Year of the Goat(s)

We have poison oak here on our property, enough that I wanted to get a couple of goats to graze and keep it in check. Of course, I wanted cute adorable goats. After much research (really only about their cuteness factor) I settled on the Nigerian Dwarf breed and set out to find a breeder. I placed myself on a few waitlists and decided to build the goat barn when we built the chicken coop for that “just in case I move up the list” moment. Well, that moment came this Spring and I had a week to prepare for my new girls. The goat barn was in no way ready for goats, I had it filled with flower heads drying for seed. After relocating my seed propagation bundles I got to work on research and prepping this barn for their arrival. Let me just say, this process was nothing like getting a new puppy and I hate to admit it but that’s exactly what I thought these girls would be like. I had to fortify their yard against predator’s, of which we have a ton. I had levels built for them to sleep on. Had a loft added to store a bale of hay. I bought the correct hay feeder and attached that. I made little feeders for their minerals, their sea kelp, their baking soda. I bought a water trough that could be operated with a float to autofill. All at a certain level so they wouldn’t “poop” in anything and get sick. Then some panic set in. I have to have medications on hand? I have to be able to inject medications? With needles? They can get bloat and die quickly? Worms, big problem. Keep an eye on their FAMACHA score (worm load) by checking their eyelids on a regular basis. Hoof trimming should be done every couple of weeks. Really, what did I get myself into?!? I was committed, paid the deposit and already fell in love. And……..how did all this combine with my farming responsibilities? Well, there was no combining. Farming took a backseat and I got so behind on all my chores. As with anything, there’s a learning curve and I just so happened to hit this curve at the most crucial of my farming tasks, Spring. I’m grateful for the ability to start anew next year when my goats become part of my routine and I’m less stressed about all the details. I’m over the moon in love with them both, love hearing them daily and getting that goat greeting every time I’m near. Sometimes I just sit in their barn and they snuggle up next to me. They have the most beautiful sky blue eyes and quirky personalities. The poison oak continues to grow wild and abundant because these girls, after all, are too good for poison oak.