2017 Kids

Pippi and Matilda have both kidded! Super easy births with super healthy kids! Tilly had 1 buckling and Pippi had 2, making a grand total of 3 bucklings. Pippi's kidded on March 31st (one of her boys was HUGE!) and Tilly was April 6th. I already have homes lined up for all three of them, so unfortunately I won't have any kids available for sale this year. and those two being my only does this year, that wraps up the kidding season for me.

Hide The Mermaid Game

In our house this is called The Mermaid Game, however, it is not limited to mermaids. You know those little glass figures that come in the boxes of Red Rose Tea? Well, that's where our Mermaid came from. But, if your box happened to come with the Sailboat, you could definitely play the Sailboat Game. This could also be called the Army Man Game, the Purple Dice Game, the Little-Pebble-I-Found-Outside Game. You can use anything. 

Now, you may be asking, "What is the Mermaid Game?" Well, basically it's just a game of hide and seek that never ends. 

I don't actually remember how this game started for us. Although, I do know that when it started we didn't expect it to go on for 2+ Years... but I'm so glad it has! Believe it or not, we moved and the mermaid game has continued in out new house. When we were packing everything from our old house I slipped the Mermaid into my pocket, re-hid it at the new house, and simply let the game live on. 

The game-play is really very basic. You find some item you would like to play this with, let your family know (I think we kind of skipped this part and it just happened), and hide it somewhere in your house. Everyone goes about their life as normal and if someone comes across the item they take it and hide it somewhere else. It's that simple. 

As with any game, this game does have rules. Unfortunately, by writing up this post, I have to break the first and most important rule. 

Rule #1: Do not talk about the Mermaid. 

The Mermaid is not discussed. Having said that, there are instances where this rule has been broken. Of course I am breaking it right now, but there was also an instance when it seemed months had gone by and there had been no sign of her. I called an emergency Mermaid meeting and we all agreed, she was missing. A Mermaid hunt ensued, we found her, and the game continued. So yes, we do not talk about the mermaid unless completely necessary.  

Rule #2: Do not remove the Mermaid from her hiding spot or put her into a new hiding spot if anyone is around to see you. 

If you happen to stumble upon her and retrieving her would require climbing on top of furniture and calling attention to yourself, you should definitely wait till the room is not full of people to take her. If you are able to stealthily slip her into your pocket, go ahead. But if there's a chance of being spotted, it can wait. The same goes for putting her into her new hiding spot. 

Rule #3: Do not hide the Mermaid anywhere too difficult to find. 

Clever hiding spots are great. funny hiding spots are great. But hiding her where no one can find her just isn't fun. She should never be completely out of view unless she is in a location that is frequented by most of the family. E.g. The medicine cabinet, the cookie jar, etc. 

Rule #4: Do not hide the Mermaid in any of the bedrooms. 

This rule may not be necessary in every household, but in my house our bedrooms are not high traffic areas. Usually the only people in the bed rooms are those that it belongs to. If your family has two children who share a bedroom and parents to tidy for them and tuck them in every night, then the bedroom would probably be fine. We considered making a no bathroom rule before we decided that it was one of the highest traffic areas as well as one of the most entertaining rooms to hide her in.   

Easy enough right? We take the Mermaid Game very seriously in our home and you will be scolded if you are found breaking any of the rules. You may also be asked to relinquish the Mermaid to whoever caught you and let them hide it, rightfully losing your turn. 

Another good idea is to put a limit on how long she can be in one spot. If you have hidden the Mermaid and 3 weeks later you realize she is still in the same spot, then it's probably too difficult of a hiding place and she should be moved. 

Here are just a few ideas to help get you started on your own game. 

 Surround the Mermaid with colors that camouflage her. This can make hiding in plain sight especially fun. If she's camouflaged the eye of your opponents will pass right over her.

Use the flaws of your home's construction. Little spots like this one pictured below are perfect for the Mermaid. 

 Hide the Mermaid in unexpected places. No one expects her to be in with the straws. Think about where you would be least likely to look and hide her there.

Incorporate her into your seasonal decor. It's extra fun to use things that are not always there. Just make sure she is not packed away with your Easter eggs when spring is over. 

I hope you enjoy this game. Please share your family's thoughts and any rules you would add in the comments. I'd love to hear how this game took off in your household! 

Kidding Supplies Checklists

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds - Proverbs 27:23

With kidding season here I find it helpful to have a list of all the things I'll need. Even if you know, and have, all the needed supplies it is helpful to have a list handy as a reference, just to make sure you aren't forgetting something.
Or, if this is your first time breeding, it can give you confidence to  know that you are prepared.
 I've done the work for you and put this list together.

