Still Checking Goats

You’d think that now that I’m done kidding until at least June 10th, I’d be done checking goats for a while.  But no.

heading out to pasture

I am still trekking out to the Back Forty at least two or three times per day.

Caroline trying to pick a fight with Bambi

Why?  Well, the other day when I went out I saw Moira trying to reach that delicious whatever.

I knew before she did that it was not going to end well.

I got her freed, and then she just gave me the stink eye, like it was my fault.

The herd was moving off, and Moira quickly joined them.

Myson (waiting for me)

But I was really concerned when I looked back at the fence and saw these three.  I caught two and tossed them back over the fence.  The third scurried back to where they  had gone under the fence (coyotes hollow out areas to come under) and they re-joined the herd.

Chrys, Addie, and Bronc

Then there’s this one. She’s about one more time of being stuck in the fence before I have to take drastic measures.  The other night, she was clear on the far side of the pasture when I went to find her.

Penelope

By the time I had her free, the rest of the herd was all the way up in the barnyard.

Of course, my faithful friend Popcorn was there to accompany me and try to help me free Penelope.

Popcorn

So, yes, I am still checking goats.  Hopefully those two figure out quickly that their horns have grown too much to be sticking their heads through the fence anymore and the little ones quit slipping under the fence.

Harley, Maggie, and Blaze

I moved Harley and Maggie from the Love Shack to the north paddock so they could have green grass and a little more room.

Maggie and free range hen

Of course, they have to share with the free range hen.  I can’t believe none of the others come out.

Anyhow, Maggie is still thin, but she eats like crazy and acts well.  She’s anemic, but she just got more copper.  I am not sure if it’s just old age and copper deficiency or CAE.  Harley, on the other hand, has a really good weight, but her mobility is getting worse.  She’s struggling to get up.  I’m going to have to call the vet to see if they can check her front foot and see if they can help her.

Harley

I’m pretty sure they are not going to make it through the summer.  Sorry, but that is the sad reality of farming and being a horrible livestock (letting them retire).  Blaze is also up here.  I had to do some touchup on her foot, and I’m hoping it feels better.  If not, I’ll have to call the vet and see if they can fix it.

Blaze

I also brought 2TC up with her mom.

2TC

At least she’s doing really well.

Routine Work

Now that the herd is all together again, it makes it a lot easier to do that routine work that needs to be done. We’ve also had good weather which helps too.

In pasture with the herd

I had goats out in the field again, so I spent more time hobbling the fence.  I really need this thing to be replaced this summer.

bird on a fence

I have finished the latest round of copper.

Most of the goats are good about taking it hidden in a peanut shell, but some goats…

Tried catching for three days to shove it down her throat and then she decided to demurely take it in a peanut. smh

Those goats who refuse to eat a yummy peanut treat get caught and have the capsule put down their throats.  I much prefer the easy peanut method.

Young ones don’t always know what a yummy treat peanuts are.

I’m also working of hooves.  That is a constant.  This spring has been another really bad one for feet.  Our winter was thaw/freeze/thaw/freeze which was really hard on the hooves.

Cupid with Tiger (front) and Tansy

Most of them have cleaned up pretty well, but Astra’s feet are the worst.  I am trying really hard to get them back in shape.  Three feet are almost there, but that fourth might require some professional assistance.

Astra

Pistol and Blaze were both limping one day, so I checked feet.  Pistol’s was an easy fix. I just had to take the mud that had stuck between her toes and dried in there out–instant fix.  Blaze had to have hers trimmed, but she is still limping.  I’m sure she needs a couple days for the bruise to heal.

Blaze

You might remember Mary’s foot was a mess earlier.  It’s doing well now.

Bubbles, Mary, and Quatro

Of course, I’m still giving Popcorn his bottles.  I’m also trying to get him to go out to pasture with the herd, so he can eat grass and develop a good rumen.  Then I can quit feeding him bottles.

Popcorn

When I took him out, Astra’s boys ended up following us out there too.  Poor Astra.  She generally tries not to have her kids in pasture so she can have a little peace.  I do let her into the milk room for some sweet feed without kids trying to nurse.  It takes a lot to feed triplets.

Astra with Jester and Joker

Next I need to figure out how to get the dog’s toenails trimmed.  I’m not sure how to get him to the vet’s office (usually a two person job) and then I’m not sure they can get him to leave me and go in the clinic.

Sky

I’m going to have to think on this one.