Riverside’s little goat herd has grown. Birthing photos! (Graphic)

Jun13

On Tues evening, Marigold went gently and quietly into labour and produced a beautiful little female kid. We have named her Anemone.

Here are a few photos showing the birthing process and the rather fabulous end result!

(The pics are best avoided if you are a bit squeamish)

At the beginning of labour the ‘bubble’ appears. It may burst or remain intact. You may be able to see two tiny white hooves inside it. Normal deliveries are head first with the head between the feet. The tongue is often hanging out. This is normal.

Here you can see the tiny white hooves and a pink tongue and nose appearing. The ‘bubble’ has burst.

And a few minutes later the kid is born and mum licks and licks to clean her.(Softly bleating all the while) I do intervene a bit and clear the kid’s nose and mouth of mucus and give the kid a brisk rub with a rough towel.. and then let mum take over.

Warm water with molasses is appreciated after the birth .

Welcome to the world Anemone xxxx

What a gorgeous girl! Anemone xxx

Mum and baby x

Both doing great!!

……….and here is a link to my favourite website about goat keeping and kidding . Enjoy!

We have goat kids!!..at last!

Mar14

Tansy gave birth to two healthy kids this morning. One of each. We have named the female Heather, after the pink heather that is in full flower just yards from the goat shed right now. Here are some photos.

Mum has a much needed drink after the event. Warm water with a little molasses. So proud of her .

Simple pleasures.

Mar5

Today has been a proper spring day. A day of sunshine and birdsong. It has been wonderful to be able to work outside all day.

In the last few days I have planted willow for arches, sown seeds, spread compost, weeded veg beds, got out of bed and checked on the goats each night at 1 am and 4:30 am, fed and watered and cleaned out hens, quail, duck and geese. Fed and hayed and watered ponies and cleaned their paddock. Walked dogs, met up with neighbours and enjoyed the dry sunny days!

There are buds appearing on plants everywhere. It is time to sow seeds. My greenhouse is filling up. Baby animals are due to be born. Life feels good.

The simple pleasures of spending time out in nature are the best.

Here is to new beginnings.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Please don’t copy my photos or use any them without permission . Thank you.