There's a new KID in town...

When I was 10 years old, there was a song called, "There's a new kid in town," by The Eagles that will be undoubtedly stuck in my head now, but we've got a new kid in town - really.  A baby goat.  Nellie had her little kid this afternoon.  It's a girl!!  We named her Annie. 

We got back from Lake Charles and while I was moving the temporary electric fence to let the cows eat fresh grass in the backyard, Russ went to the barn to gather eggs.  All of a sudden he took off running back to the house with the entire flock of chickens following him.  He ran to tell Tricia that Nellie had her baby, so we all went out to see the new arrival.

Everyone's excited about the new baby!

Nellie was cleaning her up as we walked up.  She didn't really mind our being there, but she did not want the chickens around.  She scratched at the dirt with her hooves and lowered her head and rushed at them as if to say, "I'm a new mom.  Give me and my baby some space!" 

Annie gets her first bath

It is very important for baby animals of all types to get the first milk - colostrum, it is called.  It contains antibodies and other vital nutrients that the mother passes to her offspring to ensure that they are healthy.  We watched for the longest time, but Annie was having difficulty in understanding how things work.  Her instincts were working.  She knows she needs it, she just can't figure out how to suckle off of Nellie's teats.  Poor Nellie was so engorged - it looks painful.
 

Where is it?  How do I find it?

Nellie tried to push her with her head as if to say, "C'mon!  Lower, go lower, little one!"   


Trying to help

Little Annie is so cute.  She is tiny and has markings almost like her Mom.  She's a Nubian goat as well.  Look at those long, floppy ears!  

Awwwww!  She looks like she might be smiling!

She is a curious little thing and is not shy.  Just hours out of the mama and she's calm and content as can be.  She seems to be perfectly healthy.  Nellie is fine, too.

My, what big ears you have!

Nellie, with her beard, licking little Annie.  Nothing like a spit bath...

 

At last, and who knows if this is the right thing to do or not, we helped Annie find what she was looking for and she began to suckle and get that colostrum that gives her a good head start on health.  Goats often have twins.  In fact, the lady who sold us Nellie just had another doe (nanny goat) that delivered triplets.  Since Annie is the only kid that Nellie had, we'll likely have to milk her to relieve some of the pressure.


Got Milk?  Well, yes.  Yes, I do!

One thing that is a little different with baby goats is that they aren't as wobbly as calves are.  Annie looks like she's ready to go.  She's got her footing and walked up to tell us goodnight. 

Annie, the baby Nubian goat - born 4/9/2013

  So Our Maker's Acres Family Farm has a new baby.  Wow!  She's a cutie, too.