They're here!

[2happymamas]

We picked up our three mini-nubians yesterday. We love them already. Still, this feels like we've done something huge. We have done something huge. It's obvious that they're going to be much more labor intensive than the chickens or bees.

I've had to milk them twice now and that's quite the chore. Having never milked an animal before yesterday, it's been interesting. I've been really concerned that I am not milking them all the way out and they will get an infection. We have two first fresheners and one of their wethers.

Until we get into a better groove, do you think it's okay to not milk the doe who has her baby? I keep alternating between being in complete awe and wondering what the heck we got ourselves into. Lol.

They're hanging out in the yard now but I am afraid to leave the house for fear they will get out. They are in an area that is fenced in with five foot chain link. They should be safe in there, right?

There are a few pictures on the link in my signature.

UPDATE:

After less than two days, I am definitely getting the hang of milking. I am not milking the doe with her baby yet but have been making sure that her baby is nursing on both teats. She's even.

I had to throw out the first two batches of milk, as it had a lot of debris and a few hooves ended up in the bucket. It took me 30 minutes to milk her out the first two times, 15 minutes last night, and about 10 this morning. I am definitely getting the hang of it! I am so grateful that the woman we bought them from trained these first fresheners so well on the stand. They are good girls.

I am only getting out 2 cups per milking from Ginger, but I am okay with that. She's kidded about a month ago and I hope it will pick up a bit soon. Isn't it true that their milk supply can falter a bit after a move?

I do love these goats.

[Backfourty,MI.]

What cute little goats! We also raise mini nubians & dearly love them. If you only want to milk the one without the baby that should be fine. Just make sure the single baby doesn't leave her lopsided if he only nurses off 1 side. If he does milk out the side he's not emptying.
5 foot tall fence should be fine. We have cattle panels & sheep & goat fence both & they are only 4 feet tall & ours are fine. Some are jumpers though & will get over the wooden gates if they aren't tall enough.

[Kathleen in WI]

Aww! I just love floppy ears. So hard to decide between Nigerians and Nubians.

[wintrrwolf]

Take a breath let it out slowly and enjoy
They look wonderful! I definately see the nubian in 2 of them
chainlink should be fine they will love to scratch themselves on it.

[wintrrwolf]

Take a breath let it out slowly and enjoy
They look wonderful! I definately see the nubian in 2 of them
chainlink should be fine they will love to scratch themselves on it.

[mygoat]

They're only as labor intensive as you want 'em to be, really. A lot of people make it hard on themselves, IMO... Here, it's either easy to do right, or we don't do it. Keep it simple is my motto. And easy - I grew up as the only person doing animal chores... Generally if I couldn't do it by myself, it wouldn't get done. Buck up or realize your limits and accept it for what it is.

You'll get the hang of milking. If my dad can do it, you can do it... trust me.

As for the doe with the baby, you can try to leave him on all the time. Usually babies will favor a side and you'll have to milk it out to keep it even and to keep her udder from being damaged. If he keeps her milked out, though, you'd be able to have a break from having to milk all of them.

Chainlink will work well, but be warned, they will itch on it and it will bow out around their back/belly height, causing a gap at the bottom. This may mean they'll slip underneath. I'd put a line of electric around it if I wanted an impenetrable barrier. A line of electric saves a lot of fencing from goat-inflicted damage. They ruin fences very well.

[hurryiml8]

They are adorable and so is their little house!

[Alice In TX/MO]

You need a LaMancha so you will have all ear types represented.

CUTE!

[Jenniferlynne13]

Sooo CUTE

I'm new to all of this too...it's a great adventure !!!

Best of luck & Have FUN~~