I guess it was about four days ago when we introduced our Saanen Buck to the Does for the first time. He’s been with them ever since and last night we witnessed one of our Does, Millie, being bred. She should be due 11 April 2023.
Hopefully the other 4 does that are in the pasture with the Saanen Buck will soon be bred also. If all goes well it’ll mean our having about 10 Goat Kids for sale during the Spring of 2023.
If you’d like to come visit our Goats at Briden Farm, please contact Brian at BridenFarm.com 902-907-0770
I love finding time to spend with our girls and kids. At this point we just have the two Kids. Although we are still expecting more!
This video shows their Woodland Pasture, we practice Silvopasture techniques here at Briden Farm. Creating Woodland Pastures, or pasturing animals under trees.
On the 6th of July, our Nigerian Dwarf Goat Doe, Nanna, freshened and gave birth to Terry and Romeo. A little Doeling and a little Buckling. You’ll see how they’re progressing in this video. They’re doing great, been eating grain, hay, grass, shrubs, bark, and so on, since they were just weeks old. Nanna still nurses them, but has them pretty nearly weaned.
Our other three Girls, Saanen Goats, spent six weeks with a small young Saanen Buck for six weeks in February and March.
The gestation period for Goats, the period from the time a doe is bred till she freshens (gives birth) is about 145-155 days. The little Buck we had breed our Saanen Does was here till March 27th. So, any kids being born, should happen by August 29th. Although most Goats average 150 days, so we hope to have all three Does giving birth within the next two weeks. Although I still find it difficult to tell exactly when… kind of like the Second Coming! We may know the signs and the season, but only the good Lord himself knows the hour! 😉
Now would be a great time to book a Farm Tour to see our babies, goats, bunnies, chicks, and more!
Call Brian at Briden Farm to Book Your Farm Tour.
902-907-0770
When it comes to Milking Goats, I really enjoy it! At least I do when the Doe is a willing participant! Our old Saanen Doe, Eve really enjoys being milked. Whereas Nanna, our Nigerian Dwarf Goat, has never been quite sure! We’ve had some over the years that just didn’t want to be touched!
I prefer milking by hand, while I know some others prefer machine. I am sort of thankful that I’ve never had over one or two goats to milk at the same time! I think if I had too many I might be tempted to turn to using a milking machine! Not sure though!
Although I may find out, we currently have 4 Does, and they just had the visit of a Young Buck for a month and a half! So, come July, we potentially could have four freshen, that would mean probably having four goats to milk! It could also mean our having anywhere from 4 to 14 kids! Not likely to have over 5-8 kids though.
I know I look forward to being back in milk though, we enjoy making cheese, yogurt, buttermilk and whey! The extra will go to our Berkshire Pigs, Larry, Curly, and Moe!
Curious, do you prefer milking by hand?
What’s Your experience with Milking Machines?