If you have anything to add or that you do differently, please leave a comment.

Kidding Supplies:

• Baby monitor (You will want to keep a monitor near the mother for the days approaching her due date. Get so you are familiar with the usual 'barn sounds' and if there's any difference, check on her. The kidding can be very quick, Keep the receiving end near you if you want to be there for it.)
• Kidding Stall/Pen/Crate (the doe should not be with the herd when she is kidding. She needs to be isolated in a separate, quiet space where she wont be bothered by nosy aunts) 
• Flashlight (for those "fun" Nighttime births)
• Lots of clean towels.
• Scissors (to cut the umbilical cord if it doesn't break or if it's too long)
• Iodine (to clean the cord)
• Unscented Floss (to tie off bleeding umbilical cords)
• Rubber gloves (I don't use gloves personally, but they could be helpful if you are squeamish at all. I know for a lot of people gloves are a must) 
• Infant Nasal Aspirator (to clear the kid's nose of womb slime)

These are just the basics. Many things can go wrong during a birth, in case of difficulty you will want to contact your vet.
Make sure that all your supplies are clean, don't use anything that's unsanitary.

Post Kidding Supplies - Mother:

• Molasses (I give the mother a mixture of hot water, molasses, and grain after the birth to give her extra energy - they love it!)
• Hot water and Hay (make sure she can get all that she wants.)

As important as it is that she gets her energy back, it is also important that the mother doesn't neglect her child. If the food is a distraction from her baby take it away till the kid is cleaned and well cared for. You can help her by wiping the kid/s off with a towel. Don't be afraid to wipe the baby down kind of roughly, it's actually good to and gets their blood flowing.

I have had does who want nothing to do with their kid (I have one doe who tried to stomp her kids) in that case take them away from her and don't let her be alone with them. You will have to take the roll of mamma goat.

Post Kidding Supplies - Kid:

• Goat Coat (or tiny dog coats. If you live in a warmer climate than I do this may not be necessary, but New England is cold! I keep coats on my baby goats almost 24/7 for the first couple weeks)
• Syringe (Colostrum is the first milk that the mother produces after birth and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that will make sure the kid has a healthy start to life. That said, it is important the baby gets the colostrum. If it is too weak to nurse or stand you will have to milk out the mother and feed the kid with a syringe or tiny bottle.)
• Pritchard nipples and clean, empty soda bottles (You can either bottle feed your kids or you can let the mother raise them. If the mother refuses to raise them you will have to bottle feed. Bottle feeding also makes the kids much more friendly.)
• Kid Milk Replacer (if the mother doesn't produce enough milk, or if something has happened to the mother, you can use milk replacer. Just make sure the kid gets the colostrum after birth and make sure you get Kid Milk Replacer. Cow or Sheep milk would be bad for the kid and definitely avoid the bags that say they are "multi species". That's not good for kids at all. I use Manna pro Kid milk which you can get HERE) 

As I said, this is just the basics. There are any number of instances where you will need special equipment or veterinary assistance. 

I have also put together a simple milking list. You can milk with a machine or by hand. I milk by hand, so the list I have here is just for hand-milkers.

Hand Milking Supplies:

• Milking Stand
• Grain (the goat will most likely not stand for the milking if she doesn't have food)
• Iodine or udder wash (in a spray bottle to clean udder before and after milking. I have a gallon size jug of concentrated iodine which I bought 4 years ago and it's about half  empty. You can buy it at any feed store. There's also an udder wash concentrate HERE which in non-iodine)
• Paper Towels (to clean udder and any messes) 
• Stainless Steel Pan (you'll want one with a wide, flat bottom that the doe can't easily spill. I actually use a bread pan)
• Canning Jars (or other clean, sanitary container to store the milk in the fridge)
• Stainless Steel Funnel (you can buy funnels that are made to hold the filters and sit on the canning jars. That's the way to go.)
• Milk Filters (make sure you get the right size filters to fit in your funnel)

I hope this is helpful, let me know if I have left anything out or if you have anything to add. 

If you have any questions please leave a comment.

Free Printable Kidding Checklist 

THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE ANY PROFESSIONAL VETERINARY ADVICE. IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY OR CONCERN CONTACT YOUR VETERINARY IMMEDIATELY.

