The End of Summer

I have long said I dislike the end of summer–the time from the middle of August until we get freezing nights.  This year it is way worse than usual.  Maybe it’s poor pasture quality from the drought. I don’t know why it’s so bad.

Margarita

I do know part of the problem is all of the babies we had in June.  It has certainly reminded me why I started syncing my girls to have as many kids over spring break as I possibly could.

Howie

The June babies are not as healthy; they are anemic and more susceptible to parasites.  And they just don’t grow as well.

Mooch and Masey

And their moms are in bad shape.  For years, before I found out about the copper deficiency, I talked about how they just gave everything to their babies.  And they do, but they just don’t have anything extra to give those kids.

Cutie is anemic and has horrible bottle jaw.

And I don’t know why it’s so bad this time of year, even after four years of getting copper.  I had rather hoped it wouldn’t be so bad with June babies this time.

Cinnamon and Bambi

I checked eyes on several goats last week and they looked good only to have them quite pale now.

Moose went from good to pale in just a few days.

I am about ready to call it quits the way things are going right now.  Hopefully, I can get a whole load of June kids sold next week, which will give me more options for penning and shelter, and I’ll add more copper to my adult goats. It’s been a rough month for their health.