Kidding season will be upon us in a few short weeks with Buttons first out of the chute. She is bred to Pepe for some possible blue-eyed kids with loads of personality. Next, much to my surprise, is Cora Belle. I say it is a surprise because I thought we missed Cora Belle this year. She came into roaring heat twice very early in the fall...so early I didn't want to breed her and have kids in the winter, so I waited and then when I wanted to breed her she gave a half-hearted attempt to come into heat. I drug her over to Herron Hill Dairy to breed her to the new fancy buck with his Rosasharn genes and his champion mother but Cora Belle shut him down at every attempt. She clamped her tail and scurried away.
Back home we went to wait for the next heat.
It never came.
I was sure I'd missed this year and was disappointed because I want to put Cora Belle on milk test this year. She is a pretty heavy milker for a Nigerian.
But then she started to look a little bit heavier. Then she was definitely heavier. The goatfarmer stopped by a while back and I had her take a look. It was still hard to tell for sure since she had been enjoying the rations of a pregnant doe.
A few days ago after feeling Buttons unborn kids kicking and rolling inside her I thought I'd give Cora Belle a feel. I put a hand on each side of her tummy while she nibbled her grain and waited...and waited...and waited.
Kick.
Kick. Roll.
There it was. Cora Belle had a baby in there. And a very active one at that.
Still not trusting what I felt, as I have been known to pronounce an animal pregnant because I feel the kick only to have it never deliver, I tried again the next day and felt a distinct kick from a tiny hoof and then a lot of rocking and rolling.
I don't know how it happened but it did.
Last will be Buttons' daughter Boots. She is also bred to the fancy new buck at Herron Hill with his Rosasharn genes, champion mother, blue eyes and wattles.
Boots isn't due until the end of May so we have the babies spread out to keep the fun going all spring long.
Koo had better get his rest now. When there are babies on the farm he never lets his guard down.
13 comments:
Sounds fun. We're in the midst of our spring break kidding right now. I must say, I'm envious of a llama that actually protects instead of tries to eliminate kids.
I can hardly wait for the pictures!
Oooh! Exciting times. And you know i'm holding my breath waiting on the pics of some adorable new kids!
Oh man...babies on the farm :-) I love that...and it sounds like you are gonna have another beautiful group of them this season. :-)
Hmmmm...we may have to come see.....just to give them a hug, you know...
Okay, well kids are nice, but I want to see a picture of the HANDSOME buck over at Herron Hill. With his dreamy blue eyes and comely wattles. With his Rosasharn genes. (Are those like Levi's?)
Mmmm - can't wait for your pictures of new baby goats romping around! Koo sounds like a very dedicated llama! And, yes, please, I'd love to see a picture of the gorgeous papa.
Nancy in Iowa
It is fun Theresa and yes it is great to have Koo. I can always tell when babies are born because he is right there checking them out. He is around 20 so I am going to be very sad when he goes to the big pasture in the sky.
small farm girl, ice bear, I can't wait for the pictures either!
frugalmom, come on over...the mountains that is....and see the new babies. I could use a good yodeling session. But you may leave with a door prize.
I'll see what I can do about getting a picture of Jackpot for ya Marigold and MomL.
He really looks just like Pepe though...only with fancier genes.
I just love sprig on the farm! Lots of babies!
That Koo is a handsome lad!
I can't wait to see the pictures too!
You DO have alot to look forward to, Wendy! How fun!
Oh Wendy....babiesssss!
I simply can't imagine what that must be like to put your hands on Cora Belle's sides and feel a little hoof kick you!
And ok...wait. Koo looks *gorgeous*. How is he staying all dry and fluffy and mudd and bedding-free with all the damn rain? I mean, seriously - my Kai is looking like some kind of new version of animal with all the "extras" she's carrying around on her back these days.
(oh, and mud is actually only spelled with one "d") :-)
Well Danni, every once in a while I catch Koo and brush him. I must have just brushed him before this picture was taken. Right now he is all matted down from the rain and full of twigs...if that makes you feel better.
There will be no getting a brush through Kai. Ever. She has been very firm on this.
And, yes, thank you - that does make me feel better. Kind of like me showing you my messy closet. :-)
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