We received a phone call no respectable goat parent ever wants to receive. Three of our little darlings who went to summer camp at a neighboring farm were asked to leave. These three little darlings are babies born this year. At this age, most babies have accepted the herd mentality and are reluctant to stray very far from the adults and their peers. This little group of three has gone rogue. They sneak out of the fence, go to areas they aren’t supposed to go to, eat what they want, and thumb their nose at the farmers.
When caught, after much effort and shenanigans and placed back in the fence, they go and sneak out again. This little scenario played out over several days, and finally, Jerry, the farmer, had had enough. He called Eric and asked him to come and get the little buggers. Jerry called Eric at night, and first thing the next morning, Eric went to pick up the little delinquents. We have a good relationship with the Spence family; we don’t want to do anything to upset that balance.
Shockingly, two of the three ill-behaved youngsters are siblings and belong to our wise, sweet, well-mannered Boo. We love The Boos. We have Mama Boo, Boo, Flora (may she rest in peace), and Fauna. This family line is intelligent, calm, sweet, even-tempered, and well-mannered. When deciding what girls we will keep as future milk goats, The Boos are always at the top of the list. We were shocked two of the three juvenile delinquents belonged to our sweet Boo.
These little criminals know no shame. Upon returning to our farm and being released with the small herd here, the Boo babies ran straight to their mama and tried to nurse from her. They have been weaned for almost two months. Boo was not having any of their nonsense and immediately put them in their place. They reacquainted themselves with the pasture field, found a high spot under the wire, and boldly slipped outside the fence to romp and play just outside the perimeter. Sigh. They should be past this rebellious stage by now.
I have always believed that a Houdini goat who refuses to stay inside the fence is only an escape artist because they aren’t getting enough to eat. In this case, that isn’t true. There is more than enough pasture to forage upon. These three little buggers are just curious and rebellious. I am not worried. Soon enough, they will be too big to slip under the fence without getting shocked. However, until then, they will be a constant source of concern and worry.
We have been fortunate never to have had any issues with wild predators bothering our goats or neighborhood dogs coming onto the property. Chubby is not nice to other dogs and keeps any and all neighborhood dogs away. He also handles potential threats like raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, and even skunks. He is a fierce protector of us and our property. However, my Chubby buddy is getting up there in years and doesn’t hear or see as well as he used to.
Buster would attack a human before he would attack another creature unless it happened to be a chicken. He has killed three of my laying hens over the years, but that seems to have passed. He has no desire to kill wild creatures. He enjoys the chase, but that is as far as it goes. However, I fear for the well tender and delivery people if they are to come and we are not home. The Heavy-B doesn’t like strangers. I do believe Bus would protect our goats from a predator. He would run them off, if not kill them.
However, with dogs, there is always the instinct to chase and kill. If Chubby were to take it into his head, he could be a threat to rambunctious baby goats outside their perimeter. It would be in the best interest of all if the babies would stay inside the fence where they are protected.
Aside from my bib overall-wearing buddy having to do the farmer’s equivalent of the walk of shame, all is well. We are noticing the little rogues staying in more than they are out. Having a strict mama present might have something to do with that. Boo has no tolerance for disobedience or shenanigans. She quickly puts everyone in their place should they step out of line. This is what makes her a strong and respected herd leader. I am certain with guidance and a bit of maturity; these little rebels will grow up right and be wonderful additions to our herd.
On this overcast July day, stay safe, be smart, respect boundaries, and keep washing your hands.
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