Spring is coming!!!

So, the winter this year has been a sad and disastrous one for us.  The constant sub-freezing temps mixed with too much wetness has caused us great sadness on our farm.  We lost several of our senior goats and a few others that took ill quickly, despite regular grooming and vaccinations.   With that said, there is a bright side!  Spring is coming.

The goats have been happier since the weather has changed a bit over the past few days and that is a good thing.   They are enjoying warmer weather and longer days.   They also like longer times for grazing. 

Since I last wrote, we took on a surrendered Potbellied Pig, named "Bucky".   Weird but interesting story too!  One Saturday afternoon, we were coming home from errands and up our road, saw something moving around in the middle of the way.   Low and behold!  It was Bucky, the great escape artist.  He apparently had gotten out of the pen he was in and decided to take a stroll.   As we approached him, our neighbors pulled in beside us and pulled out some feed.

Long story short, the gent got Bucky half way to our property and then went on his merry way and told us that we were now the proud owners of Bucky!  Bucky is very acclimated to his new digs and super excited to have attention on a regular basis.  He gets fresh fruits and veggies, good grains, and lots of water.   He is a bit sad though as he is a herd animal and wants some company so we put him next door to our male goats.   Bucky is on the search for his roommate at the current time. 

Bucky

receives alot of attention as he is a herd animal that really likes to socialize.   Despite pigs having poor sight, they have a great sense of smell and humor!  Bucky smells me long before I greet him and starts "Squeaking!" with delight as I approach.   A once, somewhat aggressive animal, now greets us with very vocal announcements and a wagging tail.   He especially appreciates us in the AM when he gets his daily vitamins.




Another sign that spring is coming is the arrival of babies.   Despite our best intentions of taking a full calendar year off from breeding/free will, we welcomed twin girls several weeks ago.   We separated out our herd this past fall to take a season off BUT someone got a little frisky and BOOM! babies arrived.   Apple and Cherry are kin to their momma, Kiwi, who is an excellent mother.   They are slowly outgrowing the hats that we have been using as coats for them in the frigid weather.

They recently started following Momma throughout the pasture to learn how to forage.   We had to wait for them to grow a bit as the eagles see the babies as bites to eat.  They love to hit the remnants of bird seed that lies on the ground under the various feeders we have everywhere.

Another sign that spring is near are the bluebirds!  They have arrived as regular visitors and love the happy homes we set up everywhere for them.   They also love the meal worms that are placed strategically for their eating needs.   Soon, their friends the Orioles and Hummingbirds will arrive once the Eagles take off.   Not far from that, the whippoorwills and purple martins will follow.

Lastly, another few signs are that the flocks of geese locally are now migrating.   Trees have buds on them.    The bees are coming out of their nukes to forage.   Ladybugs have been sighted inside and outside of our home.   And our dogs have started shedding!  (that isn't always a fun thing to deal with when it comes to constant vacuuming!!!!)

Anyway, spring isn't just on the calendar as coming.   Nature is indicating that the cusp is near and I have to admit, I AM HAPPY ABOUT IT!  Not excited at the idea of tornado season starting and 100 degree temp potential, but happy to get out of this wet umbrella that we have been in for over 6 months!

Hurry Spring...come quickly!  Make Punxsutawney proud.

How to treat Mites or Lice in Goats

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

This is something that pretty much is a guarantee when you raise any type of farm animal.  I keep Diatomaceous Earth (DE), food grade - on hand and throw this on the back of my goats pretty regularly.  I also give them high quality hay and goat oil (only if needed) to keep their goats shiny and healthy.  

DE can be used for all sorts of things and animals.   It is great for gardening; especially for tomato plants that often get riddled with worms and caterpillars like the Tobacco Hornworm.   Food grade DE is the best for deworming poultry and other birds.  It is known for keeping fleas under control as well so feel free to throw a bit on the back of your favorite four-legged/tailed friend!

Suggested Bottle Baby Feeding Amounts

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

This is a suggested list.   I don't generally follow this.  The kid will tell you when it is full.   The key thing to remember is that you don't want to overfeed a baby.  This can cause bloating which is a medical emergency.  It can also cause scours, which can also be life threatening, if left untreated.

How to Examine a Goat: The Basics

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to Determine if your Goat has Stones - THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY!

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to Treat Polio in Goats

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to Treat Pneumonia in Goats

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to treat Anemia

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to Treat a Goat that you think may be Poisoned

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to treat Bloating in Goats

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Bumping a Doe during Pregnancy/Labor

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

CD&T Toxoid vs. Anti-toxin

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Coccidia Treatment

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Horse Dewormers that can be used for Goats

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Toxic Pregnancy/Ketosis

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Hypocalcemia: Milk Fever

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Common Dewormer Medications and their Proper Dosages

Provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

How to Warm a Cold Goat

I am going to post a series of very informative and important one-pagers that host a plethora of information, provided via the Goat Emergency Team for 2019.