2016 Kids

I had a rather disappointing and unlucky spring. Most of the does that I bred didn't end up pregnant.
Faye kidded first, on May 18th. For her 4th time kidding she had one kid. a beautiful blue eyed doeling. Lacey kidded 10 days later, on the 28th, super early in the morning. It was her first freshening, with two little girls. One with blue eyes! And that's it. Just three adorable little girls this year.

Violet 

Faye's baby, Violet, has been sold to Tiny Hill Farm. So I'll be able to see her grown up and see what kids she has when she's bred in a year or so.

Faye's kid, Violet

Lacey's kids

Tawny

I still have Lacey's kids and am bottle feeding them to make them extra friendly.

Lacey didn't want anything to do with them when they were born, so I've been mamma goat since the first day! They are the cutest little things.

Cyan

Kid Update

Here's just an update on the kids I've had. Sometimes I feel like I post these more so I can keep track of all the kids rather than for any followers! The boys were born 5/2/15 Laura's first freshening. The girls are 5/4/15 and Faye's, oh..... I'm gonna say 3rd freshening? Yep that sounds about right :) Boys are for sale, I'll be keeping on of the does (Not yet sure which one) and will be selling the other at a later time. 

Peewee from Tiny Hill Farm is their father.

 I do name all the kids I have born. Anyone who buys a goat from me is more than welcome to call it whatever they want. I just name them because it's easier for me to keep track of everyone from year to year than, say... calling them 10, 11, and 12.

Arnie

Mr. I'm-too-cool-for-picture-day Aaron wouldn't stand still, so this is the best picture I could get of him. I will try to get another at bottle time! 

Missie (She seemed to like the camera and posed for it!)

Marty

I have at least one more doe bred and due by the end of this month.\

I will be adding some of these kids to the For Sale page as soon as I have more information and am certain of which ones will still need homes. In the meantime feel free to contact me (See Contact Page) with any questions.


ADDED
I got a better picture of Aaron as well as a great picture of Arnie, who is a little more photogenic than his brother!

Aaron

Arnie

Lillian

My first kid of the season was born yesterday. One little girl. Her parents are Elesmèra and Linus (from Tiny Hill Farm). Unfortunately she was born with an extra teat and can't be bred. I will be selling her as a pet. If anyone is interested in an adorable Nigerian Dwarf doeling please let me know. We'll be calling her Lillian while she's here.

Due Dates

My does are all bred (fingers crossed)
Due dates are:
Pippi - March 20 - Linus
Laura - March 23 - Linus*
Faye - March 26 - Linus
Elesmera - March 29 - Linus
Matilda - May 1 - Peewee
Faye - May 2 - Peewee*
Laura - May 2 - Peewee
Margaret - May 23 - Peewee
Lacey - May 23-25 - Peerwee

Linus and Peewee are both from Tiny Hill Farm

If you are interested in Nigerian Dwarf goats please let me know. I will have Doelings, Young Wethers, and possibly Does in Milk for sale. You can let me know of your interest ahead of time and I can keep you posted personally. If you have any questions feel free to ask. (See contacts page)

*Faye and Laura each have two due dates. The marked two are the most likely dates.

Pippi's Babies

Pippi Kidded the afternoon of the 24th. She had a girl and a boy both of which were huge and strong right away. It doesn't really surprise me, considering their mother. I brought out all my newborn baby goat coats and none of them fit! They are wearing the same size coats as my three week old babies! The girl is the red, brown colored on, and the boy is the creamy, Palomino. Neither have any moon spots at all, the only real marking is a dark line down the doeling's spine. I named them Lacey and Rugen. Count Tyrone Rugen to be precise. That's the name of the six fingered man in Princess Bride, in case you were wondering! They are both beautiful! They are easily my favorite babies I've ever had born. I will be hanging on to Lacey and I can't even tell you how much I want to keep Rugen. I have to control myself though, keeping a boy is out of the question...But that doesn't mean I don't want to :) Lacey is very cute though, and they both have such sweet temperaments! 

Lacey

Rugen

Crazy mamma goat

Pippi and the Babies

Babies, about half an hour old

Elesmera kidded also, she had one little doeling. Unfortunately there was something wrong with her when she was born and she only lived to be about twenty-four hours old. I named her Jane. 

Jane

Matilda's Babies

Buttercup's first steps

Matilda kidded on the 28th around three thirty in the afternoon.  She had a girl and a boy, and they are so darn tiny!  I'm calling them Buttercup and Westley. Tilly is such a good mamma, and she doesn't mind Leipchen's kids in there with her at all.

Baby Westley, a couple hours old

Tilly cleaning Westley

Fezzik welcoming his new aunt into the world

Westley two days old

Mamma and grandma

Baby goats borne today

 Leipchen kidded this morning around 10 am. She had two Adorable boys!

