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!!