Updates!

So, it has been a long, long while since I last wrote.   Lots has happened to cause the delayed response.

With that said, we are in Birthing Season!!   I wanted to remind everyone of a few items that should always be on hand, near your birthing area, and ready to go at a moments notice.    The checklist that I will be providing is one that I have used year-after-year, etc.   It is tried and true.

Not all goat births go according to plan.    Some do, most don't.   Things can get complicated for an older nanny; first time birthing; inclement weather changes; multiple births; breech births.   The list is long.  Use my checklist as something that will aid in the overall process.

Things that I have listed in "Yellow" are the MUST HAVE items for your birthing kit.   I have all of my supplies, arranged in Rubbermaid containers and ready to go near or inside the birthing kit (depends on how curious mom-to-be is!)

Meet Apple and Cherry (Mom is Kiwi)

Whippoorwill Farm Checklist - Birthing Kit

This is a list of kidding supplies for goats. I keep these items in an easy to carry box as a kidding kit that keeps everything I may need in one place and I can carry it with me to wherever it is needed.

1. Flashlight & batteries - For those night time deliveries.
2. Latex gloves – In case you have to assist.
3. OB Lube/lubricant – In case you have to “go in” to assist.
4. 7% iodine – To treat the umbilical cord to prevent navel ill.
5. Small spray bottle or film container – for dipping or spraying the umbilical cord with iodine.
6. Dental floss – To tie the umbilical cord, if necessary.
7. Blunt nosed scissors – For cutting the umbilical cord if it is too long.
8. Alcohol - to sterilize tools
9. Baby nasal aspirator – To remove fluids from newborn’s mouth & nose, if necessary.
10. Clean towels, washcloths (white is best) – To dry kids to prevent chill & dry hands.
11. Bottle & Pritchard Nipple – In case you need to bottle feed, I have had the best luck getting newborns to use the Pritchard Nipple over others.
12. Lamb / kid puller – In case of a kid that is positioned wrong. (Usually just your hand is enough to help a doe that needs help but it is a good idea to have one).
13. Weak lamb syringe & feeding tube – To feed kids too weak to nurse.
14. Small scale - I use this to get a birth weight on the kids.
15. Feed bag or garbage bag – For picking up the afterbirth.  Wait until mom finishes choosing whether to eat it.
16. Soap & warm water - for washing up in case you need to assist.
17. Small notebook & Pen - to record birth weights, etc.
18. Digital thermometer – To check the temperature of chilled kids.
19. Quiet hair dryer – to warm a mildly chilled kid.
20. Phone # of 2 goat knowledgeable veterinarians - in case of an emergency.
21. Empty feed bags for birthing on with easy cleanup
22. Heat lamp – important if during winter and frigid temps; otherwise, craft some type of coat for the baby/ies.  Thick hats that can be purchased at Walmart/Dollar General work well.   You cut a head hole and 2 feet holes.   Leg warmers also work well.
23. Bulb syringe
24. Camera
25. Goat colostrum
26. Goat electrolyte
27. Goat Milk powder
28. Probios stick
29. Electrolyte drink – Pedialyte is best.   Packets work too.   In a pinch, Gatorade and Powerade work as well.   Fruity flavor is best
30. Molasses – this is important for right after birth.   Momma needs molasses mixed with warm water to regain strength, esp. in winter.
31. Apples and/or apple sauce.   Apples are a favorite of goats and good to convince momma to eat.   If she is weak, applesauce can be delivered via drench.
32. Goat drench.
33. Feeding buckets for water and food.
34. 16% sweet feed
35. Separate birthing area for mom to have so she can bond to babies and not have to fight for food.
36. Ample supply of hay.
37. Mineral oil or vegetable oil.   This is important as the first week or so, the baby/ies will have unformed poop.   If mom doesn’t clean them well, it can harden and block their anus (could kill them).   Oil mixed with warm soapy water on a clean rag with gentle massaging will remove poop.
38. Pepto – a must have for all goats.  Pepto is good for scours.
39. Baking soda – free will

Most births go very well and there is little assistance needed, problems are quite rare but can happen so it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on does that are close to kidding.

Some other kidding tips:

Always handle any goat, but especially bred does with care and in a manner that will not stress them.

Give your pregnant does their CD/T vaccination boosters 4 weeks before they kid to protect the mother and assure she passes those good antibodies on to her newborns. This is also a good time to check her for anemia, usually caused by worms. Pull down the lower eyelid & make sure it is a healthy dark pink color, not pale or white. An anemic goat may not produce milk like she should at kidding.

