictures of your sweet newborn!<br /><br /><i>+ These items may require a prescription from your farm veterinarian. We recommend discussing your specific needs ahead of time with your trusted veterinarian. </i></p><p>Iscah presented us with a beautiful doe kid on January 31, 2021. We have many more deliveries to go. We suspect Keziah will kid overnight. She is showing All. The. Signs. She usually delivers in the wee morning hours, so that means we are still on kid check round the clock. Not far behind her is Tabitha. Exciting times! Kids being born means milk for cheese making and goat milk soap production and planning goat hiking activities. These are the things that help pay to care for the goats who live here. We did not host goat hiking in 2020 because we were all new to Covid-19 and what it meant for all of us. After a year of taking precautions under our belt and with the roll out of vaccines, we feel better about planning some private tours for 2021. If you're interested in booking an activity, message us or watch our web page for tickets to reserve your group's private tour within the next month. <br /><br />Watch the Bangor Daily News video about Hiking with Goats <a href="https://bangordailynews.com/2018/04/18/homestead/baby-goats-make-great-hiking-companions-at-frankfort-farm/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br />If you are new to goat keeping or would simply like to brush up on your reading, I recommend these articles. Because I want to make sure my information is factual and up to date, I prefer to stick to current university papers, or veterinarian written articles. It's not that folks, like me, don't possess knowledge, experience or wisdom, but I am always open to learning new and better ways to care for my herd. I feel that these sources offer the best guidance I can get, along with the advise of my farm veterinarian. :) <br /><span style="color: #073763;"><br /><a href="https://www.savacaf.com/how-to-prepare-your-farm-for-goat-kidding-season/#:~:text=7%25%20iodine%20tincture%20and%20an,your%20doe%20need%20birthing%20assistance." target="_blank"><b>How to Prepare Your Farm for Goat Kidding Season</b></a></span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://goats.extension.org/goat-reproduction-parturition-kidding/#:~:text=One%20to%20two%20days%20before,become%20thicker%20as%20parturition%20approaches." target="_blank">Goat Reproduction Parturition & Kidding</a><br /></span></b><br />Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. We're happy you are here!<br />Sean & Sonja</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-15329202118025156202021-02-03T16:25:00.005-08:002021-02-26T09:25:34.909-08:00First Kid of 2021: Iscah & Ja'el<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WQjHqk81p7xPKg8iZw_YPnxr2LPYwcbgKiKJbOxNVIWrFBHFz5dEY_z1wWrzSjAKAWQ_urqeNsM8RK6mtGQwa1HDjNHO9viZOWP4OQ0AF1DrFHHi0ltJJOTh0N2xy0PkgUhsZXRmmTQ/s2048/144598643_1120974631690936_4079041893838239064_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WQjHqk81p7xPKg8iZw_YPnxr2LPYwcbgKiKJbOxNVIWrFBHFz5dEY_z1wWrzSjAKAWQ_urqeNsM8RK6mtGQwa1HDjNHO9viZOWP4OQ0AF1DrFHHi0ltJJOTh0N2xy0PkgUhsZXRmmTQ/s320/144598643_1120974631690936_4079041893838239064_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ja'el, hours old.</td></tr></tbody></table>As kidding season closes in, does begin to show various signs of impending birth; the ligaments around the tail soften and feel like they disappear, the udder becomes full, and often there is a discharge. One of the sweetest signs is catching a doe "talking" to her belly. As we get closer, we take precautions to make certain our kidding kit is fully stocked and ready in case we need to intervene. We clear and set up our private kidding stalls and we begin checking on the does every couple hours. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJyulMzSJwVh2SWHHZa6uFb72aEdLcqAS0q_nKCezHxtaRvEQut13MRN9Ay5KMHpDLfYrY-nQkiFkENeTwyQJmAmtUOGi1EwMT_0-RwJIcPMFiQTVTmSCsrzg695wZ1Gp2LjH2WbGaeE/s1600/143270757_445474059940727_5086761861078629168_n.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJyulMzSJwVh2SWHHZa6uFb72aEdLcqAS0q_nKCezHxtaRvEQut13MRN9Ay5KMHpDLfYrY-nQkiFkENeTwyQJmAmtUOGi1EwMT_0-RwJIcPMFiQTVTmSCsrzg695wZ1Gp2LjH2WbGaeE/s320/143270757_445474059940727_5086761861078629168_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty soft drink bottles refilled <br />with hot water make great insulators,<br />along with hay.</td></tr></tbody></table>Iscah, in typical goat code form, hid all signs of her immediate delivery so she could surprise us with a single doeling between noon and 2 pm check in. Sean went out for what he thought would be a quick perusal of the barn for any does in labor only to find a very loud, half cleaned goat kid all alone. Because the temperature was 10* that day, he scooped her up and brought her inside for me to help warm and clean her up a little more. The internal temperature of goats runs much warmer than humans and to go from a wet, balmy 101-103* to an amniotic fluid covered kid, born in 10* can be shocking. Most of our experienced Mother goats make quick work of cleaning up their offspring. Iscah is still new to the game. She clearly made an attempt before deciding that hay and water beckoned, but didn't finish the job nearly well enough to be entirely useful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>When it is necessary to intervene, we normally employ a gallon zip lock bag to encase the kid, then carefully submerge the bag in a sink of warm water. This is a very efficient way to warm kids quickly. This singleton would not fit into the bag. And, since Iscah chose a dirty corner of the barn to give birth and not a nice clean stall, the kid was covered in frozen bits of stickiness and bacterial laden grime. We used a wet cloth to wash her body well from shoulders to hips and down legs. We left the head and tail messy. It is important to leave Momma's scent on the kid, especially since we don't want bottle babies if it can be helped. While I was cleaning the kid up, Sean went searching for the missing Momma. It is very easy to see who had recently given birth. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPvCA13JhEawYzFJC4U5rpSW97sP960GXhgpWlT4vN9ocSLRBj0IotVQ51VQrLqVfk7eECRi2RheUmhA4ProcKuHPhfbw85NVZNYTpUiF9RHYBxpJK1QahWedI4HawXSP2bNryIpsSiU/s2048/145934954_1131151864001072_7828242542054321984_n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPvCA13JhEawYzFJC4U5rpSW97sP960GXhgpWlT4vN9ocSLRBj0IotVQ51VQrLqVfk7eECRi2RheUmhA4ProcKuHPhfbw85NVZNYTpUiF9RHYBxpJK1QahWedI4HawXSP2bNryIpsSiU/s320/145934954_1131151864001072_7828242542054321984_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hay nest for added warmth.</td></tr></tbody></table>Iscah and Ja'el were reunited in a clean, private kidding stall. Iscah has only had one other kid, born 2 years ago. She was vocal and attentive to her kid, but disinclined to let Ja'el nurse. Sean patiently held Iscah's leg to prevent her from kicking her young. It is necessary for kids to get colostrum within 18 hours of being born- the sooner the better. This gives them some protective antibodies that help the kid to thrive. Ja'el was very weak. She had a suck reflex, but the combination of uncoordinated legs and unwilling Momma made it quite a task. We tried for about an hour before Ja'el was too tired to continue and settled into a hay nest to sleep. Being born is hard work! We left the new family to bond and checked on them regularly, encouraging nursing each time. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf7cdTMyr6tGAo-r_kXyeYTdkrQzGf2DsPv2qutZqk-qXNZasp9sLYfsbtfQx4u9rCWlkJzIcm-Fc0qP9MZT8IKBFPt1R5ZwR1-nl5NAqbcaMoOGa20aubApS_BxcHgMNACTGCQUXT6w/s2048/143525982_173842720785458_2437108815615148401_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf7cdTMyr6tGAo-r_kXyeYTdkrQzGf2DsPv2qutZqk-qXNZasp9sLYfsbtfQx4u9rCWlkJzIcm-Fc0qP9MZT8IKBFPt1R5ZwR1-nl5NAqbcaMoOGa20aubApS_BxcHgMNACTGCQUXT6w/s320/143525982_173842720785458_2437108815615148401_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottles were quickly accepted.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />By evening, it was clear that Ja'el needed some additional help. Sean milked one side of Iscah's udder and I attempted to bottle feed 3 oz of colostrum. Ja'el took to the bottle without any trouble. Satisfied that she had a full belly, we returned her to her mom. Three hours later, we offered a 2nd bottle when we were still unable to get her to latch on well- even with guidance. We set our alarm to checked the family through the night, ready to bottle feed if necessary, but weighing that need against the real risk of nipple confusion and potentially working against our end goal of Iscah caring for her own kid. Sean got Ja'el to drink several times through the night and things were looking up at the 5 am check in. <br /><br />At 8 am, Ja'el took a turn for the worst, again. Ja'el was curled up next to the hay manger, cold and slow to respond, away from Mom. We brought her inside to warm her once more. A healthy kid can usually maintain their temperature- even in the cold. But, we believe the extra stress of not being cleaned and dried quickly, maybe set her back and made her susceptible to the cold. Once she was warmed, I attempted another bottle. Ja'el refused it for the first time. Not a good sign. We repeatedly tried to get her to nurse from her mom to very little progress. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7LLLdtZFtOpJpN1q_XKaOXRzV4_SnJ_njm_ZNJc67AFnv14z75dBVb6WmVpaiQ-1BzqEFnSrj9lTVSU9J19jD-OaJeg2OQryLy27JFGN5Pnpl8i0XSF58_xkrKndfftJuEJMaW0NgNI/s2048/preview-page-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7LLLdtZFtOpJpN1q_XKaOXRzV4_SnJ_njm_ZNJc67AFnv14z75dBVb6WmVpaiQ-1BzqEFnSrj9lTVSU9J19jD-OaJeg2OQryLy27JFGN5Pnpl8i0XSF58_xkrKndfftJuEJMaW0NgNI/w640-h392/preview-page-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26oZsHXijm1C-ScbzEnISwhJAXYsktXCOirdLjfi5dF4apMPAe82PAP2WrkgCgwcwmXv2FO1z8Dt4K9NzWu5z66bDrWIedr6hJXuwACsMJRmQVwnJm9xKTvBjHmSX-_6hwhdHa9JbdK0/s2048/145774026_522547938715599_1926193005158968264_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26oZsHXijm1C-ScbzEnISwhJAXYsktXCOirdLjfi5dF4apMPAe82PAP2WrkgCgwcwmXv2FO1z8Dt4K9NzWu5z66bDrWIedr6hJXuwACsMJRmQVwnJm9xKTvBjHmSX-_6hwhdHa9JbdK0/s320/145774026_522547938715599_1926193005158968264_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweater time!