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Barnyard Buddies:  More Goat Talk  |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 09:22:42 AM
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I just sold my last little wether!! Yeah! The people that came Monday just came and got him. And what is so funny is they told me they had just gotten 2 other wethers from a girl in Flintstone and they were mine, too! My friend that just came last week and got the 2 brothers called me and said they keep getting out and she was going to have to do something with them. So she put them both on Craig's List and these people bought them! That is so funny. So they will all know each other. And they are with good people and will be well taken care of and have a great life and plenty of good stuff to eat. It's like he remembered them, too. He came to the gate and was ready to go! So I am happy!
Also I sold 2 of my does a few weeks ago to good homes, too. A 13 year old boy bought Holly Berry and her little doeling. They live in Elijay, Ga. And Ocho went to Whitwell, Tn with a girl that has a few other milk goats. She makes soap. I am well pleased with where they all went. All the goats I have sold this year all went to really good homes.
Now the people that just bought Spot are talking about getting a milk doe. I am seriously thinking about selling Sadie Mae. Her milk is awful and I am going to have to dry her up if it doesn't get better soon. So she said she'd think some more on it. I did tell her why I am going to sell her. I am sure that as soon as she goes somewhere else her milk will be good. That would be great if she bought her. They just live right up the road, too.
So I am down to 4 does and 4 bucks now. I will use 2 of the bucks to breed 3 of the does in late Oct. then they will go in the freezer. Unless they get sold by then. I do want one for us and a friend wants one and the guy that does the butchering will get one, also.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 12:40:32 PM
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Congrats Kris! I am down to only 3 Nigerians. I will probably try to sell them later on. I am thinking of getting Oberhasli goats. They seem to be more rare. I just didn't seem to get attached to the Nigerians like I did my Nubians. I feel like the larger breeds do better at our place.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
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kmbrown
True Blue Farmgirl
459 Posts
Misty
Waynesboro
Pennsylvania
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 12:48:10 PM
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AAhhhh some people with experience!!! We have 5 Nigerians and we are having a heck of a time getting successful breedings. They go into heat, mate and then....nothing!! We have had this routine for over a year now!!!
Have any of you ever had experience with this? |
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 2:07:43 PM
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Actually no, we bought ours as babies and raised them. We never had a problem with them not breeding. Do you know how old your goats are?
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
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kmbrown
True Blue Farmgirl
459 Posts
Misty
Waynesboro
Pennsylvania
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 5:30:51 PM
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| Two of our does are sisters and came to us at 2 years old. They had kidded once before! One of our does is just about 18 months. One of our buck's is also 18 months and the other just over a year. The strangest part about all of this is we haven't even been able to track their heat cycles very well. Maybe we really just are that clueless!! When we have seen heat cycles we have put the doe's with a compatible buck and they have had 2-4 breeding events in a day. Then we wait and watch and so far...nothing!! |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 5:32:06 PM
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Ok, I must be crazy. But a friend just called and he had gone to get 3 Nubians. One is a buckling. And his twin sister. I have been wanting to use a Nunian to breed my Nubian to this year and had told him. So he said he'd sell him to me for just $20. I said I really can't right now then he said he's just trade him for some worm meds. So I went and looked at him. He looks really healthy. He's tall for just 3-4 months old. But he does not have the Roman nose and big huge ears. They are more like my Sandy's Flying Nun ears. His sis now, hers are long and so cute and she has the cute little Nubian face. Maybe the does just have a smaller head and longer ears. Anyway, I thought about it and talked to another friend and I think I'll get him. She said I was crazy if I didn't get him for free. And maybe later I could sell him back to him. He's got all Nubian does now so he'll need a buck. I'll just need him once a year. That's why I hate to get one.
I like Nubians, but they are so darn noisy. Sandy is neurotic. She hates being alone for even one second. But the Lamanchas just don't care to be alone. They'd make great goats for someone who only wants one goat.
I have never even seen a Nigerian in person. Only pictures. Have you ever tried to milk them?
I have never had a problem breeding goats. They have always taken and kidded. Sadie Mae did miscarry the year before last. That's the only thing that's ever happened. It could be the buck's just shooting blanks. Have you tried different bucks?
