Big Bellies and Big Bags

I just took a look at a couple of big bellies and big bags. I love to see those huge swollen bellies this time of the year - on goats, that is. Just two more weeks or so and two of our does will have their kids. Their bags are starting to become swollen with milk starting to come in. Our family really likes to see those udders grow for that means just one thing - FRESH MILK SUPPLY!!! We usually try to time the mating of the does so we are able to have fresh milk year round. This year our schedule has changed a bit with the upcoming move to Minnesota. We decided to downsize our herd to three of our best does and one buck. We figured that would be easier to move cross country when moving time came.

We have been without fresh milk now since November and are craving it. We are unable to obtain any raw goat's milk where we live. It is illegal to sell it in Indiana. That hasn't stopped friends of ours from allowing consumers to obtain raw milk from them. They sell cow shares to those who wish to have raw milk. The state has tried to shut them down, but the protest of the part owners of the cows was very loud and persistant, so they let them do their thing.

Our girls are allergic to cow's milk or we would buy from them (yes, they are even allergic to raw cow's milk for those who are curious). For a time one of our daughters was unable to consume pasteurized goat cheese. Only raw goat dairy products agreed with her for a while. For the past few months we have had to be satisfied with purchasing raw goat cheese and goat yogurt from the co-op. I can't seem to find any that will guarentee they don't use any antibiotics, so we are excited in more ways than one to be able to consume our own goat's milk and goat's milk products again soon. Our goats have never had any antibiotics. They have never had mastitus. They just don't get sick. We have plenty of pasture for them to graze on, plus they receive many minerals via kelp.

Our first goats were sickly when we purchased them years ago. Their coats were rough, one had a very thin coat and was nearly bald in spots and that was in the middle of winter. It took a good year to get them to the point that they were healthy. Now their coats are thick and shiny.

My oldest daughter told me she wants to learn about goat midwifery this year. We have studied it some. We never have had to intervene yet, atleast in a major way. If we're blesseed enough to witness a birth, we just wipe the birth sack off of the nose of the kids to make sure they can breath. Last year we had our first set of triplets that we were able to witness! What a joy that was! We have even had a few families over the years who happened to be visiting when goats gave birth, so they have had the excitement of being able to witness the miracle of birth.

These animals always seem to know what they need to do to have their kids - lie down, then stand up, then lie down, then stand up, then turn around, etc. I taught childbirth education classes for years and the women who had their babies naturally and easily always seemed to know what they needed and what they needed to do. Years ago, the girls and I were able to witness one of our cats giving birth. She purred through the whole experience while we pet her. Amazing. When all of the kittens had been born, my three year old (at the time) concluded in awe, "Creation....it's a miracle!"

We are certainly looking forward to witnessing some more miracles with our goats in a couple of weeks!

Blessings,

Lisa for the Mesko's

lisa@lighthousefarm.com

05:29 - 2006-Feb-14 - post comment

OK

I do envy your fresh supply of goats milk, but am thankful that here in PA raw milk (at least cows) is legal and I am able to get some. Someday...goats and maybe we will get to witness the birth too! :).

kayinpa - 06:12 - 2006-Feb-14

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How wonderful

to get sickly goats back to good health and to have such a wonderful herd of animals. I hope your herd grows once you get settled into balmy Minnesota!!

spinninggrandma - 06:34 - 2006-Feb-14

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Kayinpa

How wonderful it is legal to buy raw milk in PA! I hope you are able to get some goats, too, someday.

Lighthouse - 10:13 - 2006-Feb-15

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spinninggrandma

Thank you for your comments - we joke that it is just too warm down here in Indiana!

Lighthouse - 10:14 - 2006-Feb-15

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