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Faced with the challenges of a kid who couldn't maintain her temperature nor yet master her legs and a Momma who was reluctant to nurse, paired with incoming snow and more cold weather, we decided to bring both goats into the laundry room for the night. The tiled floor is easy to clean and the room hosts nothing of danger to harm them. Through all of this, I messaged images and video to my local goat people group. Even when you are sure you are doing the right things, another perspective- other suggestions are useful. Ja'el absolutely refused to take a bottle from me. She would nurse for a minute before plopping down to sleep under her mother. We set the alarm and checked the pair through a second night. Finally at 8 am, Sean witnessed Ja'el nursing normally without assistance. Relief! <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG7qqFLOp9qQAxUWWRtjxgy1kIwlgu-JSUPuusuzcnIqsFseYempY1tu-CRtxDB0vgqzR2ZOQ2OlCz1X79q92gDih2B29qWZG0iotby28nSaCULXv-EHMNV7mkKfdhJdF6VEpbeWxRBU/s2048/144046555_2502181500084373_6762914534551432653_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG7qqFLOp9qQAxUWWRtjxgy1kIwlgu-JSUPuusuzcnIqsFseYempY1tu-CRtxDB0vgqzR2ZOQ2OlCz1X79q92gDih2B29qWZG0iotby28nSaCULXv-EHMNV7mkKfdhJdF6VEpbeWxRBU/w240-h320/144046555_2502181500084373_6762914534551432653_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally sorted and doing well.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We kept the pair inside until the evening. Iscah finally seemed to fully accept her daughter so we took the chance of putting a goat sweater on Ja'el to help keep her warm in the barn. We watched the pair through the night, but no more assistance was needed on our part. And, with a bit of drama, 2021's kidding season has begun. I am thankful that it turned out well. I really needed to begin this season with some happiness. Ja'el's welcome cetainly fits that bill nicely. <p></p><p>Thanks for joining us, Friends. We are very happy you are here. <br />Sean & Sonja </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo5Ge2W0gQVgMQOHZNaW5Bm-iYkHmMRyQGqdSlHI3YbhZPp8gb_4BuK9S0Ga2TNRf7xa7m99BfsmWOT1jBgqiUKa-Y0wlrZUf_riFc4BYLL0wJcxVomf1Q3tzORHEiT4WXbLCcwsU-5o/s2048/145300292_1169387510235416_6597346235054926818_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1979" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo5Ge2W0gQVgMQOHZNaW5Bm-iYkHmMRyQGqdSlHI3YbhZPp8gb_4BuK9S0Ga2TNRf7xa7m99BfsmWOT1jBgqiUKa-Y0wlrZUf_riFc4BYLL0wJcxVomf1Q3tzORHEiT4WXbLCcwsU-5o/s320/145300292_1169387510235416_6597346235054926818_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That face! Ja'el looks like her Momma.<br />We think she'll be naturally polled, too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-16978705189566692552021-01-31T10:45:00.002-08:002021-01-31T11:13:56.435-08:00A Different World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlSH21YBnEOK28kHR_b_qzfN-PoZaOMwhm8K5iWsGIJ5lvndGRP8VWS2HAm5qEt6v7lhAirfxE83GhSceTWMc-afRj8xDz7ELePpKkpcIdlGBHdlRuQzJpagzyFBIkk9ooDK8lj4rTbY/s1600/0404201724.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlSH21YBnEOK28kHR_b_qzfN-PoZaOMwhm8K5iWsGIJ5lvndGRP8VWS2HAm5qEt6v7lhAirfxE83GhSceTWMc-afRj8xDz7ELePpKkpcIdlGBHdlRuQzJpagzyFBIkk9ooDK8lj4rTbY/s320/0404201724.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>From April 2020:<br />Did I pick a crazy time to try to return to writing on our website! The world is upside down with fears running wild. In nearly 50 years of living, I have never seen anything like *this*. Schools are closed. Bangor has mandated all non-essential businesses to be closed for the next two weeks. (UPDATE: The State of Maine is under a "Shelter in Place" order until April 30, 2020) Restaurants are "Take Out" only, with doors locked against would-be customers wandering inside. Many people cannot return to their regular workplaces. Some can work from home; others are unemployed for the near future. We are doing the best we can, like many other micro-businesses- we're taking what comes day by day, uncertain if this pandemic is what will cause us to shutter our doors for good. There is no use worrying. Whatever lays at the other side of this will come and we'll adapt to it- even if that means we cannot homestead anymore. We hope that won't be our reality.<br />
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We are taking steps to change with the current state of things. Instead of hosting classes in person, we filmed two live demonstrations and offered incentives to purchase soap and lotion from us on Facebook. Additionally, we offered an online lotion making class via the app, ZOOM. I hoped to sell 12 tickets for it. We sold those within 18 hours and went on to sell another 6 besides. In this way, hay was paid for, grain purchased, and the humans living here purchased groceries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6He4Y3o0JDgz7ohwxfei3pcJDDdVinABqxhue-_vuN8dpH4R0rBDTON2gox1EUDsbUQHqyzxzzSAI3hpfLrgW2Wvs5OerAt06IBDgeVH4H0oERcabuLTeZ_gyLOK0mCcxlDdPIdn9pUk/s1600/0404201723.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6He4Y3o0JDgz7ohwxfei3pcJDDdVinABqxhue-_vuN8dpH4R0rBDTON2gox1EUDsbUQHqyzxzzSAI3hpfLrgW2Wvs5OerAt06IBDgeVH4H0oERcabuLTeZ_gyLOK0mCcxlDdPIdn9pUk/s320/0404201723.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
We were blessed richly in other ways, too. The first blessings came from our hay supplier. Generously, our hay guy (who will always be nameless- homesteaders guard their hay source as if they were a hidden treasure- which they *are* in many ways...) offers us credit through the winter months; we settle up in the spring. Each year we hope we won't need to avail ourselves again come winter. It hasn't been the case yet- like many farms, late winter is our hardest time. That extension of credit, in itself, is a rich blessing. When Sean brought a gift of cheese and eggs and paid on our account a few weeks ago, our supplier unexpectedly informed Sean that he cancelled some of the debt because he wanted to help. Stunned by the offer, but not the generosity behind it, Sean declined, but our hay supplier insisted. Then, the folks of Mudpuppy Farm, who are adopting four goats from us this year, picked up several bags of goat grain to help us feed the herd. Their goats are still living on our homestead, and providing grain and hay is our responsibility until the goaties move to their new home. This gift was also unexpected, but no less appreciated. It took some pressure off our shoulders.<br />
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Sean is using the forced time home (first inclement weather and then Covid-19) to make real progress on our goals. He built the interior wall separating the milk room from the creamery and installed a couple doors; one to the new breezeway entrance and the other from inside the breezeway leading into the milk room. Sean also installed the new metal roof on the breezeway.<br />
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Last weekend, we worked outside. A dear friend, Kathy, donated a 25 foot long piece of metal from when a new roof was installed where she lives. It was the perfect size to replace old, rotting OSB walls in the duck/goose yard. We'll buy another section for the 3rd side, but it looks so much better and will provide a much nicer shelter should any of the birds choose to use it. A spring storm caused the fencing near the roadway to be damaged, but Sean is replacing it, too.<br />
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Times are uncertain. We're strictly obeying the Shelter in Place guidelines, but we are also planning for the immediate future, just in case, you know, the world doesn't end just yet. :) It's a rare thing that Sean has extra time at home to work for us. We are going to do our very best to capitalize on that. To move forward with our dairy, creamery, and commercial kitchen licensing, we need to:<br />
(1) Order the new metal roof for the milk room and creamery (April 10th)<br />
(2) Pick up the insulation, plumbing & wiring (April 22nd)<br />
(3) Install the sheet rock for the Creamery (April 29th)<br />
(4) Lay the tile flooring in the Creamery (April 17th)<br />
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As of right now, I figure we can spend $1200 on the inside of the creamery. That will just about cover what it will cost in materials. The roofing is another matter. We have our thinking caps on. It's going to be a challenge to come up with an additional $1000 for the roofing materials. Challenging, but not impossible. And when we are through and the Covid-19 is contained, we can't wait to host a party to celebrate with all of you!<br />
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<br /><br />I never completed this post to share with you. The world indeed turned upside down. The creamery progressed, but we weren't able to finish it in 2020. Still, the roof was installed, tile flooring finished, walls and cabinetry completed, one sink was dry fit and our heating oven was set it place. And that is where we are today. Still here. Still moving forward. Still uncertain for tomorrow. <br /><br />Please stick around, friends. I am thankful for your generous support and am working my way towards once more sharing the stories of our lives with you. <br /><br />Sean & Sonja </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-36456103611745345982020-03-17T13:11:00.000-07:002020-03-17T13:11:09.192-07:002020 Kid Snuggle Day(s)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We were really looking forward to making new friends and welcoming returning friends to the homestead this weekend, but with growing concerns surrounding the transmission of Covid-19, we have made the difficult decision to post-pone until April 25th. When the CDC and governing officials ask us to help protect the most vulnerable within our community by avoiding gatherings, we listen. For those of you who have already purchased tickets, we will honor your tickets for the same reserved time on April 25th. If that won't work in your schedule, we have opened June 27th as a back-up date. Emails have been sent to current ticket-holders and we'll follow up by Friday with anyone we haven't heard back from. :)<br />
