Update

I haven't been here in sooo long. I'm sorry. I will try to update a little more often. Let's just say a lot of snow. A few goat deaths. Some possum killings and a lot of snow.

I  promise to work on this.

It's a BOY!

Lilly delivered a bouncing baby boy today! She had him all cleaned up, nursing and bouncing around by the time we got home. Chris figures sometime around 2 p.m. was the event as that is when he heard strange noises from the pasture. Didn't phase him much because they are always making some sort of commotion. He is adorable of course and has some really cool markings on his face. A bit larger than the prior kids with a very thick compact body. Pictures to follow soon.

We're running out of room so somebody is inevitably going to be sold soon. Lucky has a local vet that is very interested in having him as a farm pet. He'll be perfect as I've spoiled him to death and he loves the attention. The twins will be of age to sell in a couple of months. Just have to wait and see what happens.

Passing, eggs & activity

It's been a month and a lot has happened on the farm...

First and foremost we lost our precious Velvet. I came home to find her huddled in a corner and so bloated you could have poked her with a pin and she would have popped. What she got is actually called "bloat". It is common in ruminants as they require the ability to allow the excess gas to escape and usually they are great at burping and passing it but in some cases they get into either excess amounts of grain or lush grass and this can occur. The large animal portion of Vet Med attempted to relieve the gas by normal means but this did not help. Shortly after us leaving her in their care she went down hill and surgery was her only option. They pulled over 10 lbs of grass and grain from her rumin. She came through the surgery fine but then stopped breathing and they couldn't bring her back. We had taken Lucky, her kid, over to be with her but he never got to see her. When I went to pick him up the next morning he was hoarse from crying for her. It took almost a week for his voice to come back. It was a very sad day on the farm...at least for everyone except maybe Mike as he doesn't get attached to anything. They are all my babies and I do get attached.

Onto happier items of news...we have some layers finally. Brown eggs are finally on the menu. I know we have 3 of our 7 hens laying. We are getting a consistent 3 eggs a day now. Once they all get into the groove we'll have more eggs than we will know what to do with.

Garden is planted...corn, green beans, carrots, watermelon, cantelope and pumpkins are in the big garden with room for the squash once the fence is up. Otherwise the goats will just eat it before it has a chance. In my flower garden which has corners of completed areas I've added a spot for the tomatoes, banana peppers, chili peppers and golden bell peppers. I figured to keep them closer since once those start growing it will be a daily task to harvest. Hopefully this years attempt will get us something instead of go to weeds like last year. We were much more organized.

I don't think I've missed anything new except to report that all kids are doing fine. I enjoy going in every night and getting my nibbles and hugs from all.

Kids R Us

Twins have arrived...Brownie is a great mom too! A girl and a boy. Maybe Stormy and Windy since I think the storm scared these kids out of her. :) Our boy has a bit of an issue with standing up right but Rachel is taking care of him to help get that straightened out. I've said this before and I'm sure to say it many more times...we are blessed to have her around.

Vet Med Training

One of the University of Illinois' vet med classes stopped by the farm tonite. They were there to see a chiropratic demostration and some benefits of acupuncture on large animals. 

I have to admit that I never knew the animals (any kind) needed chiropractic care but then I have never been to a chiropractor before either. I guess I fall into that "they're not real doctors" group. I listened intently and she (the vet) was very well informed, personable and truly a delight to listen to. 

With just a few pokes, rubs and prods Hobbitt (the horse) could move his head farther to the right than he ever could before. Rachel will testify to this. 

Anyway, here are some photos from the demonstration.

Video might be available later after I get it cleared. And find my transfer cable - Sony has to be different in cable connections.

5:30 feeding

Hopefully only one more feeding this afternoon that I need to do and Velvet will totally take over. She is doing much better this morning with her mothering duties. While I was feeding Lucky the colostrum we initially milked from her, she was right there making sure all things were going well. After I got done, he nursed like he was supposed to and she seemed to be ok with it. I think the initial stress of it all and Saint being there made things a bit bumpy. This is Valentino's first...at least now we know he is capable of getting the job done. Now to watch Brownie more closely as we think she is due soon too.

Name that goat...

We have a new goat. 

unexpected.

boy.

about 3 hours old in this picture taken at 7:30pm.

Our first kid was a female named Lightning and first impressions or to name this one Thunder. They have different parents but for the first two born on th e farm... Maybe?