I only breed once a year, in late Oct.-early Nov. Depending on when I get a buck here. Then the buck only stays no more than a month. He's outta here after that. This spring all 6 does kidded within 9 days of each other. He was a great buck and all had twins except one had triplets but out of 13 kids only 2 were does. And all lived. He was sold to a friend who has several does. I am anxious to hear how he does this breeding season. Alos, he's white and all but 2 were white or off white. I would like more color this next time. So I will use a black buck this time and see what happens.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 7:39:32 PM
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There are many reasons why the breeding is not taking. From the buck it could be that he is too young and his swimmers are just not ready. He also may have contracted something that has rendered him sterile - that would have to be checked by a vet. Also, if the weather is hot the mortality rate of the swimmers goes down, that is why they place rams, billies and bullies on cold concrete during the hotest heat of the summer - to keep their count up. Then you might also be dealing with an infection within the girls that is making the breeding not take. Again, that is a vet check.. Next if they are breeding but the guy is not making the target that is another issue and I hate to say it but you have to be right in there to make sure. Sorry but that is what needs to be done. You could also have them artifically done - cost involved but again it depends on the needs of the farm. I also rotate billies or what is known as a clean up guy - then when the kids are born I know exactly who the father is - too many misses from the first guy means he will not be first string next year. There is something to be said for only using top notch guys - you get what you pay for and when it comes to having great stock it is worth every penny.
Hope all goes well.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2009 : 04:26:15 AM
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Thanks Grace, I knew if you saw this post, that you could help.
Kris, We did "TRY" to milk the Nigerians. They are so small, we gave up.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2009 : 2:17:29 PM
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Well, I went and got the little Nubian buck. Brought him home, wormed him in the car, thank goodness. Got him out, my dog scared him half to death. Put him in the yard with the other 4 bucks. He took off toward the road heading east with his long ears just a flappin'. He got to the fence, turned left, kept going, and I ain't seen the boy since. He's out there somewhere in the head high weeds and corn lost all by his little lonely self. I went to look for him and never found him. They have nearly an acre of yard and garden. I may never see him again. I knew better than to let him out like that. I should have put him in the hen house for a few days.
It was like in the movie Funny Farm with Chevy Chase when his wife got him the dog. She brought it home and let it out of the car and it took off with it's long ears and fur just a flyin' and they'd see him every now and then running through the fields but never caught him. All I could see was the buck's long ears over the weeds heading east then north. I guess if there is a hole somewhere he'll find it. At least he'd be heading in the right direction back to Ron's place. I should call him and tell him to watch out for the buck. He may be heading that way soon!
He might turn up sometime. Maybe he'll get lonely and look for company soon.
I went to the Chattanooga market earlier today and met a girl who makes soap. She gives lessons and I told her I was interested in making soap. I told her I have goats milk and we got to talking. I said I was going to get a Nubian buck and she has Nubian does and will need a buck around the first of Dec. So we are going to trade breeding for soap lessons!! I was so exited! But now it may not ever happen. I hope I can find the little guy soon.
Gena, I thought there were lots of people who milked Nigerians. That they're the perfect small goats for a small family. I guess they would be hard to milk. I'm so used to big lamancha and Nubians. It would be hard to milk a smaller goat now.
Happy trails, ya'll!
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 05:12:05 AM
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I finally saw the little guy. I was getting worried that he'd jumped the fence or found a hole and took off. But he's out there. Even took my dog Bubba out with me. He's a good hunter. Never found him, though. But he's still here. We put the cows out there, too. And found a nest of 15 eggs one of my missing hens was setting on. I put a cage over her so she wouldn't get stepped on. I just hope the little goat will come closer soon. He should get lonely and want to get to know the others. He can't stay wild forever, can he?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 07:48:22 AM
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Oh Kris - that is why I picked the name for our farm - I love that scene... I also love the one where he is going fishing in their pond and catches a snake and all that he goes thru to try and kill the snake. I have that movie and play it often. Now I am not laughing at you but I can just see those floppy ears jumping in the tall weeds saying "Can't catch me"....
I agree the fella will want to find someone to pair up with - I might suggest that leaving a apple or something good for him to find might just get him to come in closer. Remember things do not like being chased but they are easy to trick. Good luck on your newest farm member. It is like my peacock - spent a ton of money, months keeping and training it in a large enclosure and after all that the moment we let him out his flew to the forest and lives high in the pine trees. I wanted him to guard the farm not the forest. I wanted to gaze on his beauty and hear his lovely voice. Why or why is he not executing my plan???? I guess life is simpler when you have a "Yellow Dog" (name of the second dog in the movie who can not even move his tail out of the fireplace) but then we would not have adventures...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 08:54:28 AM
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Isn't it funny how we like the same movies!