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The upside to this is that we have *more* time to prepare for you! Maybe the studio will be finished before you come? Maybe the goose enclosure will be completed, too? Perhaps we'll have chicks and goslings to snuggle? Who knows! Whatever additional work we can complete, most of all, we'll be looking forward to seeing YOU making friends with the animals who call our homestead their home.<br /><br />I have updated the new date on the tickets available exclusively online <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snuggle-feed-goat-kids-at-lally-broch-farm-tickets-93425370799" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">HERE</span></b></i></a>. If you missed out on getting your tickets, there is now still time! ♥<br /><br />We are looking forward to your visit! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-28449550105251976362020-03-12T11:31:00.001-07:002020-03-12T11:31:57.973-07:00Eden's Passing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Eden passed at 6 am. Despite the antibiotics and our best efforts, after her initial rally in the morning (see yesterday's posted video), Eden steadily declined through the afternoon and into the evening. Sean and I stayed the night on the couch with her held in my arms. She became limp and unresponsive at 4:30 am and died shortly after.<br /><br />Initially, Sean attempted to resuscitate Eden, but with her long-term prognosis being grim, I asked him to let her go. While there was a chance for her to recover and for us to look into surgery if she lived long enough to grow large enough to attempt it, I was willing to do what I could to help her survive. Once her body began to shut down, no matter how sweet a kid, we had to let her go as peacefully as possible. She passed in my arms, warm and loved.<br /><br />This is one of the hardest parts of farming- the feeling of futility that comes in the face of an inevitable loss. It never gets easier. Often such losses feel like a personal affront to the love, care and great effort expended in the hopes of a good outcome. "Not on my watch!" we determine. Then, sanity and reality return. We are not all knowing. We hold no special powers to correct congenital defects. So, we are left with two choices and it is not in us to quit. We choose to do our best for those in our care, whether that means helping them to fight to live or helping them to ease their suffering. We simply do our best. <div>
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What did we learn from this? After 10 years, we were bound to see a case of cleft palette. Along with a myriad of other conditions, it happens. Now that it has happened here, we will know what signs to look for sooner. The prognosis is still poor, but with early detection, we might avoid the complication of aspiration pneumonia. I've been reading up on the condition on reputable Veterinary and Medical sites since Eden was diagnosed. If you want to read more on this topic, these links might interest you:</div>
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From Goat Vet Corner: Cleft Palette Information: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/goat-vet-corner/cleft-palate-and-cleft-lip/1935830623330010/">https://www.facebook.com/notes/goat-vet-corner/cleft-palate-and-cleft-lip/1935830623330010/</a><br /><br />Cleft palette in goats because of eating plants: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2089736">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2089736</a><br /><br />Prenatal cleft repair in goats to assist in human applications (We do NOT support intentionally breeding animals with defects in order to cure diseases, but this article is interesting in terms of what repairs might become available to help when this condition happens naturally. Animal testing is repugnant to us.) <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2089736">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2089736</a><br /><div>
<br />I began writing again because I missed it and with the first round of goat kids behind us, and the next set not due until May, I thought this was a good window in which to begin. Lots of posts about chicks hatching, creamery build progress, and happy bouncing kids. In the days to come, I am hopeful to get back to those kinds of happy posts. </div>
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<br />Meanwhile, thanks for visiting with us, Friends. We are glad you are here.<br />Sonja and Sean♥</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-65974971643605427402020-03-11T11:05:00.000-07:002020-03-11T11:10:42.287-07:00Eden's Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Eden had a rough night. After tube feeding her last night, she was lethargic. Her breathing was labored and raspy. I hoped she was just feeling contentedly "milk drunk", but my instincts feared otherwise. Her lack of energy could be from the struggle to breathe properly with the congestion in her nose and chest. Or, it could be a result of the extra stress of going to the Veterinarian's office and receiving injections of an antibiotic and BoSe. Maybe being apart from her family caused her to shut down in defeat. <br />
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We took inventory of the situation. Since Dr. Sarah recommended pulling her from her Mother altogether, we decided keeping her in with us overnight might be best. At worst, Eden might pass during the night in my arms. At best, I could be close enough to respond if she needed us. I wrapped Eden in a soft towel and held her in my arms until 2:30 am. I applied peppermint essential oil in a coconut carrier to the towel near her nose to help loosen her congestion every 90 minutes or so and wiped her nose of any mucus. <br />
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She woke with a plaintive cry at 2:30 am. I woke Sean and he took her outside in case she needed to urinate. She didn't. She couldn't stand on her own and at this point we were pretty sure we would lose her before morning. Eden collapsed back to sleep until she stirred again at 6 am. Sean took her back outside to see if she needed to urinate, but again- she didn't and she still couldn't stand. She was fussing and mouthing at the blanket, so we tube fed her 3 oz of warmed goat's milk and dosed her with her antibiotic injection. I didn't tube feed her in the middle of the night because she was so lethargic, she wasn't breathing well, and could barely hold her head up. I don't want to lose her, but I also don't want to contribute to her suffering needlessly.<br />
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By 7:30 am, it was time to milk, so Sean brought Eden outside to her mother to watch over while we did that necessary chore. I didn't see it because I was preparing for milking, but Sean reported that as soon as he reached the barn, Eden heard goats bleating in the field and stirred. When she saw Birgitta, she ran to her and immediately attempted to nurse with interest (which is not ideal, but understandable). Birgitta accepted her back, but didn't let her nurse more than a minute before kicking away to eat her own breakfast. By the time I saw her after milking, Eden was following her brother around and attempting to escape through the pen slats.<br />
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We tube fed Eden again at 10 am and immediately returned her to her Mom. Birgitta, Micah, and Eden were curled up for a nap at noon. So, that's where we are. Her congestion seems much less than yesterday, but her lack of energy is a huge concern. We'll keep evaluating through the day and night.<br />
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Thanks for visiting today. ♥<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-83769706080496206562020-03-10T20:18:00.000-07:002020-03-10T20:18:50.429-07:00Pneumonia and other considerations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, my intention was to lop a few easy pitches. This is farming and there are plenty of heartbreaks to go around, but there are also days of peace, joy, fulfillment, and happiness. With the nine does we hadn't planned to breed this year dropping 14 sweet, bouncing babies, I felt that I could talk about them for a bit. (<i>They</i> obviously had other plans regarding breeding. #12weekoldbucks*can*breed #doecode #whattheevenheck #goatsgottado #unauthorizedbreeding #Iknewitwastechnicallypossible,but8?!?!?!?! #bonusbabies #COSMOS!!!!!) I mean, a little fluff before we delve back into the grit. Is that too much to ask? I guess so...<br />
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Eden hasn't had a great beginning. Born along side her thriving twin on February 20th to Birgitta, Eden has caused some concern from the start. At birth, she just looked "off"; there wasn't anything wrong with her per se, but she stood oddly with her head down and body scrunched up. Sometimes kids need a bit to sort themselves out. We gave the kids and Birgitta their dose of Selenium & Vit. E gel. Since we live in a selenium deficient state, all newborns get this when they are born.<br />
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Of immediate concern, was that Eden wasn't as interested as her brother, Micah, in nursing. She <i>was</i> latching on and eating, but not with the usual vigor. We started watching her carefully several times each day. Over the next couple days, we noticed that overall she seemed weaker than Micah. She would latch on and suckle for a few minutes, but then fall off, sputter a little and shake her head. Eden repeated this cycle each time we watched her nurse. A finger near her mouth didn't elicit a suck response either. We chalked it up to inexperience coupled with some nasal congestion- possibly from inhaling birth fluids, which is not uncommon and usually resolves on its own. I was concerned that Eden wasn't getting enough milk and considered tube feeding her a couple times to make sure she was getting a proper share of milk. Without a proper suck response, bottle feeding would be too dangerous. Milk aspirating into lungs is often fatal.<br />
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When Shea from Knotty Goat Soapery popped over for a visit, she agreed that something appeared "off" and that tube feeding might be a good idea. I have had to tube feed kids for various reasons through the years and know how to, but Shea worked as a vet tech. I took advantage of her visit to help with holding Eden and watching my technique- since I hadn't needed to do this in a year or so. I am a firm believer in getting advice and help from those who may know more than I do and passing along knowledge to those who might use it. It takes a village- even when it comes to animals. :)<br />
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There are things to consider before supplementing feedings. It can become a self-fulfilling problem. One thinks the kid isn't eating enough, so it gets fed a bottle. Now that their hunger has been satisfied, they may not nurse, leaving them weaker and in need of a supplemental feeding. So, you feed a bottle, which means they eat less from Mom... and round and round it can go. It can snowball into raising "bottle babies"- which is rarely the best plan for kids. Whenever possible, nursing from their Mothers in the way kids are designed to do is best for the Moms, best for the kids, and really best for the humans. (While kids *can* be fed only 3-4 times per day and live, it is best practice to follow the natural feeding schedule does employ- feeding smaller amounts, every few hours, around the clock. When we are forced by circumstances to bottle feed, this is what we commit to... and it is exhausting.) Sometimes it <i>is</i> necessary of offer supplemental feedings, though. Each situation should be considered based on its unique factors. We do nothing on a whim.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eden and her brother, Micah.<br />
