Saturday, March 12, 2011

Making tough decisions

Today I said goodbye, through tear-filled eyes, to my 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats, Witty, Polly and their daughter, Daisy.  I've been raising goats for 2 years but it seems like much longer in so many ways.  I've come so far and learned so much.  One thing that doesn't get easier is parting with goats I really like.  These 3 were friendly, delightful goats.  Not a mean bone in their bodies, so it doesn't make sense in some ways that I would get rid of them.  It would have been much easier to sell them if they were bullies.  It was time for me to take stock in what my plans were for my herd. 

Nigerian dwarf girls go in to heat every 3 weeks all year round.  All my other does are seasonal breeders.  They come into heat in late summer or early fall.  When does are in heat bucks are disgusting - plain and simple.  Some months are better than others and the bucks don't go as crazy.  I decided since my goats were in such close proximity to one another I only wanted stinky bucks for a few weeks until I bred them in the fall.  There are definitely benefits to year round breeders in that you can have milk year round and control when babies are born.  I decided it was ok to have 2 months without goat milk (sadly).  I have bought 2 or 3 gallons of milk in the past few weeks but that ends this week.  Hooray! 

I feel really good about the woman who will become Witty, Polly and Daisy's new mom.  That makes this decision  a lot easier. 
Handsome Witty (that's what I always called him when I wasn't calling him stinky Witty).
Looking at this picture of Polly and Daisy still makes me cry. 

3 comments:

  1. Yes, it is difficult but they will be fine and life will be easier. Soon you will be emerged in cheese making and that will keep your mind busy.

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  2. Goats are like children. You love them while you have them, you hate to see them go, then when they are gone you breathe a sigh of relief that they are not your responsibility anymore. Or is that just me?

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  3. I will miss Polly. I really liked her. I am anxious for our new calf to come, both Roxy's and ours! I feel like I am making slow progress or that spring is just coming too fast. I found a blog at chiotsrun.com that seemed a lot like you and James. Man, this girl does everything, even makes a farm calendar. Over achievers pff! Talk to you later.

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