We picked up our two ladies Sunday afternoon. The horse trailer we were to borrow was out of state, so we had to use a large dog crate. It worked, but thankfully we didn't have very far to drive once we got them loaded.
Dixie said her hair was a mess and wanted no pictures taken today. She actually ran behind the pool to get away while I had the camera out. Once I put it away, she was back at the gate, calling for me to come & play.
Here is Shadow, my shadow from the first visit. She's not Dixie's sister as I thought, she's her daughter. That works
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee221/tmccool_album/Shadow.jpg
I got a pint of milk from Dixie before she tired of my technique and started kicking. After trying to settle her without any sucess, I let her down, refusing be upset (I am the boss goat, I am the boss goat, I am the boss goat!) From reading others adventures in beginning milking, thats pretty darn good!
We'll try again tonight. Those years in FFA are coming in handy!!
They are both a bit lonely, coming from such a large, family herd to my backyard with only an excited wether for company. They did find the rabbits interesting, the rabbits did not return the opinion.
I did take possession of my mother's "brush goat", since they are having a hard time keeping him entertained. He was so excited to see more goats he was jumping around like a kid & galloping around the yard. Dixie was not impressed, and firmly rebuked him when he dared come into her presence, but Shadow seemed to like running about with him. He's being very gentle with her. I put Dixie and Shadow in the old chicken coop, new goat house last night, just to make sure they wouldn't try to leave until they get used to our place. She wouldn't let Lucky into the house, but that didn't deter him. He slept right outside the house & was raring to go when I let the girls out this morning.
I traded 3 blueberry bushes for the construction of a milking stand. I was in too much of a hurry this morning to snap any pictures but it looks very nice. Still need the latch for the headstock, but a little tie wire worked in a pinch. I'm pleased with it & it's the perfect size for Dixie. She likes to lean away & have the milker lean into her side, so I placed it against the house. Its plenty wide enough for me to sit on & milk her.
Raw milk, here I come!!!