HUGE size difference!</td></tr>
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Over the next day, Eden was tube fed a couple times until she seemed to be improving. Two weeks passed. In that time, Eden was active and alert. She began to follow her brother around. While it wasn't the normal, rough and tumble bouncing I was used to, Eden was beginning to be more and more active. She still never seemed to nurse as long as Micah. The congestion in her nose came and went. Sometimes it was quite pronounced, other times she appeared normal. We had had good success in the past treating slight nasal congestion with a combination of Triaminic and using peppermint essential oils diluted in coconut oil as a rub. We used those treatments on Eden when her symptoms warranted them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Vet's office this morning.</td></tr>
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This morning, her condition changed dramatically. The congestion that had been intermittent, settled into her lungs with a clearly discernible rattle. Sean called the Belfast Veterinary Hospital and we got an appointment for the afternoon. Upon examination, Dr. Sarah discovered Eden has a very pronounced cleft palette. For those unsure of what that is, basically, the boney structure at the roof of her mouth did not develop properly. There is a good sized hole which allows milk to travel from her mouth to her nose. It prevents her from creating the vacuum pressure to swallow properly, so drinking life-sustaining milk is a tremendous challenge. This condition often results in the decision to euthanize. The deformity commonly results in susceptibility to pneumonia, failure to thrive because getting enough nutrition will be a life-long hurdle, and the inadvisability of future breeding. Breeding is avoided because Eden will have a hard time maintaining her weight without the demands on her body carrying kids will cause. And, too, while we don't believe it is the case with her, cleft palette can be hereditary. So, though she is EXACTLY perfect in every other aspect in terms of what traits our farm is hoping to breed: naturally polled, lamanchas with excellent milk lines- this deformity means Eden can't be a mother as things stand. Right now, we're more concerned with whether or not she can live.<br />
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We discussed these dangers and concerns at length with Dr. Sarah and are following her advice- with a couple of adjustments. Dr. Sarah has suggested we pull Eden from her mother and tube feed her for the next 8 weeks or so. Tube feeding each meal will completely by-pass her cleft palette and reduce the risk of pneumonia. She gave us injections of Nuflor antibiotic to treat Eden over the next 3 days. Dr. Sarah thinks its worth waiting to see if there are any changes to the palette as she gets some size and weight on her. It is possible to have repair surgery done when she is a little older. Surgery comes with its own risks to weigh. Dr. Sarah offered to call in a consult because though she has performed the tricky surgery on other animals, there is a huge chance of infection and the surgery itself is tricky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birgitta's Family 2020</td></tr>
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So, we are taking her advice and tube feeding her to supplement her diet. The change that we are making is this: pulling Eden from her family. Eden is 17 days old. That means that she has been dealing with and figuring out a way to eat enough milk to be an active- if not bouncy- goat kid. She climbs with her brother on top of crates and through pens. It is a risk to allow her to remain with her family. We think the risk of pulling her outweighs it. Separating her from her family means that she will be raised alone for months. She won't forge the bonds she needs to be part of her herd, an outcast that may always be bullied. The loneliness of separation can cause depression and for her to give up the will to live that she has been demonstrating. We believe in her. She has found a way to function for this long, we are hopeful that with support, she will continue on that path.<br />
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But, she may not. It isn't an easy path ahead. She's having some trouble with congestion tonight. We'll be monitoring her closely, but the reality is- there isn't a whole lot more we can do tonight. She has been given the antibiotic to help her lungs. She's had a dose of the steroid Dexamethasone to help open her airways. She's been tube fed. She is warm, dry, and surrounded by love.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-40523676890408993192020-03-08T05:44:00.001-07:002020-03-10T03:10:29.942-07:00It's Been A Minute...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't written in too long. I wanted to for a while and life moved along. I felt guilty that I never carved out the time to update our website and life moved along. I closed my laptop and put it away and life moved along. I felt the tug to rekindle this journal and life moved along. Some pretty major events happened since I last thought to include you in our world. Our youngest two daughters graduated from High School. Sean's Dad dedicated himself to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication in baptism. We added peafowl to the homestead. Our herd of dairy goats grew to around 50 (!) and we framed out and roughed in our new Creamery and Milk room. Sean worked for himself for all of 2019. Our family spent 9 days in Florida. We added two new vehicles and a hay trailer to our name. It's been a minute.<br />
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We had some challenges and losses, too. If you have been following us on Facebook, you've seen those we've shared. I contracted Lyme's Disease and it took (it's still taking?) time to regain myself. Though I am mostly "me" again, the dread that it could come back unsettles me. New mental scars to match the physical ones acquired. My determination took a punch, but slowly I am accepting my new "normal".<br />
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One positive I took away was necessary and critical re-evaluation of our life- the time and energy we use in worship, in providing for our family, and in recreational activities. Honest reflection leads to making thoughtful choices so we can reach our goals. It relieves the guilt of saying, "No" to things that take our time, energy, and money and don't add to our joy. Changes have been made and continue to be made, one of them brings me here. I have missed sharing our journey with all of you.<br />
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I won't promise to meet deadlines, to fill certain content, or anything else- except that I *will* write again. As often as I can without it becoming a chore or a burden. If you are following us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lallybrochfarm" target="_blank">Facebook</a>- we appreciate it- and we'll continue posting memes, pictures, and quick snippets there. Once in a blue moon, I also share to Instagram, too. But, if you are looking for more depth, if you want to be immersed in our life, join us right here. ♥<br />
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Thanks for visiting with us today, Friends. I've missed you.<br />
Sonja ♥</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-17873801835512993002018-06-06T18:52:00.000-07:002018-06-06T19:39:00.666-07:00How We Helped a Gosling Hatch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last Wednesday morning, our Sebastapol geese's nest hatched and we were pleased to meet their two goslings. In the nest remained four unhatched eggs. Sometimes the unhatched eggs will hatch slightly later. If they don't, we candle the eggs to see if they are developing. If so, we move any viable eggs into another nest to have a shot at hatching. Most often, the unhatched eggs were either never fertilized or the embryo died at some earlier point of development. In either of those cases, the eggs have to be disposed of before they begin to rot.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xyOaYiE_UY7aN0-6564jOsLN0rwx0ugPOVI3ZoRm_LI3uYhtWIbT7dl6-QdoxJRr2Kxdz_H2srV0tFR2_mlTNJ14sGuJojbNmnqny8hsoO6ryPXh4wufdSr1agVDwDdYKbxptr6brrI/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xyOaYiE_UY7aN0-6564jOsLN0rwx0ugPOVI3ZoRm_LI3uYhtWIbT7dl6-QdoxJRr2Kxdz_H2srV0tFR2_mlTNJ14sGuJojbNmnqny8hsoO6ryPXh4wufdSr1agVDwDdYKbxptr6brrI/s320/IMG_6300.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Thursday evening, Sean checked the eggs to remove those that needed it and discovered an egg stalled in the hatching process. It was growing cold and the geese had already abandoned the remaining eggs in the nest, so we made the call to try to help this little one to hatch. We have had both success and failure at this, but weighed against doing nothing resulting in most likely it's death, we had to at least try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB66XAgxPUJdMqhCSd_xW-ARKYCgwjTfm4B3NQcK4MubVJwHbi_1kNZaAZB2CTuV1kiuKiJ4L04KtlrIB182luNxHVVHO-91Y_eirk8biEPX9RNsIJSJYrup9E8G0IjuTUJtFFNPzM8M/s1600/IMG_6309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB66XAgxPUJdMqhCSd_xW-ARKYCgwjTfm4B3NQcK4MubVJwHbi_1kNZaAZB2CTuV1kiuKiJ4L04KtlrIB182luNxHVVHO-91Y_eirk8biEPX9RNsIJSJYrup9E8G0IjuTUJtFFNPzM8M/s320/IMG_6309.JPG" width="320" /></a>It takes hours to help a bird to hatch. It must be done slowly, mimicking nature. Gentle tapping on the outside of the egg, stimulates the processes of closing off umbilicus and readying the chick for hatching. Care must be taken to not breech veins that might cause too much bleeding.<br />
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Helping this gosling was not without trouble. The first day, it was so weak that it could barely lift its head. Then, it developed splay-leg (or sprattle leg) and needed us to make braces from band-aids to align its legs properly for another 24 hours. It imprinted on Sonja. While that is sweet, it makes it hard to integrate the gosling back to its family.<br />