Kris, let us know when you find him. Also, I was told the Nigerians get easier to milk after they have their babies nurse them for awhile. I guess I am just not into the smaller breed. I like the larger ones.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 09:31:06 AM
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Ok, he's out there now and the other 4 bucks are all over him. I just hate that. Will they stop after awhile or is this going to keep on forever? That's why I wanted the poor wether gone because they wouldn't leave him alone. And they are all just a few months old. I can't wait til they're all in the freezer now!
Grace, the snake scene is not my favorite but I can totally identify with his wife! I have a yellow dog but he's totally opposite of that one. He's all over the place. Even jumps the fences. I hope one day he is that way, though. He's not near as bad as he used to be.
If you have any suggestions about all this disgusting buck activity, please tell me. I just feel so bad for him. It's like "buck gang rape". I feel like I should go rescue the poor little fella.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 11:23:06 AM
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Kristin, the ONLY way to stop your "buck activity" is castration, they should be penned seperatly, as they get older, they will fight for dominance, and the weaker will be injured or worse.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 11:51:09 AM
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I would have to disagree - I have a pen and pasture with the top breeding billies in there with two weather - yes they rub on each other but they do not fight. I then have a pen and pasture with the two and three year old billies and they do rub, push and sometimes butt heads there is total friendship, companionship and protection. They all sleep together, eat together and give love calls to the ladies. I then have a pen and pasture with my two old weathers age 17 years old and they have two female llams's and my oldest Great Pry with them. They are one time had the other two weathers but they played too ruff with the old guys and I just did not want a problem. These two old guys will have the This Year billies for the winter. These old boys will show them the ropes, watch over them and calm them. Really the concepts of "Bad Billy Behavior" is mostly because of poor socialization and management - at least that has been my experience here at my farm - I have also ran all my rams together and also all my male alpaca's - both functioned as gentlemen dispite all the books tell me it could not be done. I also found that if I spend the time to train it saves us all in the long run.
Remember too there has to be a pecking order in the animal world and sometimes we do not like to see the process but unless some horrible injury is accurring we have to let it work it self out. Once that is done they will settle unless you interfer.. If you need suggestions specific to the group just ask - I have been running my animals this way for 13 years and NEVER had someone injuried - maybe a little blood on a horn but that was because my top guy was banging his head on a pole to show the rest who is boss and managed to hit a nail head that I had missed when setting the pole - my fault....
"Anyone for some Lamb Fries"?
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 12:39:51 PM
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I just thought maybe it's just because he's the "new guy" and they are just letting him know this. Yhey didn't even know he was here til this morning. Then whammo! They do stop and eat and take a break. But they are all young and do get along betten than if they were older and a new older buck was put in with them. My guys have always been together and all get along great. It's just that I took the wether away a few days ago and got him yesterday. I figure they'll all settle down after a few more days of figuring everything out. Then in a few more months I won't have all this to put up with. I've never kept bucks just because of this.
Thank you both for the advice. I appreciate everyone's opinions and experiences here. And each one will be different. As will mine. So thank you both. They do seem to be settling down some since I last posted.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 1:09:36 PM
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Glad to hear it Kris - I know that everyone runs their farm so differently and for years I have been training or manybe I should say retraining misbehaving animals and animals who have been slated to be put down because of their behavior. The one thing I know to be true is there are very few times in nature when a animal is just plain mean - they settle disagreements and territory issues quickly and unlike humans they do not hold gudges. Once the novetly wears off they will be eating and sleeping together. The one reason why this goes on is because they are in fences - in the wild they would just leave the area till things cooled down. Good advice for all of us.
Blessings and hugs to the billies - I must admit I love my billies - smelly and all..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 1:14:32 PM
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Grace, they have probably over an acre where they are, so they can always get away by theirselves if they wanted to. I couldn't even see the new buck til this morning. So they have plenty of room here. I guess I'd be way more wooried if they were all in a small pen.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2009 : 2:11:03 PM
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I had nothing but trouble when I had my own bucks and rams on the farm/ranch, so now when its breeding time the owner of the bucks/rams brings them here for a week or so, and then comes back and gets them. Safer for all concerned,my grandkids, son and d-in-law, dogs and I. I don't have time to raise and train and work with them on a regular basis, so this is what works best for me. And yes, the buck/ram owner does run all of his boys together with minamal problems.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 07:31:52 AM
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Teresa it sounds like you have a very wonderful and workable set up for achieving breeding and I agree you should never have a young child in harms way..