We are calling the grey one Fezzik and the buckskin Vezzini. Any one seen The Princess Bride?(Shame on you if you haven't)

     So this is my first kids this year, hopefully a sure sign of Winter coming to a close.

Both of these gosh darn cute babies will be for sale in a couple weeks when they are old enough. And I hope to have many more real soon! I know Larissa at Tiny Hill Farm will also be selling many kids this year.

 

 

 

Leipchen pulled the same trick she did last year. She had them without me. 

I had just come in the barn from checking on her and not ten minutes later I plug the monitor in and I hear babies crying. She had already had them both! 

 

 

 

All Dried Off Now

Azariah

This isn't a great picture but that's Azariah. Tilly's son.

Apollo

Here's a more recent picture on Apollo, Pippi's son. He's darker than that now though.

Baby Goats

I had seven goats born this spring!

Pippi was my first to kid. She had twins, a girl and a boy. Apollo and Pixie.  Pixie came out one leg first then Apollo decided to come out backwards! Silly boy, he was just fine though. I have been wanting a girl from Pippi for about two years now, but sadly pixie was a bit of a disappointment in the fact that she actually had four teets, thats pretty rare, I've seen goats born with three, but never four, teets. oh well though, not much you can do. Pippi not only didn't want her babies...she wanted them dead. I am convinced if left alone with them she would have killed them. She immediately started to stomp them so we took them away from her and they were fine.

Pixie

Apollo

Azariah 

London

The next to kid was Tilly, she also had a boy and a girl, London, and Azariah. I loved London and planned on keeping her but ended up selling her. When they were borne Tilly (the great mom that she is) accepted them very well but London set herself aside in the corner and wouldn't go near her mom or brother. I took her inside because it was too cold for her without the shared body heat of her family. She wouldn't settle down in the crate or box so I actually slept with her on the couch wrapped in a towel for three nights in a row. she got very attached to me and couldn't just sleep on the couch, she had to be on me! Then when she was disbudded one of her horn scab things started to bleed, so she was really babied then too. she got so she was very attached to people...too attached. she didn't think she was a goat and she HATED being with the herd. at first it was cute, she'd follow me every where, help me with chores, follow me inside and back out again but then when she got bigger and she was mad at "mom" (me) for leaving her in the pen with all the goats, she'd break my fences to come and see me. That was not cute. So I sold her. She was getting out far too often.

The next was Annika, a boy I named him Robin but sold him right away I also sold Annika, sorry to say this is the best picture I have of him:

Robin

Then Faye kidded, like her mother, one boy. I named him Guy of Gisborne, to go with Robin. He was really cute and SO SO friendly, wished he was a girl actually. He was boring in color but so cute. And my Friend Brittany was up from NY when he was born so she got to see that, so that was cool too. Sold him too though...sadly. And for some reason I don't have any pictures of him. 

Then! Leibchen Surprised us all with a baby girl! I didn't even know she was pregnant till just a couple weeks before she kidded! She had Laura. And I'm so glad she had her because she made the decision to sell Londen so much easier. Laura's a sweet heart. I had her mom raise her because by the time she was born there were no other babies herr size to put her with, so unlike most other babies I've had she thinks she's a goat, and I'm another member of her herd, not her mom. She's quite silly and so much fun to watch. and she's HUGE because she was nursing forever she got big FAST. Shes eight weeks younger than Ellesmera (who I will discuss in a moment) and she's the same size if not bigger than her!  

Laura and my new chick "helping" me milk Leibchen

 Ok, Ellesmera (El es MEAR a) I bought from Larissa when I discovered I couldn't keep Pixie. I was feeling awful about Pixie and I met her and she lifted my spirits the second I saw her. So when I heard that Larissa wasn't keeping her I was quick to claim. Then Larissa told me (about a week or two later) that she was also selling her mom, Varla (who is also Tilly's mom. so Tilly and Ellesmera are sisters.) so I traded Annika for Varla. So I have seven goats now (one more than I had planned) but it works nicely.

Ellesmera 

Ellesmera

Pixie, about ten minutes old

Apollo

Pixie

London, Pixie, and Ellesmera

So I ended up selling all the babies but Mera and Laura, but my friend Eliana (who has Tilly's sister Ally) bought Apollo and Azariah. So I get to see them all the time. I'm going to take some more pictures tomorrow of the four babies so I can post some more recent pictures.




P.S. I also sold Leipchen's sister Leia.