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This is what happened for us...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning snuggle buddy. #farmhairdontcare</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath time! </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-4736966168711399972018-04-18T18:29:00.000-07:002018-04-19T06:28:26.453-07:00Hiking with Goats (and advocating for animal welfare)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love, Love LOVE the article that Aislinn Sarnacki of Bangor Daily News wrote about our hiking adventures. <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2018/04/18/homestead/baby-goats-make-great-hiking-companions-at-frankfort-farm/" target="_blank">READ IT HERE.</a> I think the article and video shows the best parts of what we do here on the homestead. Hiking with our goats is certainly one of the most fun for both us and our goats. But, in the interest of advocating for the best care of animals, I wanted to take just a minute to clarify two points.<br />
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"Goats are just like dogs or cats." This sentiment was voiced by several of our hikers and I knew what they meant. But, I want to make sure that you all do, too. While there are some similarities; they both are smart and can be friendly, are both mammals, and have wagging tails- caring for goats is vastly different than having a dog. Goats do not make good house pets, for one thing since they are very happy to eliminate their body waste (in all its forms) wherever they are at the time. They are herd animals and NEED a herd of at least one other, and preferably two other goat companions. I could go on and on, but my main point is- goats make lovely companion animals when they have their needs met with appropriate shelter, herd mates, nutrition and care. Please, do not purchase goat kids on a whim because they are cute. They are but they grow and you may find that the "cuteness" wears off. Do not purchase a goat to be a house-goat. It is not what is best for that goat. Caring for an animal is a commitment. If you are not in a situation that is right for getting goats, visit farms that have goats and get your goaty fix there. :)<br />
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This is another clarification I feel we need to add: we select the goats for each hike based on factors that will ensure that all parties enjoy the hike; goats and guests alike. Some goats prefer other goats to people and would rather stay with their herd; we respect that. Some mothers would get stressed to find their kid missing for a few hours; we consider that. A goat may be feeling unwell or recovering from an injury; we won't add stress to their life for a recreational activity. This being the case, your hike may include goats of various ages, not just goat kids. It may not include goat kids at all. You may hike with yearlings or older goats who need the extra attention and would benefit from the exercise. The group hike featured in this article included two sets of twins, all bottle kids. As the first hike of the season, we were unsure of the trail conditions. It was important that we selected kids who we knew would stay with us and be easy to handle should we need to make adjustments. Carter and Benton will probably go on our next hike again, but Malik developed a touch of pneumonia this week. Though his treatments are finished and he is back to his bouncy self, we won't bring him along this week. He will do better resting at the homestead, so we'll select another goat (or two) for the hikes on Saturday. Our goats' health and well-being are the MOST important concern for us. Always.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter and Alana resting at the top</td></tr>
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Lastly, we do not host birthday parties or any kind of gathering, really, at the homestead. We're not set up for hosting large groups and having too many people at once would stress us all out- me included. :) We do host up to 6 people for private hikes a couple of times each month. We hope you will choose to visit us and enjoy the experience of hiking with our goats. Currently, we have two times still available. They are:<br />
May 5 2-5 pm <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afternoon-hiking-with-goats-tickets-45179286462" target="_blank">RESERVE TICKETS HERE</a><br />
May 30 10 am-1 pm <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morning-hiking-with-goats-tickets-45180246333" target="_blank">RESERVE TICKETS HERE</a><br />
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If you would like to hike at a different time, please contact us at 207-323-4982 and we will see what we can do to schedule your preferred date.<br />
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You can enter to WIN a Goat Hike sponsored by Tiller & Rye in Brewer, Maine. This two week event will support Bangor Area Food Cupboards to assist those with a need in our community. To enter the drawing, simply bring in a non-perishable food item to Tiller & Rye from now until April 30th. Put your name in the drawing. You can enter once each day in store. Or, if you're not local, but still want to participate, follow this link and make an online donation. It's easy! Just click on tickets and decide how much you want to donate. We'll use your donation to purchase organic non-perishables and give you an entry for every dollar you donate. You can do that here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-hiking-with-goats-drawing-tickets-45242376165#tickets" target="_blank">DONATION </a><br />
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We are excited for a new season to begin on the homestead and are looking forward to meeting many of you in person.<br />
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Thanks for visiting with us today.<br />
Sean and Sonja<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-51881721989774378142018-03-08T10:02:00.001-08:002018-03-08T10:02:49.862-08:00Happy Goat Kids, Playing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As promised for those who did not want to see the graphic realities of difficult births and still-born goat kids (I don't blame you one bit!) I am reposting the video of Rachel's twins and Bailey's boys. Four minutes of happiness for your enjoyment. It was balm to my heart to sit and watch their silly bouncing while Sean cleaned out the kidding stall. I hope your heart feels that happiness, too<br /><br /><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qyDEkp9HS8U" width="560"></iframe></div>
Thanks for visiting with us today.
Sean & Sonja
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-21401628434035015692018-03-06T20:36:00.000-08:002018-03-06T20:40:54.283-08:00WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES Rachel Kids Triples; Breech Birth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I meant to write about Rachel's kidding on Saturday, but our girls returned from visiting their grandparents in Bar Harbor and we spent time catching up on their week and watching a movie together. #familycomesfirst Then, the week got away from me a little. I finished four orders and got them in the mail, helped Sean with a couple small projects, and now it is Tuesday. On the bright side, that means that I can tell you about the kidding AND I have pictures and videos of kid and Momma updates.<br />
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Friday night was the last night of our week home alone together. We planned to spend it making dinner together (homemade spaghetti and meatballs- soooo good!) and renting a movie online to watch. I asked Sean to give me until 6:30 to finish up making the Bee's Wax Wraps™ I needed to complete an order going out to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saltyteacup/" target="_blank">Salty Teacup</a> #SaltyTeacup. He agreed and went out to feed Benton and Carter their 6 pm bottle. While he was in the barn, he saw Rachel do a series of deep stretching, low moans, and pawing the hay...<br />
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"Sorry, Babe. You need to wrap up now." Sean said as he came into the kitchen.<br />
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"I am almost done..." I started to respond.<br />
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"Time's Up. Rachel's pushing." Sean interrupted with a grin. This was wonderful news! Fresh milk for Carter and Benton! No more frozen milk for the twins! Fresh milk for US for cheese in the coming months. Plus, anticipated twins from one of our easiest does to help deliver. Rachel has never had any issues in kidding. She is so predictable, we planned on trying to "Go Live" via Facebook so those friend who wanted to watch the delivery, could.<br />
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The kidding kit was already packed and in the barn. I grabbed my camera and boots and headed to the barn with Sean. When we arrived, Rachel was doing all the pre-labor things we look for; staring off into space, pawing the ground, getting up, laying down, panting, breathing harder than normal, calling softly... There was no tell-tale "bubble" to signal an immediate delivery, so we settled in. We chatted quietly to ourselves. Sean plugged in the cell phone to continue charging so we could attempt to go live when things started happening. We took turns rubbing Rachel's cheeks and scratching her neck.<br />
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Two hours past. Things started settling into a rhythm. Rachel's contractions were coming every minute or so and lasting for 15-20 seconds each time. She started to push regularly. Still, no bubble. Sean and I grew concerned that something was wrong. We have assisted with kiddings when there are complications, but it is a delicate balance. On the one hand, once the bubble appears, we know that the general rule of thumb is the first kid should present within 30 minutes. On the other hand, interfering before Rachel's body had stretched to accommodate the kid coming can damage Rachel or the kid. It is too easy to rupture a membrane or cause injury. We try not to interfere as long as there is progress. Rachel did not appear to be as fully dilated as she should be and though we could see the bubble just inside, it was not progressing normally. We decided to try to gently feel the entrance to see if we could detect a problem. I gloved up and Sean squirted my hands with veterinary lubricant.<br />
