Got to meet some goats...

[PistolPackinMom]

Yesterday I got to take my son over to meet my in-law's neighbors. They have goats, chickens and a horse, so I thought my two year old would enjoy seeing the animals and I could ask livestock questions.

Well, it turns out the animals they have were more pets than livestock; from their kid's 4-H project years ago. All he could tell me was they were Alpines, and they'd only been milked for 4-H and were now just pets. Originally they'd had four, but one developed what he called a lump on the side of her head and died two weeks later. I asked if it could have been CL, but he didn't know what that was.

Anyway, he let me into the pasture to meet the goats, and warned me the dark one might jump me or try to butt me, as she wasn't friendly since they didn't get handled much. For the most part, the wether (who was 14 years old! I didn't know goats could live that long!) and his sister ignored me, but the black female, whom I guessed was herd queen, kept checking me out. She approached me every time I went near the wether, and was very interested in sniffing me. One time I turned away to talk to the neighbor, and when I turned around she had her nose to my elbow, looking up at me through those strange and mesmerizing eyes. I don't know what is was, but wow, did she have an effect on me. There was a quiet and wary intelligence in those eyes that caught me totally by surprise.

I've read that goats are smart, that they have personality and become part of the family, but I wasn't expecting whatever it was I saw in those eyes. I didn't fall in love with that particular goat, but I can easily see myself going head over heels for the right pair of does. It totally blew me away.

Why didn't y'all warn me?!

Anyways, pics or it didn't happen, right?





Also, is it normal for chicken coops to stink? I realize there will always be some smell, but if you keep it clean, it shouldn't have the power to gag you, right?

[mammabooh]

Cute pictures!

My chicken coop doesn't stink. I keep it nice and dry and I think that is a big help in keeping it decent.

[Oat Bucket Farm]

Our chicken coop doesn't smell. If you keep them cleaned they don't.

[Backfourty,MI.]

Nice pictures. Goats are very addictive so good luck only having 2 favorite does'!

[where I want to]

I know first hand the danger of even getting close to one single goat. I visited a lady with Boers and when she went to the fence, a dozen came running up from all over the field. All those beautiful chestnut heads on white bodies. Sigh- went home having bought one and was looking for another as companion.
Doomed- I was doomed...................

[PistolPackinMom]

That's what I thought; about the chickens. Most any animal shouldn't smell if it's living area is kept clean. These folks are very nice, but it seems like they got left with the "project" animals after the kids left home, and don't really seem to know as much as I thought they would. Guess I was expecting them to be like you all!

As far as multiple goats; that will be hard, I can already tell, but I'll have a lot on my plate, so I'll have to keep the numbers small, just to be able to afford and handle it all. I definitely don't want to get over my head...but then again, it may be too late

[Minelson]

You are doing everything perfect! You already know what CL is, you know we need pictures for proof and you caught right onto the ''Spirit'' of the goat...which is very powerful Yep...you need a couple of baby goats. You are ready
And my chicken coop doesn't stink either

[PistolPackinMom]

Originally Posted by Minelson

You are doing everything perfect! You already know what CL is, you know we need pictures for proof and you caught right onto the ''Spirit'' of the goat...which is very powerful Yep...you need a couple of baby goats. You are ready
And my chicken coop doesn't stink either

Everything I know, I learned from you guys!

And believe me, I want my goats now, but we have to wait...I feel like a five year old counting down for Christmas...and it's July! And yes, the "spirit" of the goat is exactly how I would describe it! I don't think I've ever "sensed" an animal so strongly. Hopefully I won't fail once I do get my own little herd!