Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Circle of Life
Many of you know that my oldest goat Audrey has been going blind for the past
year. In the last 6 weeks her legs have about given out on her, however her
appetite has been normal. She has been very patient with her grandkids this year
as they climbed all over her (both are bucks).
She ate and drank normally Monday morning, but by evening she was dying. The sounds of goat death cries are unforgettable. It is not the shriek of agony that happens with bloat, more like a mournful cry.
I've wondered why she had been hanging on so long.
Now I know. She passed her spirit to Sunflower's little doe who was born about 4:00pm. Audrey had picked this little doe and was waiting for her to be born.
Audrey's spirit was already gone when I was with her last night, her body just had to quit. She passed later in the night.
This is the end of an era. She is the last of the goats that lived on my farm in Southeast Colorado (I've been gone from there 14 years). Audrey has left a strong lineage: Shannon, her daughter, has four daughters: Nellie, Belle, Montana and Carolina. Belle has a daughter Barbie (they both live at my friend Claire's house). Two of Audrey's other daughters (Lilac and Rose) died of bloat a couple years ago. However Lilac's daughter, Yentl, is now a mom. Also living at Claire's house are two other granddaughters: Lucy (Rose's daughter) and Carmen (with her two new kids). Carmen's mother, Chaco (Belle's sister), was killed by a bear a couple years ago.
The new little Audrey is actually part of the Oberhasli lineage, unrelated to the elder Audrey. Couldn't get a great photo of the little one yet, but here are a couple.
She ate and drank normally Monday morning, but by evening she was dying. The sounds of goat death cries are unforgettable. It is not the shriek of agony that happens with bloat, more like a mournful cry.
I've wondered why she had been hanging on so long.
Now I know. She passed her spirit to Sunflower's little doe who was born about 4:00pm. Audrey had picked this little doe and was waiting for her to be born.
Audrey's spirit was already gone when I was with her last night, her body just had to quit. She passed later in the night.
This is the end of an era. She is the last of the goats that lived on my farm in Southeast Colorado (I've been gone from there 14 years). Audrey has left a strong lineage: Shannon, her daughter, has four daughters: Nellie, Belle, Montana and Carolina. Belle has a daughter Barbie (they both live at my friend Claire's house). Two of Audrey's other daughters (Lilac and Rose) died of bloat a couple years ago. However Lilac's daughter, Yentl, is now a mom. Also living at Claire's house are two other granddaughters: Lucy (Rose's daughter) and Carmen (with her two new kids). Carmen's mother, Chaco (Belle's sister), was killed by a bear a couple years ago.
The new little Audrey is actually part of the Oberhasli lineage, unrelated to the elder Audrey. Couldn't get a great photo of the little one yet, but here are a couple.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Open Barn
Had a very successful Open Barn yesterday. The weather was just perfect. Thanks to everyone who attended!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
More kid photos
During the snow storm on Wednesday five more kids were born. Iceni had triplets, as she always does.
Meet Lemongrass, Ginger and their brother.
This is Kate. She and her brother were born about 3 hours after the triplets. Their mother Helen did just fine. She waited until I went in the house for a 45 minute break, then had them without any assistance. As a first time mom she is doing very well.
Shannon is due on Tuesday, but hope she has them this weekend. There is another storm predicted for Monday and Tuesday.
Shannon is due on Tuesday, but hope she has them this weekend. There is another storm predicted for Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Rosie had twins
Rosie had twins on Thursday afternoon. A buck and a little doe named Rosemary.
This week Helen and Iceni are due.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Afternoon nap time
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Barn Open House
BARN OPEN HOUSE
Goat Kids are arriving! Fifteen as of right now.
If you’d like to visit the goat farm this spring here’s your
opportunity
When: Saturday
April 27, 1-4 pm - rain or snow date Saturday May 4 1-4pm
Where: Lori
Tigner and Westfarm Goats
6466 S High Drive, Morrison, CO
303-697-1755
Wear: old
clothes (they will get hoof prints on them), old closed toe shoes or boots (it
could be muddy), long pants (I don’t recommend shorts)
Children are
welcome, but no dogs
Will have
Westfarm Goats products for sale: soap, cheese, eggs, knitted items
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