Bobby the lovebug
It is that time of year again. The time of year when our billy goat, Abu, has to be separated from the rest of the herd. Each year we move Abu and our wethered and intact boys to the pasture opposite the ladies. Each year there are two weeks of pure misery. Misery not only for the little boys who miss their mama and the rest of the herd but misery for us as we are subjected to the hours-long cacophony of bawling, fussing, and caterwauling. This year, Abu is keeping company with Kevin, Bobby, and Waddler. We are hoping these three little boys can find good homes as herd sires. However, until they find their forever home, they must stay away from the females in the herd.
Kevin is taking this particularly hard. His mama is Dot, our black and white spotted female. Dot is as miserable without Kevin as he without her. It really does tug at one's heartstrings to see mother and child so distressed. Although Kevin is almost as big as his mama, she still allows him to nurse, and he is her constant companion. Dot is a bit high-strung for a goat and tends to be more nervous than the other ladies. It seems that just when Kevin gets settled in and is eating quietly with Abu, Bobby, and Waddler, Dot makes a run for the fenceline, bawling and caterwauling to get his attention. Once again, chaos ensues, and there are at least fifteen minutes of drama.
Abu could care less that he is away from the rest of the herd. For now, he appears to be enjoying the solitude and munches away without competition for food or attention. However, once the girls begin estrus, he will pace the fenceline and call to them almost nonstop. There will be a path worn down to the dirt along the fenceline from his pacing. He will also forget about eating and become thin and rather haggard-looking. It is amazing how the need to procreate surpasses all other biological needs. At this time, Abus is given a large ration of grain to build up his body fat in preparation for the days to come.
Side note, I just returned from helping The Bibbed Wonder catch Kevin. His level of desperation has increased to the point that he is escaping from his fence to stand next to his mama outside her fenceline. With the threat of neighborhood dogs and wild coyotes, Kevin is putting himself in harm's way. Thank goodness he is one of our friendlier babies, and he comes to us immediately. When he stands on his hind legs, he is almost as tall as The Bibbed Wonder. It is rather comical to see Eric carry a goat that is as tall as he. However, it saddens me that the little guy is so desperate to be near his mama. This is another aspect of farming that I don't enjoy at all. I hate to see my goats in distress. I think of our herd as a family unit, and I feel horrible when we break up the family. I know it has to be done, and we can't keep everyone, but sometimes some ties are obviously strong, and to be the one to undo those ties makes me feel awful.
Kevin will make an excellent herd sire if anyone is looking for a friendly, beautiful Nubian billy goat. If you know of anyone who would give a lovely little guy a good home, please contact me. We cannot keep him forever, especially with breeding seasons fast approaching. It will break my heart to see him have to go to market. Please forward my contact information to potential homes.
We also have a Boer buckling who is looking for a forever home. Bobby is a large, dappled lovebug. Although he is not registered, his parents are both here, and they are very nice in both personality and body build. Lastly is Waddler. He is a Boer wether with the waddles that hang from his neck. He, too, is a sweetie who loves to be carried, even though he is large for his age. He has a brown head and white body with waddles on his neck. He is a rather handsome boy, if I do say so myself. Again, if you know of anyone looking for bucks or a pet for their herd, I would appreciate it if you help me spread the word. I never, ever want my babies to go to market.
As always, dear reader, stay safe, be smart; if you can help me find homes for my little boys, I appreciate it, and of course, wash your hands.