It is a very good idea to have frozen colostrum on hand for an emergency because it is absolutely imperative that the newborn kids get colostrum as soon after birth as possible. It contains the antibodies needed to help keep the newborn kid healthy. It is a good idea to milk out a little colostrum from a doe that has recently kidded after her kids have nursed, then freeze it in an ice cube tray and store the cubes in ziplock bags in the freezer for future emergency use.

After the kids are born, make sure the doe’s teats are not plugged so the kids can get their colostrum.

Give the doe some warm water with some molasses in it after she kids for extra energy and to help replace fluids, she will relish it.

Do not feed a severely chilled kid, warm them up first because a chilled kid cannot digest milk and will not want to nurse.

If you do have to go in to assist, it is a good idea to treat that doe with a round of Penicillin to prevent infection.

The doe should pass her afterbirth with-in 12 hours of kidding, if she does not a vet should be consulted. NEVER pull the afterbirth out of a doe as this can result in serious damage to the doe, let her expel it naturally.

First Aid Kit for Goats

Include the following equipment and supplies:

·        Surgical gloves

·        Drenching syringe for administering medications

·        Cotton balls

·        Gauze bandage

·        Alcohol prep wipes

·        Elastic bandage

·        Digital thermometer

·        Syringes and needles

·        Tuberculin needles and syringes for kid injections

·        20-gauge needles and syringes of various sizes — 3 cc, 6 cc, 15 cc

·        Tube-feeding kit (tube and syringe) for feeding weak or sick kids

·        Small clippers for shaving around wounds

·        Sharp scalpel

·        Sharp surgical scissors

Include these medications:

·        7 percent iodine

·        Terramycin eye ointment for pinkeye or eye injuries

·        Antiseptic spray such as Blu-Kote for minor wounds

·        Blood stop powder, for hoof trimming injuries

·        Di-Methox powder or liquid for coccidiosis or scours

·        Epinephrine, for reactions to injections

·        Kaolin pectin, for scours

·        Antibiotic ointment, for minor wounds

·        Aspirin, for pain

·        Activated charcoal product, such as Toxiban, for poisoning

·        Children's Benadryl syrup, for congestion or breathing problems

·        Procaine penicillin, for pneumonia and other infections

·        LA-200 or Biomycin, for pneumonia, pinkeye, or infections

·        Tetanus antitoxin, to prevent tetanus when castrating or for deep wounds

·        CDT antitoxin, for treatment of enterotoxemia

·        Milk of magnesia for constipation or bloat

You also want to include these items:

·        Betadine surgical scrub, for cleansing wounds

·        Probiotics, such as Probios or yogurt with active cultures

·        Powdered electrolytes, for dehydration

·        Fortified vitamin B, for goat polio or when goat is off feed

·        Hydrogen peroxide, for cleaning wounds

·        Rubbing alcohol, for sterilizing equipment

It's been a while...

I haven't written much because 2016 was a very, very difficult year.  

As much as the start of the year was exciting and nerve-wracking with new babies and bad weather, the part that started at March through December could be forgotten, from the perspective of our farm.

The best thing in 2016 and our lives was the adoption of our little girl.   She has kept us busy, busy, and busy; hence, the lack of extra time to write a story or two on a blog.

With that adoption came alot of baggage.   Coincidence, I think not but prior to the finalization of adoption, our King, Buckwheat, took to a mysterious illness.  No stones; no hoof rot; no visible trauma.  No pneumonia; no bloat; no foaming at the mouth.  Nothing.   He just one day stopped walking.

We would have days where he would get up and stretch.  Days where he would eat like the king that he was; days where he just didn't want attention.   Buckwheat was our first boy goat and my baby.   He was the one animal that if I had something happen to me doing chores, he would come to me and protect me.   At 300-400 lbs, I loved his protection.   It hurt me (even now as I type) to loose him and not know why.

Then, the adoption came.   The day after, one of Buckwheat's sons was found with no visible trauma; nothing.  No signs prior to the adoption that anything was wrong.  Mocha was a sweetie.  Another few weeks went by, and one of the younger bucklings from the last season, was found by my husband.   As it is, we also lost our co-queen over New Year's.  She was a favorite and she left behind (2) baby bucklings that are super cute and want attention.   Because of all of this, we are looking to relocate our farm.  

You can interpret the scenario how ever you like.   The family associated to our little girl is not a good group of folks.  All have criminal records.

Anyway, with all of that, we are hopeful 2017 is better.   I promise to write some cool things in the next few days as it is already time to start planting seeds for spring planting :)