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Keeping my fingers together, (always! always!) I gently felt around the opening. I could feel the bubble, but I couldn't feel anything inside it. I was torn. I didn't want to interfere if things were progressing, just slower than I expected from our experience with Rachel in the past. I didn't want to wait too long and risk losing Rachel or her kids to complications. Sean's gut told him something was wrong. He called our veterinarian, Dr. Tanja Ebel and texted her images of what we were seeing.<br />
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Dr. Tanja confirmed that Rachel was pushing too long and that we needed to get a good internal examination to figure out what was amiss. From the video text and pictures we sent her, Dr. Tanja thought that she was seeing a detached placenta. This was an emergency. Without the placenta providing oxygen and nutrients, the kid was dead. Sean squirted more lubricant on my gloved hands and I tried to carefully reach inside to feel what what happening. The bubble burst immediately. <i>"No! No! No!"</i> That was <i>NOT</i> what I was trying to do! I could hear Dr. Tanja on the phone saying, "The kid is most likely dead. You need to feel inside and get its head and feet to pull it out." Sean relayed to Dr. Tanja, "The kids were alive when we came out here. We could see and feel them moving." I was listening to them discuss what needed to happen, but the sound of my racing heart filled my ears. Along with it was the thought that I was going to mess up and kill Sean's Rachel. (We all love Rachel, but she is most definitely <i>his</i> goat. There is such a bond there. I knew what I had to do, but the thought of causing her death or contributing to it made me sick.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaDgd6ptTllhrNb3C2g9Bm_jXtDnsFZdOlBXDg5kWVJgpaxYSENdt7jUNZbVz66nYXgsaK6DX5c8HnuNoBCZG7ajW-jy8dDDUi6hzr063BfN9pbF_o4SCbyDaL2Q8_8ZREwv9JPlVBmE/s1600/IMG_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaDgd6ptTllhrNb3C2g9Bm_jXtDnsFZdOlBXDg5kWVJgpaxYSENdt7jUNZbVz66nYXgsaK6DX5c8HnuNoBCZG7ajW-jy8dDDUi6hzr063BfN9pbF_o4SCbyDaL2Q8_8ZREwv9JPlVBmE/s320/IMG_5446.JPG" width="320" /></a>I reached my entire hand and forearm inside Rachel and felt. <i>What was this? Was it a head? Please let it be a head. No. No eyes or mouth. What is this?</i> I continued to one side and felt a tiny fold- <i>a leg. Okay. Leg. No head. </i>Then, I saw a tail and knew<i> </i>this kid was breach. Full-on breech. Butt first. Legs tucked back underneath it. With gentle pressure, I pushed the butt back into Rachel as far as I could. Then, I felt for the right hind leg. I rotated it back so it was sticking out. My hand back inside, I felt along the other side for the left hind leg and rotated it back, too. Rachel was crying out. It was awful. With both legs presenting, using steady downward arching pressure, I pulled the dead kid free and placed it on the towel Sean had ready. My head was not registering what I was seeing, so I started to look for signs of life. Dr. Tanja's voice cut through my thoughts, "Feel with your thumb and forefinger on either side of the ribs. If there is no heart beat. Move on. You need to get the other kids out NOW!" I checked. There were no signs of life, no heart beat. In fact, the eyes were sunken in and she looked as if she had died some time ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQlBUrxw0RDPv2qIcknqm92KcqDG028uoIhaXaBQec-3DPQ_QF_dZUICeUclz2kJyxJWECiimzljur29ZCOQqV8zMFm0POiDJLVEgyV8ncgyh7DqCJabYA-r4PgBhYXKYRTSNbVYfjC8/s1600/IMG_5449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQlBUrxw0RDPv2qIcknqm92KcqDG028uoIhaXaBQec-3DPQ_QF_dZUICeUclz2kJyxJWECiimzljur29ZCOQqV8zMFm0POiDJLVEgyV8ncgyh7DqCJabYA-r4PgBhYXKYRTSNbVYfjC8/s400/IMG_5449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I carefully reentered Rachel and pushed my hand past the pelvic bones. I felt two heads pushing on the other side of the hips, not in the birth canal. I pushed the kid on the right back and pulled the head of the kid on the left forward. I could only locate the second kid's left foreleg, but head and leg was enough to pull it free. <i>It was alive! </i>"It's breathing!" I called to Dr. Tanja and Sean. Sean grabbed the second kid in a towel and brought her to Rachel's head where she began cleaning her baby immediately. I did not see any of this. I was busy with pulling the third kid free. This one was also alive. I laid it on a fresh towel. I felt around once more to make sure there wasn't a fourth kid waiting. There wasn't. Adrenaline is a strange thing. My arm and back ached from the pressure of contractions biting down on my arm and the strain of pulling the kids free. Unable to keep my feet under me any longer, I sat down on the chair and started to shake from head to toe and cry. I was fairly useless from then on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdPx8FHP9UXw8StKBNKiqTy26kQ4pRrC6YlKDFlUJyMpNftS3_0DKSQe2XbUFGzXMSwbAYi5DbxZS3yP-crsal33SId1899j4339PINn6f-hfM7pJPiJHOioWALObNDoEkrQ6TvCEwaI/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdPx8FHP9UXw8StKBNKiqTy26kQ4pRrC6YlKDFlUJyMpNftS3_0DKSQe2XbUFGzXMSwbAYi5DbxZS3yP-crsal33SId1899j4339PINn6f-hfM7pJPiJHOioWALObNDoEkrQ6TvCEwaI/s400/IMG_5454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Sean took care of cleaning up supplies, gathering towels and equipment. He made sure both kids were able to latch on. We waited for about an hour and then, Sean took me inside. Before we went inside we took a look at the kids and was very happy to find two does born. The one who died was also a doe. Three does!<br />
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Sean set his alarm for the next bottle feeding for Bailey's boys and we went to bed without dinner.<br />
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WARNING: This video might upset some readers. It does not show the birth because of the complications, we could not record it. It shows Rachel in distress and labor leading up to the birth and then, wet kids newly born. It finishes with day-old kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8h2vyeEnvgV15peluLnQxLE39Q4L8P9Dh-yolWPsiJrb4W5h0LRgnfGOjZ5j5DHBCV-N7VDg-4czTxm-bXMHPMkbC_0eE5OgF44TLUzEtW05GEacUhsyX0yNYqB__eimUyOVvQDLtBU/s1600/IMG_5460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8h2vyeEnvgV15peluLnQxLE39Q4L8P9Dh-yolWPsiJrb4W5h0LRgnfGOjZ5j5DHBCV-N7VDg-4czTxm-bXMHPMkbC_0eE5OgF44TLUzEtW05GEacUhsyX0yNYqB__eimUyOVvQDLtBU/s400/IMG_5460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I'd like to say the rest was smooth sailing, but it was not quite. Because Rachel's placenta detached, there was a concern as to whether her milk would be the necessary colostrum or milk. Sean stripped some test milk from both sides. One side looked thick and creamy yellow, like colostrum does. The other side looked white like milk. We are sending off samples to the University of Maine for testing. We want to make sure that the milk has no dangerous bacteria in it. In the meantime, we gave the kids colostrum paste as a protective measure. We are taking all of their temperatures to watch for any signs of infection. We don't think it likely, but because of the rough delivery, it is possible and warrants some additional measures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfCJjIjNFrrO7xMAet99np700qzFOcNaU-KAlG9P8YO_XE6BYovMBO1N5IiVk-JjvCvQ20j5EbMopEb4iIUv2yiMcj1TMC4nxEWYcxJ_-ea9VQtNFeqIw6rWmSb1FMsa2xi0sQnvmNlM/s1600/IMG_5470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfCJjIjNFrrO7xMAet99np700qzFOcNaU-KAlG9P8YO_XE6BYovMBO1N5IiVk-JjvCvQ20j5EbMopEb4iIUv2yiMcj1TMC4nxEWYcxJ_-ea9VQtNFeqIw6rWmSb1FMsa2xi0sQnvmNlM/s400/IMG_5470.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took 36 hours for Rachel to expel her placenta.<br />
Within the 48 hour time frame, but longer than we like.</td></tr>
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Originally we told you that we had three does delivered. We were wrong about that. In the light of day and without the stress, we took a better look at the new kids. The second one born, Honey, (she has ears) is indeed a doe. The third kid born, Luka, (lamancha-earred) is actually a buck. The little kid that died was a lamancha-earred doe, colored like Luka.<br />
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I am happy to report that this is Day 3 and everyone is behaving normally. The kids are up and active. They found their leg springs this morning, which was a delight to watch. Rachel has passed her placenta and is eating with a good appetite. She is a doting mother, as we have come to expect. This will be Rachel's last kidding for us. We had scheduled her to breed this fall for next spring as her final kidding, but since she got pregnant a year early, she is officially retired- if she will cooperate and stay away from Asher!<br />
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As you can see in the video, Bailey is alert and interested in life. Her scouring has subsided and she is eating with an appetite again. She is still limping on her right foreleg, but we are hopeful of a full recovery for her. I have more images and a post about her tomorrow. I'll also repost this video for those who wanted to skip this post.<br />
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Thanks for being with us through the good times and the rough times.<br />
We appreciate your warm wishes and prayers for wisdom as we make difficult decisions.<br />
~Sean & Sonja </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-78319388883333885852018-02-27T09:30:00.001-08:002018-02-27T09:30:32.199-08:00How we Bottle-Feed Goat Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4saLWHdFOOcgEQZFh7CNridkCND2nfLNwADfsjtxZL07-OUAMotTYhMilomSRrqoms7ntCTIa49XCSEEa1wCHdJEoySpnu1LlmtYiwDCWeaSpRIHjQz_WKaNGF9MjD3mz6bp3zfxYzw/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4saLWHdFOOcgEQZFh7CNridkCND2nfLNwADfsjtxZL07-OUAMotTYhMilomSRrqoms7ntCTIa49XCSEEa1wCHdJEoySpnu1LlmtYiwDCWeaSpRIHjQz_WKaNGF9MjD3mz6bp3zfxYzw/s400/IMG_5384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter using my finger as a pacifier. :)</td></tr>
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I repeat this often in posts because I feel passionately about it. We only bottle-feed goat kids as a <i>very</i> last resort; when, for whatever reason, the Mother can't and the alternative would be starving kids. Our reason for this is simple. It is what is BEST for the kids. Period. Goats have a herd hierarchy. Bottle-babies, removed from the herd and raised with people, have a hard time adjusting to that. We have seen kids bullied and have lost yearlings because they were not fully accepted into their herd. I am not saying that this always happens, but it does happen- and it doesn't need to. Mothers teach their young goat manners and protect them when necessary. Secondly, kid-replacer is a suitable substitute for their mother's milk, but it is not the BEST nutrition for goat kids- their Mother's milk is. It contains the right blend of nutrients and is fed in the right amounts to goat kids. I have yet to see a case of floppy kid syndrome in a dam-raised kid. (I am sure there are exceptions, but I have never seen it.) Finally, rows of milk bottles lined up in a board without any kind of contact is.... cold. Sterile. I imagine it saves time and does the job of giving the kids nutrition and nothing else.<br />
