Hi from Maine!

[MaineChick218]

I'm new to this forum, and live in central-ish Maine. I've got about 2.5 acres here, 8 hens and a rooster, a dog and 2 cats, and a 25x30ft garden for veggies. We plan on extending the garden a bit this year, and I really want to try some low tunnels to extend the growing season ( lord knows we need it in Maine!) I also like to make my own anything! I just made my first successful batch of yogurt!

 

[Lazy Gardener]

It was a very long time ago. I'd have to go back into my Dad's notes to find out. I think he started with Romney, but, eventually brought a new breed into the state. He started his first flock at the age of 14, and took blue ribbons showing them, competing against seasoned flock owners. Before he graduated from high school, he and a buddy had a flock of 100. He would also shear sheep at neighboring farms for extra cash. I remember being very fascinated watching him shear a sheep, how the sheep would be pretty docile as he handled it, and the fleece would roll off in a full piece, with the sheep being so pristine white and skinny without that heavy coat.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Gardens are never big enough when you're planting them. They suddenly morph into misbehaving giants with bad hygiene habits when harvest time rolls around.

 

[mrscoyote]

I am going to try making yogurt since our goat is supplying us with milk. What method did you use? I am undecided wether to use the crock pot or heat pad.
Nancy

 

[MaineChick218]

Hi Nancy! I made the yogurt using a warm oven. I turned it on low (200 degrees) for about 5 minutes and then turned it off. I also left the light on- the kept it warm enough for about 6 hours- I turned it on for about 10 seconds and turned it back off again, and it was enough heat for the rest of the time! What kind of goats do you have? I'd love to eventually have a few nigerian dwarfs!

 

[mrscoyote]

I have Nubians. She had kids in February, so this milking thing is all new to me. It's cool though cause now I have lots of milk to make stuff with.

 

[MaineChick218]

That's really neat! Are you drinking the milk? How is the taste difference as compared with cow's milk? I know a lady around here who makes and sells yogurt- cow and goat- but I've never tried the goat!

 

[Hinotori]

 

[mrscoyote]

Yes, we are not using cow milk any more. I really can't tell a difference in the taste.

 

[Denim Deb]

Yes, we are not using cow milk any more. I really can't tell a difference in the taste.

That's good to know. I've heard of people complaining about the taste of the goat's milk B4. Wonder if they were just expecting it to taste different.

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