We are definitely feeling more like a farm these days – the new additions sure are keeping us on our toes. Despite the two months we spent on goat farms, we are learning what kind of mischief goats can find. Between getting their heads stuck in the fence, escaping through the gate when our backs are turned, head-butting Meeko any chance they can, stealing dog food and trying to climb walls lets just say its like having 3 toddlers running around. Never a dull moment!
We had a vet come out to give all the newbies a once-over and found out that our goats were not actually pregnant. That’s a little bit of a bummer simply because we won’t have goat milk as soon as we thought, but it’s mostly a blessing because we don’t have to worry about keeping kids alive and warm in the Appalachian winter. We’ve scheduled a gentleman caller to spend the week with our girls next week. We’re hoping for June babies!
AC has been handling that process but it is quite entertaining to think about. She posted on our local homestead bartering Facebook page and has several folks respond. So she messaged a couple possible suiters, they shared photos and their guy’s qualifications (i.e., one stud has kids all over the state from the mountains to the coast lol), they arrange “dates,” asking things like your place or mine, how long does he need, and what do you charge. Never thought I would see the day when we became goat matchmakers, but here we are. Fingers crossed we pick a good stud!
We’ve also started work on our barndominium. And good thing because we’ve got 4 family visits scheduled this spring/summer already! If everything goes to plan, the barn should accommodate 8 people with:
- a queen bed in one room
- a twin bunk over a full and a twin Murphy bed in the second bedroom and
- a pull-out couch and a regular couch in the living room.
The barn will also have a larger kitchen space and bathroom. We’re hoping to have it finished in early June. Let us know when you’re coming so we can block off those dates on our rental calendar!
We got snow! A winter storm came through last Friday and we woke up to about 3.5 inches of pearly white fluff.
Bella and her goats have been fine in the snow and frigid temps.
The smaller animals (the chickens and B the cat) don’t love it, but so far they seem to be doing ok.
AC thought it was pretty for about an hour and hated the rest of it.
Meeko, on the other hand, is living his best life!
Since, lately, it’s been below freezing most days, we’ve spent more time indoors than usual. I’ve made bread and cookies and several decent soups, our wood stove is getting quite the workout, and I’m gearing up to start seedlings in preparation for our spring garden. But, doing chores in the snow has certainly made us feel like “real” farmers who get no days off, no matter the weather.
Stay cozy, everyone!
Until next time,
Charli
AC facilitating dates for the goats and y’all serving as goat matchmakers is the post I didn’t know I needed today. Inventive method for goat/fence protection…did she get stuck again? or did it work?? could have a patent on your hands there!
Lol! The 2×4 worked for about a week until she managed to knock it off. But we think she learned her lesson because she hasn’t gotten stuck since then.
I love keeping up with your progress!
And we love sharing it! Thank you for following along!