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I am not saying our way is better than how some commercial goat dairies raise their kids, but I think there are benefits to being hands on with every kid where bottle feeding is necessary. And, I think keeping kids with their Mothers until they are weaned is a kinder, more humane practice than selling kids early.<br />
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This is how we do it...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnkP73ayBb67MN-3uuVWSkdvHO4QtkpQRVcK7NS8lWSOsY-1l-I1YqR-SP1UVkApixBjjk2sURoUkRwmygZBDhw5AYpYD5g_Zv7VyfUcSnAYEbcVwopYT3mww_liYAKH3nXfaNGYa9pQ/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnkP73ayBb67MN-3uuVWSkdvHO4QtkpQRVcK7NS8lWSOsY-1l-I1YqR-SP1UVkApixBjjk2sURoUkRwmygZBDhw5AYpYD5g_Zv7VyfUcSnAYEbcVwopYT3mww_liYAKH3nXfaNGYa9pQ/s400/IMG_5385.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benton playing on Bailey. She is so patient! </td></tr>
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Carter and Benton are just 2 days old and took to the bottle immediately. We use a regular human baby bottle. Other nipples and styles are sold and some people prefer them. We have purchased Prichard type bottles and nipples, but in our experience, human baby bottles work as well, are inexpensive, easy to clean, and our kids prefer them. These kids will get fed 4 oz of goat's milk every 3 hours around the clock. We increase the amount of milk at each feeding to coincide with the weight they are gaining. The rule of thumb is 4 oz per 5 pounds every 3-4 hours. In time, as the kids' rumens develop and they are eating hay and browsing, we will increase the time between bottles until they are getting 4 bottles each day. When the time comes that their rumen is developed and they can eat hay and browse exclusively, we will wean them until they no longer drink milk. Bailey is with her kids while we feed them. She cleans them. She mothers them. We are only providing the milk but the kids are Bailey's to mother. (Ok... we provide some cuddles, scratching and appropriate people interaction. It is too hard to resist those faces! Besides, we do want them to be comfortable around people and friendly. We just also want them to BE goats. ♥)<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today. (And tolerating my soap-box rant.)<br />Sonja ♥</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-61983622249583219142018-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:002018-02-26T17:39:11.053-08:00Homestead Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bailey has made little progress, but also has not deteriorated either. We're still giving her medicines to help her to recover from birth. These include penicillin, vitamin B, probiotics, and banamine. Additionally, today I went ahead and gave her a dose of dewormer hoping to get ahead of the eggs that usually hatch just after a doe kids. With everything else against her, she doesn't need to be fighting off parasites, too. Her scouring has not resolved yet. I spent an hour this morning thoroughly cleaning off her udder and under her tail. She did not seem to mind it. I know I feel better when I feel clean.<br /><br />The kids are doing well and are behaving as bouncy kids should. They are eager for their bottles through the day. We have already increased from 3 oz every 3 hours to 4 oz every 3 hours. We will continue to increase as they gain weight.<br /><br />Here are some pictures I snapped this morning. I am hoping to catch some video tomorrow, but Kristen and Meaghan are away on a well-deserved vacation to their grandparent's house this week. Video is difficult to manage one-handed, but we'll see what I can manage. For now, I hope you enjoy this peek into this morning...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6O6oEfRZuBOnsF5jveAlMXg-a_XszITDEu4HOFivYvHdDONtLlGL1kyBefe6iUrPwisuDqmeK1ZfFL0iaeV-sQ_UvJQWkmZqJ5o18C5gLn3dzkhIyGHmhZa7iUBg2GWL4pYpNA7KvBY/s1600/IMG_5368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1269" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6O6oEfRZuBOnsF5jveAlMXg-a_XszITDEu4HOFivYvHdDONtLlGL1kyBefe6iUrPwisuDqmeK1ZfFL0iaeV-sQ_UvJQWkmZqJ5o18C5gLn3dzkhIyGHmhZa7iUBg2GWL4pYpNA7KvBY/s640/IMG_5368.JPG" width="505" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey is still letting the kids nurse. Benton is getting a drink. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter needs another bath! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey's udder is HUGE. I am using warm compresses to help alleviate<br />the discomfort until the milk absorbs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnJbkws-w6gmAG9hwb6VqWL9eg2HUzqE19Flck6VH-CL-fQa2g_cEbICkhfk29eOUxbQA7ec6wNGCXOHN2tNFlKaQrA81ZbSUCNs3fTuD78abNRsTQ5_943InYqX2kETczefBfuKUTEw/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnJbkws-w6gmAG9hwb6VqWL9eg2HUzqE19Flck6VH-CL-fQa2g_cEbICkhfk29eOUxbQA7ec6wNGCXOHN2tNFlKaQrA81ZbSUCNs3fTuD78abNRsTQ5_943InYqX2kETczefBfuKUTEw/s640/IMG_5372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benton's favorite spot. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQc66XM4rR4wO-dBNByyLTD-Lf0R69NZgdrt9L9mYOl16cvPJ_I0M4QC4glKS-vLgYhPEO8JlPrWmt6BFkUror3mb2B69ZGsjyMEl5_YgePlf7BUXBnvhzkSiqA7S_pU3llCMpStaoqb8/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1226" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQc66XM4rR4wO-dBNByyLTD-Lf0R69NZgdrt9L9mYOl16cvPJ_I0M4QC4glKS-vLgYhPEO8JlPrWmt6BFkUror3mb2B69ZGsjyMEl5_YgePlf7BUXBnvhzkSiqA7S_pU3llCMpStaoqb8/s640/IMG_5373.JPG" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath time! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1HUeIF90bG3QVlHek5_p5GTi_s0w3lTHoTVUqTurqUyMJlIUqHQXouCqeB-FIcl1BjXcjGGsJXvXnduJCZ0Ma1vvoDqFeOC7dxhltsj878RAgzxmCTOc4aa8hgo8wIZH-OYn0czHmCE/s1600/IMG_5376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1HUeIF90bG3QVlHek5_p5GTi_s0w3lTHoTVUqTurqUyMJlIUqHQXouCqeB-FIcl1BjXcjGGsJXvXnduJCZ0Ma1vvoDqFeOC7dxhltsj878RAgzxmCTOc4aa8hgo8wIZH-OYn0czHmCE/s640/IMG_5376.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boris and Anya have become friends. ♥</td></tr>
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Thanks for visiting with us today. See you again soon!<br />
Sean & Sonja ♥</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354916137017379029.post-13287672389561913492018-02-25T17:02:00.001-08:002018-02-25T17:02:51.154-08:00Bailey Kids (finally!) WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the past several weeks our family has slipped into a functional, (but ultimately unhealthy) sleep schedule. Because of the cold and the potential complications with Bailey kidding, we have been checking on Bailey every hour around the clock. After the first week, Kristen and Meaghan pitched in and offered to take the 10 pm to 2 am watch, which helped immensely. Still, we have all been waiting impatiently for Bailey to go into labor. About two weeks ago, Sean excitedly announced that there was a discharge from Bailey's vulva. Losing the mucus plug is a sign that we are getting close. But, though her udder filled and her belly dropped, nothing happened night after night.<br />
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Friday night we started our routine dance. Sean and I headed to bed around 10 pm and the girls began their watch. We set our alarm for 3 am. Some nights I fall asleep as soon as my head touches my pillow. I woke to Sean, "It's time." Sean said quietly. I thought he meant that it was 6 am and time for us to get up to get ready for a soap making class. "Not yet." I answered and settled back to sleep. "Sonja, Bailey's kids are coming. It's time." THAT woke me. We already had our kidding kit in the barn, so it was just a matter of grabbing boots, coats, and camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-7kHqWO0L46GTPcL6oPKbg32aGBeANKujZEDAFY5ir2Z67-3DxQ7qJFyK4Zle3rpG2OSf6PUxdz8hcJ9zuMZ0Wu9vJBFvRZVcno7fVpDpq4YGChLeS18yDq3-eIhQrzpfjp2-jcjkJg/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-7kHqWO0L46GTPcL6oPKbg32aGBeANKujZEDAFY5ir2Z67-3DxQ7qJFyK4Zle3rpG2OSf6PUxdz8hcJ9zuMZ0Wu9vJBFvRZVcno7fVpDpq4YGChLeS18yDq3-eIhQrzpfjp2-jcjkJg/s400/IMG_5344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meconium stained first born.</td></tr>
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In the barn, Bailey was laying down and her kid's nose was presenting in the "bubble". If all went well, her first kid would be born within the hour. The first thing we wanted to know was whether the kid was in the proper position. As its nose protruded, we were expecting to see hooves along the sides or underneath. When more of the head was delivered and no hooves were present, Sean sprayed lubrication on my gloved hand. Slowly I eased my hand inside with my fingers held together (Never enter with fingers splayed. That is very dangerous.) to feel for hooves. My hand immediately hit a hoof. Good news. Slowly, I felt for the other hoof along the other side, but I didn't feel it, only the shoulder. That meant one leg was in the correct position, the other was laying back along the spine. Not a perfect presentation, but the kid could be born this way. I added gentle traction to the hoof I could feel and to the kid's head. As Bailey contracted and pushed, I helped pull the kid slowly until the shoulders were delivered. I left the rest up to Bailey. Within minutes, she delivered her first kid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi0Q-IM3i1NuTVOdohRS9Y2lFEoHhzzfaxIri6l609K7kYG6u1_NNNsYYXe7ig2PhEkx99Y0pe44h1skHwIvKuZW24J4KvgIFhsy0Jgi_KNNSMfVZeljarRe1Qi30_YqjdKA-mtkD-l0/s1600/IMG_5348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi0Q-IM3i1NuTVOdohRS9Y2lFEoHhzzfaxIri6l609K7kYG6u1_NNNsYYXe7ig2PhEkx99Y0pe44h1skHwIvKuZW24J4KvgIFhsy0Jgi_KNNSMfVZeljarRe1Qi30_YqjdKA-mtkD-l0/s400/IMG_5348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being born is tiresome work!</td></tr>
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The first thing Sean and I noticed was that there was fecal matter present in the sac and the amniotic fluid was definitely yellow. Meconium in the amniotic fluid does not necessarily mean that the kid is going to do poorly, but it is a sign that there was some fetal distress. It is important that we watch for joint ill, lethargy, or difficulty breathing which could indicate respiratory issues over the first few days. If signs present, we'll call in our veterinarian. I helped clean off the large bits of gooey membrane from the kid and then placed him on a clean puppy pad in front of Bailey so she could do her part in cleaning her kid. I took pictures and chatted with Sean while we waited for the next kid to be born.<br />
