PROGRESS WITH OUR MILK GOAT
Finally, we are beginning to bond!
This mama goat was a long time coming. We had hoped to get one last year, but things never worked out. Then @exploretraveler and @smailer pitched in and donated the funds necessary to purchase one. We had hoped that we would get one this spring, but things got busy. Finally, in the fall, we got her!
DAISY OUR MILK GOAT…. HOPEFULLY
Well, in that photo she looks like she has her ears spread for takeoff! Anyway, we wanted to have a goat around for fresh goat’s milk. It’ll take a while, as it is a process, but that is our goal.
First off, she will have to get a little older, and then we will have to breed her. After the pregnancy is complete, she should kid and then raise them. Then, we’ll have to switch from her nursing her young to being milked by us, and wean her little ones.
THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM
Since she is new to us, she is still somewhat scared of us. So far, she mostly still runs away from us. Even at feeding time, she stands a little far off and waits for us to leave. Additionally, her name is now “Daisy,” so she has a new name to deal with as well. Over the next few months we hope to make friends with her and get her used to interacting with us. If she never becomes our friend, then we will pretty much never be able to milk her.
Yesterday, we made some progress though! She actually chose to eat out of my hand! It is only a small step, but it is a step in the right direction. Slowly but surely, we will continue to attempt to build trust with her on a daily basis. Thankfully, the buck that we have penned with her likes us, so at least he is setting a good example.
The older @little-peppers already have some experience milking goats, so they are eagerly looking forward to the day when they can help provide some milk for our family. On the bright side, at least this doe is young and we still have plenty of time to become friends with her. We will see, but we are optimistic!
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-daisy
We raised our two boys on goats milk, and they grew like weeds. Very cool, and good luck on your homestead adventure.
Thanks so much! We are looking forward to it!
Reading your goat story put peace and laughter to my soul.
I like the way you describe the goat's ear.
You can tell she is scared.
Kinda remind me the rooster I read from you the other day.
This is the cool stuff about steem and steemit.
Keep on homesteading and take care of the goats and the rooster too.
I think her house is to small.
Nice Brother! You have Alpines I believe. Those are awesome milk producers and our were producing over 1/2 gallon per milking and that was 2 times per day. We also had Sonnas and they were awesome milk producers as well.
Looks like you are all set for some good goat's milk. It is super healthy for you as well. Ugh, I miss that fresh whole milk a lot! Good for you!
Nice
@papa-pepper WoW...such a sweet post ! I'm not sure I've ever had goat milk but you have to try making some goat cheese; goat cheese grilled sandwiches are soooooooooo....ooooo yummy! Best wishes to you always :)
Sounds great!
this is a good goat for your friend,
That is a great first step!
I agree!
She's gorgeous!
@papa-pepper, Daisy is a cute little milk goat. Hope she's soon able to get comfortable, settled in and make friends with your family. Keep us posted on her progress. All the best!