A Surprise! (and Preparations)

 It is almost time to bring home the goats...

...but this morning brought a startling discovery.  "Elly May," my sister's goat, is not an "Elly May" at all!  "Elly May" is a buck!  What a surprise!  The breeder has several more does that should kid in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully a true "Elly May" will join the herd soon.

Preparations to bring the new goats to the farm are underway:

Goat Records: This is a notebook to be used for random scribblings about the goats, bottle feeding tips, nutrition information, American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) information, and the daily "barn records."  I wrote in Proverbs 3:5-10 and Proverbs 27:23&27 at the beginning.  It is my prayer that these verses will guide this great goat adventure.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 

It will be health to your flesh, 

And strength to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 3:5-10

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;

You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.

Proverbs 27:23&27 

 Sweaters: The weather can't seem to decide whether to be warm or cold, so I have several old sweaters for the goats.  I plan to cut off the sleeves to use as mini goat-coats.

Baby Bottles:  They only hold 8oz. and eventually the kids will need 16oz. per feeding, but they should work good for starters.

Nipples: I also have some Pritchard nipples and some lamb nipples that can be used on pop bottles.  If the baby bottles don't work out, I will use these as a back-up plan.

Probiotic Plus Paste (Goats Prefer brand): (not in photo below) Just in case the kids need a little boost due to stress or scours, I have these "goat vitamins" on hand.

Vet Thermometer

With the necessary supplies to get started, I am all ready to bring the goats home!