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The second kid presented within a couple minutes. We could clearly see the hooves of both front feet in the unruptured amniotic sac. We waited to see the head present. After about 10 minutes, both hooves protruded about 5 inches but there was no head was in sight. Concerned that the head was turned backwards, Sean sprayed more lubrication on newly gloved hands and carefully I felt inside to see where the kid's head was. Just inside, the head was there, facing the right direction. Good news. We waited a little longer and the nose presented and within minutes the second kid was born. The amniotic sac did not rupture during birth, so I opened it and helped clear the fluid from the new kid's nose and mouth before placing him near Bailey's head for her to clean off her kid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwssB3jagNanoFZX2Xr2w6OpzRrtDBydtVJUE066_Vp5xGbpN8y6XPTrF7aLnzd1PHHAQnUG-opV0veooD8T3aAWpCYu8sZoukykowV7q6hZWUnMtd24x2pLBwvggeiogKzguqkNODS0/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwssB3jagNanoFZX2Xr2w6OpzRrtDBydtVJUE066_Vp5xGbpN8y6XPTrF7aLnzd1PHHAQnUG-opV0veooD8T3aAWpCYu8sZoukykowV7q6hZWUnMtd24x2pLBwvggeiogKzguqkNODS0/s400/IMG_5355.JPG" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good job, Bailey!</td></tr>
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While Bailey met her kids and cared for them, Sean and I cleaned up the soaking wet puppy pads and towels. Sean grabbed some grain and fresh water in case Bailey wanted to eat or drink. I took pictures and video and sighed in relief that the kids were alive and so was Bailey. And, that we might get some sleep again (At least until it is Rachel's turn to kid.)<br />
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Once the kids got their legs under themselves and began to stand, we helped them to latch on in turn on Bailey's good side. It took a little practice, but they both got a drink before we left the family to bond and we returned to bed.<br />
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A little backstory for those who didn't know. Last year, Bailey kidded twins. Since she has kidded before and mothered beautifully, we didn't worry too much about them. Once we made sure they could latch on properly and were drinking well, we left Bailey to care for them. There was a problem, though. Bailey developed a severe form of mastitis, an infection in her udder. Though we used the medications penicillin, Today (Cephaprin Sodium) and then Tomorrow (Cephaprin Benzathine), had the multiple abscesses lanced by our Veterinarian and gave pain meds, Bailey's left udder was severely damaged so that scar tissue blocked access to any milk production. We dried her off and over the course of the last year have fought with several on-going infections that spread through her body. Her kids from last year suffered, too. Franklin contracted pneumonia four times over the course of the year, nearly dying on us twice. His brother, Kurt did die. We had NO plans on breeding her ever again. She had other plans.<br />
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When we discovered that Bailey was going to kid this season, we were worried for her health and that of her kids. If she had twins, they would have to share one side of the udder because the left side produces milk, but there is no way for it to pass through the teat. Based on the poor production of the right side, we need to be watchful that the kids are getting enough milk from it. If they are, great! The right side will stop producing in time and the kids can be reared sharing the right side. If not, we needed to be prepared for that. I had frozen colostrum from last year's kidding season. And, I have frozen milk from our final milking in December to feed the kids until Rachel kids. Then, I can milk her and feed the new kids. We only bottle feed if absolutely necessary. It is really not the BEST thing for the kids, but it is certainly better than the chance of them starving to death without interference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuUlAGXmzBQaFtt8tUv3MrYBtGQ2lIRIRq2nC6lHhT5E5zAY5rn7qpSbetrZ_vMKnPFdGNO7anIFYevHVgYHTeLVClLStNSPtCgUJ2LTB214W_CaRzY81SOnRJAyvjV8hEUI0_1FA3X8/s1600/IMG_5359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuUlAGXmzBQaFtt8tUv3MrYBtGQ2lIRIRq2nC6lHhT5E5zAY5rn7qpSbetrZ_vMKnPFdGNO7anIFYevHVgYHTeLVClLStNSPtCgUJ2LTB214W_CaRzY81SOnRJAyvjV8hEUI0_1FA3X8/s320/IMG_5359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all we have been able to collect. :(</td></tr>
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Back to the present... Sean and I were both able to milk about 2 ounces from the working side of the udder. It was not much, but we were hopeful that under the laws of supply and demand, Bailey would produce what she needed to in order to care for her bucks. When we checked on the family at 9 am, Sean was only able to get a half an ounce from the working side. No need to jump the gun, the kids might have already nursed and emptied the udder. Bailey developed scours in the hours after kidding which made her backside and her private pen a mess. While Sean cleaned Bailey and her stall, I brought the kids inside to wash off the dried fecal smears and introduce them to Kristen and Meaghan. I warmed 4 oz of colostrum and gave them each half by bottle-which they took to easily. Then, the boys fell asleep, cuddled with us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT0UcmU8dPKkxiJGbu2Kfjf3z3ceuQcc6dxpBURWe9f3ouEDf0Y5qINE6IXUVJtK5jiPhZrVWeJLajgdeXf3uBg7PuraGxlvKzIxuAtUDoxkzcRXUnLoeCCVtQi4k5iG2BrndVhRRazE/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT0UcmU8dPKkxiJGbu2Kfjf3z3ceuQcc6dxpBURWe9f3ouEDf0Y5qINE6IXUVJtK5jiPhZrVWeJLajgdeXf3uBg7PuraGxlvKzIxuAtUDoxkzcRXUnLoeCCVtQi4k5iG2BrndVhRRazE/s320/IMG_5361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thaw colostrum in a double<br />
boiler until warmed.</td></tr>
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When Sean came inside, I suggested we keep the kids inside for a couple hours to give Bailey's udder time to fill up. The plan was that Sean would milk her out after 2 hours to see how much milk she was producing. If she was producing 6 oz or so, that would be a good sign. Sean returned inside with a mere half ounce of colostrum. Not good news. I added it to another package of colostrum from the freezer, warmed it and fed the kids another 3 ounces each. We returned the kids to Bailey. She may not be producing enough milk, but she is their mother and has shown a desire to clean them and sleep with them. So long as that continues, we'll not pull the kids.<br />
<br />
Over the next 24 hours, the kids each ate 24 oz of colostrum from bottles and Sean attempted to collect colostrum from Bailey. Each attempt yielded no more than half an ounce of milk. Bailey's scouring (diarrhea) had not resolved by morning. Because the kids were born coated in meconium and Bailey was showing signs of developing mastitis again in her left udder, we injected penicillin, vitamin B (for energy and to stimulate appetite) and banamine orally (to help with the pain of an engorged udder). We also gave her pepto bismal to help ease her scouring. The kids were covered in dried fecal matter, so once more, we brought them inside to clean off. We let them stay inside with us to eat and dry off (about 3 hours) and again, Sean attempted to get milk from Bailey. Again she only produced about a half of an ounce.<br />
<br />
So, this is our plan for now: We are applying warm compresses to Bailey's udder every three hours, when we are also cleaning off any fecal matter that is on her back end. Tonight, Bailey enjoyed half a dark beer (helps with probiotics), and did not enjoy, -but needed- Probios paste (helps with probiotics), an antibiotic injection, pepto bismal orally, and vitamin B. She has all the hay she wants 24/7. We want her to produce milk, but we also want the left side to dry up. As any woman who had had a child understands, there is some pain involved in engorged breasts. We are trying to alleviate that, too. We hope that in time, the left side of the udder will stop producing milk and the swelling will come down enough to allow the right side's passages to open to allow more milk to reach the outside. At the moment, she is HUGE, but only drops are coming out of the right side. If that happens, great! The kids are still trying to drink from that side. We're hoping that helps, too. In the meantime, we are bottle-feeding the kids 4 oz each every 3 hours around the clock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0vQy0InSWWC6ubI55Z242U4DAwLGcxHgVwkRYfN3KXZ0k2RAzMZmnFS5TtWS1-Xx49QUhcvteT-dSe34Jdtykg0SDtKg6eGr1Ac35OKX0ZmXoEBKnzUnuvCYzqlwU-7hNKbnaVNMVJ4/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0vQy0InSWWC6ubI55Z242U4DAwLGcxHgVwkRYfN3KXZ0k2RAzMZmnFS5TtWS1-Xx49QUhcvteT-dSe34Jdtykg0SDtKg6eGr1Ac35OKX0ZmXoEBKnzUnuvCYzqlwU-7hNKbnaVNMVJ4/s400/IMG_5364.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter & Benton</td></tr>
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As for the kids, they are showing no signs of distress. They are both alert and active. Both take the bottle without trouble already. They are making loose milk poops and urinating normally. We expect they will grow to be healthy additions to our homestead. And, one last thing, we promised to reveal their names... These lads are named Carter and Benton. This year's naming theme is the television show ER, since that is what we have been watching on our "down" time in the evenings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h2EDt8ii_PcVta9G0mfLce8NTjeB5hpOzKOqGAYmbPzRK6pJf6JHdxeO9lLpqYxTAf13qIIeFDgDStZ0AyKgsVqL-sW1KXoi-HKP4EnS263EGeIgmFuGmDSysDl0Lvv6y_1CYU-UKzQ/s1600/IMG_5366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h2EDt8ii_PcVta9G0mfLce8NTjeB5hpOzKOqGAYmbPzRK6pJf6JHdxeO9lLpqYxTAf13qIIeFDgDStZ0AyKgsVqL-sW1KXoi-HKP4EnS263EGeIgmFuGmDSysDl0Lvv6y_1CYU-UKzQ/s400/IMG_5366.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benton</td></tr>
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Here is a short video of them both minutes after their birth and 6 hours later~</div>
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<br /><br />Thanks for visiting with us today. :)<br /> ~Sean & Sonja
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1