Ch-Ch-Changes

Yesterday was a rather sad day on the farm...
the end of an era.


Our fainting goat breeding days are officially over,
and the herd we have now is the end of the line.

You see, we had a rather tragic spring this year...
losing our dear One Eyed Myrtle and her stillborn twins.
Myrtle hemorrhaged while birthing, and Dr. Becky was not able to save her.
She attempted mouth to mouth with the babies, to no avail.


I did not go into any lengths blogging about it, because just a few days later Nettie B. 
also lost her kid...a stillborn.
The pain was too great at that time.

Missy was our only goat that had a successful delivery this year...
giving us Andy and Gracie.


This was the first time we had had any trouble with birthing goats,
and to have two tragic endings right together
was more than we could bear.

After much thought, it was decided that we would not try again.


And so, yesterday our three remaining bucks lost their manhood.


Under anesthesia, and with the most humane technique, Dr. Becky
castrated Fred, Andy, and Chip.


The buck's yard looked like an infirmary for a couple hours,
but eventually everyone was back on their feet...
a little glassy-eyed, but in good shape.


Eventually, the boys will join the rest of the herd,
and they will all be one big happy family again.

You may ask why we neuter our males instead of letting them intact.
It is simply because neutered males are much easier to deal with,
and much less frustrated.  
If they are not neutered, they fight, and annoy each other...
without end.

Without testosterone in their systems, they will calm down,
lose some of their muscle mass,
and be happy to just co-exist with the rest of the herd.
Sons will once again get to mingle with their Mamas...
as will brothers and sisters.
What a reunion that will be!!

Comments

I'm sorry you had such a sad experience, and I believe you did the right thing.

daisy g said…
I'm so sorry you have suffered such loss this year. Enjoy your new, calmer billy goats.
Anonymous said…
Losing any animal is devastating. So sorry to hear of all the loss you had this year, Bev. I am sure all the man goats will be happier fitting in. XOX.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
so sorry to hear about all of the losses. that must have been tough. this sounds like a good decision.
Abby Frances said…
I'm sure the goats will be very happy reunited with each other. I'm so sorry you suffered to many hard losses this year. Losing a "family member" is always hard.
Deere Driver said…
How disappointing. But now you will have one happy herd - and yes-much easier to take care of too. Now they all can share the love together.

Hmm! Looking further on the bright side, now more room for more adoptions... :-)
This N That said…
Sad but...All's well that ends well....
Junebug said…
Even though they are neutered I'm sure they will be up to some antics to entertain us. Loosing any animal is so hard. Let the roumping begin!!!
Anonymous said…
On so many goat/sheep blogging and message board sites this year across the country, people were talking about a rough year in the lamb and kid pens. I am sorry you had the same troubles. No one knows what is going on, some folks are speculating about the quality of the feeds grown during the drought two years ago. Hope it is not a repeat this spring.
Heather in PA
mrscravitz said…
I am so sorry for your losses this year! Your poor billy goats! LOL Did you get to do lots of snuggling with them while they were in dream land? I would of! LOL.....
Country Gal said…
Sorry to hear of your loss . Farming has it's ups and downs that's for sure . Lovely photos . Oh so the boys will behave now ? That's good . Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !
Jennifer said…
How heartbreaking to lose them so close, well, to lose any at any time. <3
Unknown said…
I am so sorry to hear about those sweet babies, I know how hard it can be to lose your pets.

I am weak in the knees just hearing about the boys but all will be well soon.
Anonymous said…
It's so sad when birthing doesn't go the way we plan. I really understand why you don't want to go through it again. 2012 was the kidding year that about did me in.