Check out my Horses and Such Page

After long last, I've updated this page to include pictures of Lorch's arrival. He's our second black Tennessee Walker. It just happened this way. We didn't care what color they were as much as we cared about their temperament and ride.

Bob has ridden Bentley and both of us have ridden Lorch. He took good care of us but I was more uncomfortable with his height than his ride but then again, I haven't been on a horse in over 10 years. It'll take me a bit of time but I'll come around. After all, we moved here in 2000 so that we could get two horses and live happily ever after.

Thank You Natalee for All You Have Done

You are truly an angel. Watching you grow is pure joy. You gave me the time to heal that I so desperately needed. There was no way I could have continued caring for our critters with this foot injury. Thank you so very much.

Into week four of the broken ankle is so much better than the first few weeks. Walking without crutches is easier than trying to maneuver with them. Now I just wobble along with Big Foot. But that's a good thing.

Most of the pain has subsided so I'm pretty much to doing what I had been doing ... except for ... just a few things. Like standing several hours a day, walking in the barn, getting up slopes is a challenge, and going up and down steps is a hoot but Big Foot protects the ankle nicely. Together we make it around the ranch pretty well. I just have to be super careful not to fall again.

To that end, we have ordered more rock so we can expand a walkway in the chicken area. No more muddy, slippery spots. However, the chickens do make that challenging because of the way they love to dig. Those chicken holes do cause problems, don't they. But they are signs of happy chickens.

Once the tractor was started, it's business as usual. But to start it I have to use my left foot to hold down the clutch. THAT smarts so I've learned how to start the tractor with my right foot (not a good idea but necessary). Whew, at first we thought the tractor was broken because it wouldn't start. Nope, it was just that I couldn't press the clutch in as far as I used to. Sigh ... figured it out though.

The family has been an incredible support (no pun) throughout this ordeal. Soon, boys, soon I'll be back to normal. Ah hummm, my definition of normal.

I've missed working with the animals, they being so much pleasure to my life. Love them all.

Natalee, thank you for caring for them so well while I was unable. They all look good thanks to your tender care.

Please keep in touch. I love watching you grow. Keep smiling and study, study, study.

Love always,
Pat

Brooks and Natalie are together

Natalie and Brooks are pets -- not just goats. They're together because Natalie has been sold and her new owner wants her bred before she moves to her new home. Normally I wouldn't do this but Natalie's new family is well versed in goats and knowledgeable with goat birthing. I'm comfortable that Natalie will be well cared for during her delivery and in the future.

I don't sell goats; I place them in good homes.

Here are a few photos of the twosome:

Brooks hasn't been with a lady before. It looks like he's asking what to do.

As any good mom would say, follow your instincts.

He and Natalie are getting acquainted.

Yup, getting acquainted.

He's getting the idea.

THAT's my boy.

Isn't he wonderful. Natalie likes him, too. She isn't running away. THAT's my girl.

Cody Struck a Pose

Here is another black and white doe for sale. I say black and white but her coat has a golden tint to it. This little darlin' is about 18 months old and ready to breed. Her exact birthday is on her papers but I'm guessing here.

Black and White Goats For Sale

For this go-round I was able to capture pictures of two goats: Emily and Loretta. I have others but these two cooperated.

Emily is in the green collar whereas Loretta is in the purple collar.

Emily in green collar.

Emily in green collar.

Emily in center.

Emily in green collar.

Emily in green collar.

Loretta in purple collar.

Loretta in purple collar.

Loretta in purple collar.

Loretta in purple collar.

I have others but they would have nothing to do with me that afternoon. They stayed in the crowd. As soon as I can isolate them a bit more I'll upload photos of them.

I appreciate your interest in my goats.

How I Feed My Goats

Folks who have bought goats from us quite often ask how I've cared for then so they can continue the regime. The answer is somewhat detailed and lengthy so I decided to put it here for everyone to read. Besides, this way I can update my notes from time to time.

First and foremost, I care for my goats depending on what the individual goat needs at the time. Whenever possible I separate the herd by feeding needs -- ah, except for the boys and girls separation, that is.

For the over all herd:

• Shelter at all times because goats don't do rain and need shelter from strong winds
• Clean water at all times 
• In the summer we have fans in all the barns so they'll have moving air. 
• In the winter we have heat lamps for them. They can choose to get under it or not. But it's there.

 Everyone is are free fed the following:

• Sweetlix Minerals; goats need copper
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Backing Soda
• Kosher Salt (without iodine)

For lactating does and babies:
In addition to the above, they are fed a sweet feed with 14 to 16 percent protein.

For the babies:
When the babies are about two-weeks-old I set up the baby feeding area with a creep gate. This magnificent gate keeps the larger goats out and away from the food so the babies will have a chance to eat without being mobbed. These little babies are figuring out what solid food is and don't need the competition.

When the babies are weaned at about 12 weeks, I can either continue milking the does or gradually dry them up.

• If I continue milking, the does receive 14 or 16 percent protein so they'll have plenty of energy. I feed this percentage until their milk begins to diminish then will gradually reduce the percent protein until they are back to 10 percent protein.
• If I dry them off, I gradually reduce their protein to 10 percent over a period of time described below: 
• To start, I milk every day for about a week;
• then milk every other day for a about a week;
• then milk every second day for about a week;
• then milk every three days for about a week, and so on until the doe isn't producing much milk. Then I let her dry up on her on.
• I do this because I don't want her udder to get too heavy. Besides, it's painful with they're not milked regularily.
• The ultimate goal is to have the doe back to 10 percent protein without upsetting her system.

The herd overall:
IF the pastures are plentiful then I will probably feed only hay (our pastures are relatively small) but without feed. However, I do supplement feed when the pastures are really thin. They are fed hay daily based on 3 percent of their body weight.

I did one detailed weight analysis to get an idea of how much hay would be needed. I weighed every goat then did the math to find out how much hay to feed. This was nice to know and gave me an idea of what to expect.

Now I guesstimate based on how quickly the goats eat the hay. If it's gone in 3 hours, then I didn't feed them enough. But, if it lasts over 5 hours and they're off lounging and they're chewing their cud, then I've probably fed about right. However, if hay remains in their feeder the next day, then I've way overfed and need to cut back.

Nubian Dairy Goats

Follow this link for photos of my herd

Most of the goats are grown now. I just haven't had time to update the pictures.

http://www.grannannysgoatmilksoaps.com/SDR%20Web%20Nov2009/DoesforSale.htm

I appreciate your inquiring about my goats.

Sincerely,
Pat Allen