Trust me it is not always peaches and cream when maintaining a herd of any breed males even the two legged kind. I only offered my experiences to show that if it is something someone wishes to do it can be done. In the beginning I too took my boys (billies, rams and alpaca studs) to farms but being an organic operation it was hard on the boys because then they would have to spend six months away from their friends once they returned. Also, they did not like when they where at others farms that their routines where not there, the lack of people contact was hard on them and so I decided the money was not worth it to the health and well being of my animals.
As I stated before every farm is different and I only offered to show another way. It is like parenting - we have the same goals in mind, just different ways of getting there.
Kris your open space I bet is lovely - what I was talking about was any time there is a fence of any size it will by it's nature limit an animal. I agree your set up is spacious and much better then most I come in contact with - time also will help. Since you will not having them for much longer I guess the word is patience. Good luck.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 08:01:28 AM
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Today they are much better. I was worried about the poor new guy. But he's holding his own. I will be probably keeping the Nubian and a Lamancha buck just so I'll have a closed herd from now on. I can always keep them in with the heifer. She's gonna be so lonely when the Cowboy is gone. But that'll be another 6 months at least. Yesterday she had her head slung over his back. Too sweet. I will have to get another cow for sure. I love these guys.
But I thank you for all the good advice. And I agree we are all different with very different setups going on. What works for me may not work for you. I will never have another ram on this place if I ever get sheep again. They will have to be already pregnant or never be again. I hate rams. I never want to be rammed by one again.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 09:29:00 AM
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Grace, I agree about the 2 legged kind whole heartedly, I raised 3 boys. I am glad to see that some are able to maintain the boys without problems, and I personaly do know 2 that do that. I wish i was able, but its just not meant to be for me. I will not have an animal on my place that could ever or might ever get hormonal with anyone, wether it be a rooster or a buck or anything inbetween.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 1:09:07 PM
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Hi Ladies, I have a question about goats. How much grain would you feed 5 month old goats?
Maggie |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 3:32:47 PM
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I personally do not feed non milking goats any grain anymore. I have 4 does I am milking and they get some all grain. But all the kids we had this year never got any grain at all. They get browse and hay and that's it. They really don't need it if they have hay and a good place to get brush or grass. Now if they are in a pen and aren't able to graze then that's dufferent. They would need some goat pellets free choice plus minerals and salt block. If they are bucks or wethers DO NOT give them corn! It will kill them. My boys are out with the chickens and when I throw scratch out they might nibble a little til I run them off. But you have to be careful with the boys. That's why mine just don't get any grain.
I hope this helps. And I hope others will tell what they know, too. I just don't give them grain because I want to get away from having to depend on it. We have plenty of other good food for them to eat right now and they seem happy and full.
What kind of goats do you have? And are they does or bucks?
I just thought that if they have not had any grain yet and you need to feed them grain, you might want to start small. They could get scours from new food. And just watch the corn if they are bucks.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2009 : 3:43:07 PM
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Hi Kris, Well I have 1 buck and 1 doe that I have been feeding grain to for a little over 3 months to. But I was just wondering how much grain I should give them. I've been giving them 2 quarts a day. Is that to much? And I was also wondering how much alfalfa pellets I should give them to. I've been giving them a cup a day. Thanks for the heads up on the corn. Oh, and my goats are a nubian mix.
Maggie |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2009 : 06:09:21 AM
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Maggie, if this is working for you, then keep doing it. I bet they are healthy little buggars. If you asked 50 people what they feed their goats, every single one would say something different. What works for one may not work for someone else. Is it a pelleted feed made for goats? And you should have to separate them before too long because you don't want them to breed too early. I have used a 6 month old buck to breed before and they are quite fertile little fellas, too. I'll be using my boys in Nov. and they will be 6 months then. I know it's not good to use such young bucks, but 3 of them will be butchered afterwards.
Are they able to eat brush and grass, too? And they need hay for the roughage. Also baking soda and minerals. I keep hay for all my goats at all times. And the baking soda.
Have they been wormed yet?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Barnyard Buddies: More Goat Talk |
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More Goat Talk
