New Kids on the Block

Once again, I have been lax in my new posts. Things have been exciting since the last post--the two pregnant does gave birth, each had a boy. Brie gave birth to Stryker (below in back) and Ginger gave birth to Galan (below, up front). The origin of Stryker came from his striking markings. Galan is the spitting image of his mother in many more ways than one and his name means "sings."



Brie's birth was not necessarily routine. Michelle had to assist and it was more than just pulling on the baby. Once delivered, Brie's mothering instincts kicked in immediately.

Ginger did need some pulling assistance, but her mothering instincts were not to be found after delivering. She is a skittish goat by nature and she just stared and snorted at Galan. We had to wipe him off and hold her so he could nurse. Then she started pawing violently at the ground around him and she continued curling her lips. We thought she was still in labor with another baby since pawing and lip curling is one of a goat's labor signs.

What little did we know then, but do know now. Evidently, her pawing at the ground was a sign that her mothering instincts actually had been triggered. This is a mother's way of trying to get the baby up to nurse. The curling of the lips continues if they are passing the afterbirth.

By evening, she was nursing on her own and has turned out to be a very attentive mother goat.

For anyone reading this and even considering goats, I suggest the following site: http://fiascofarm.com/goats/index.htm. The owners have posted a wealth of goat raising information. And find an experienced goat owner you can get on the phone. Of course, a vet available by phone helps also.

Here is a short clip of the Stryker and Galan playing...in the mineral bucket of course. Not good, but it is too cute not to post.