Kidding season began....about a month before expected...oops

[dosthouhavemilk]

I have not been on here...or really anywhere online much. Work keeps me busy.
Anyways, our breeding season has been an absolute disaster. I think I have mentioned that. I expect to sell a good 85% of the 2012-2013 kid crop through the meat market this coming year (dairy and meat- does and bucks).
With buck break-outs and losing five bucks (we still have one little guy he just did not grow fast enough to be used this season) we are hurting.

Anyways, I got a call the other morning (okay...so it was the 13th) from dad. He didn't say anything but then there was this very distinctive noise coming through the phone. I know that noise, it only happens at a certain stage. If I hear that when walking to the barn, I run because it means I missed something.
I said "That's a baby goat! That a baby goat!"...over and over.
He said he had been trying to ignore it because our first does are not due until the 6th of January. But it is really hard to ignore that cry.
I get down there and half thought it was Arabella (polled purebred Nubian doe) but knew it could not be. It was Giselda's (Polled) 2011 doe. She had an adorable black Nubian buckling cleaned up and dried off. Such a good first time momma. Got the two into the bonding pen. I am racking my brain because there was nothing on the calender at the house. So dad went over to the barn calender to look. Sure enough on July 13th there is a notation on the calender. Bucks with OP (Orchard Pen). Mudblood bred black, speckle ear nubian.......This doe is your basic black Nubian with white speckled ears....huh....
So we have been in slight panic mode since double checking everyone. I rebumped the ones that I either don't have solid dates on or just make me nervous....
So far, just the one boy. The others are getting closer.
Nop idea how many are bred...most of them are bred to the wrong breed..some not bred yet...we have over 100 does...still cutting down.

[CaliannG]

I am happy that you got such a lovely and cute surprise! But I am sorry this season has been so difficult for you. I hope things get better for you soon. {{HUGS}}

[CJBegins]

That sounds like insanity! 100 does? What are you thinking? Do you have a cot in the barn?

Congrats on the new buckling!

[SilverFlame819]

Over 100 does?!

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Wow, that is a lot of girls bred! Congrats on the beautiful buckling you supposedly have Cause you know, he doesn't exist until there are pics.

[Minelson]

I don't know how you do it! That is so many pregnant goats. Congrats and I hope things start to get easier ((((hugs)))

[Backfourty,MI.]

I know I say the same thing every year but I just don't know how you do it! I wouldn't have any hair left on my head at all by the time kidding season is over.

So glad for a healthy cute surprise & hoping the rest of the kidding season goes well. Things will get better, just keep hanging in there.

[noeskimo]

It must be so hard to kid in the awful, winter weather there, and this week is going to be especially bad.Keeping them warm must be a full time job.Congrats and good luck. that's why I like Texas.