Milk Maid

For years, it has been a HUGE dream to have milk goats! Luckily, the cowboy shares my enthusiasm for healthy eating, raising as much or our own food as possible, and a love for goats. Having combed the local buy/sale list and asking around regarding who sells goats in the area, I finally came into contact with a wonderful family who had just the "babies" for us! 

Meeting Daisy. She is a miniature Lamancha, known for their amazing milk!

So, without any pens or feed ready for them, we headed out to "take a look" at one goat. I researched the breed she had available, and felt the Lamancha would work well for us. Upon arriving at the farm, we were greeted warmly by kids (of the human sort), friendly faces, and goats. Oh I just wanted to scoop up the babies and hold them! What is that reaction with me and babies of any species??? 

How could you not love this face?

She follows us around!

After moments there, I fell in love with "the wrong goat." Curious, bright eyed, and affectionate she warmed right up to us. I have a feeling she would warm up to anyone! Flower was just the perfect animal to take home, and after a little thought about it, they decided they would sell her as well. My good natured cowboy agreed to bring home TWO goats!!! Am I lucky or what??

Flower was loaded into the car... yes CAR.. rather easily. After a few cries, she settled into the seat with her head in my sons lap. My excitement was running so HIGH I didn't even blink twice about driving out of the driveway...without my husband. In the back of my mind I knew the "farmers" were bringing the other goat along. Yeah. I forgot that since his accident that A. He cannot lift a goat into a pickup. and B. He CANNOT ride as a passenger. After explaining to them he is unable as of yet to get into a passenger seat, they good naturedly allowed him to drive. Yeah... I felt pretty bad later! They got Daisy (formerly known as Coco) into the truck. (We had to rename her as a beloved dog with the same name passed not too long ago and we felt she needed a happier name!)

My son was left to "goat sit" while we ran to the hardware store for supplies,  and to pick up another passenger. On the same local buy/sell list I also found a chicken. Her poor little family had been wiped out by a weasel and she was the only survivor. OF course I then had to track down a few more chickens, so she wont be lonely... and I succeeded at finding five more who will make their home on our little acreage later in the week.  I had a WONDERFUL conversation with our chicken's "former human mom" about goats, and she shared my excitement for them! I am not sure her husband is as thrilled about them as we are! 

After a brief introduction to the dogs, and learning Daisy is not going to take any nonsense from the puppy, we got to work on the pen. Goats, like children, do not have an instruction manual but I can tell you that when a goat charges your dog, you should most likely be aware of an escape route or you will have a muddy behind and a dog in your lap!

Last fall we picked up some salvage wood for pens and we used that to make the initial pen.  The use of the word "we" really means my three boys! The cowboy directed and they built the panels  In short manner of time, the pen was up, and as I predicted, it was not goat proof. Both of our girls made quick work of escaping! Daisy took for for the hills, running as fast as her Miniature Lamancha legs could carry her. My son was not thrilled to have to chase after her, rope in hand, through the spring mud and the muck, through a horse pen in order to bring her home. 

Not real pretty and we need to cut off some boards..but it works!

Finally, the last of the boards were on the pen, and it was deemed "goat worthy." We were most hopeful we would be able to get the chicken coop finished too, but I think I over estimated the ease of building! NOW, it was time to milk. Again, we weren't quite ready for goat owner ship, so there was no milking stand available. We improvised and brought her up to the porch! Milking is not easy. Not only did my hands wear out fast, I know my strong cowboy was frustrated to not be able to do it either. Another thing the accident has changed for him; the ability to do basic and simple farm chores. 

I think there is definitely a reason for the saying "no use crying over spilled milk." I really do not believe it originated at the table! It was most likely penned by a person who had goats and was trying to learn how to milk! Even Ms Flower got in on the milking, though I am not sure her climbing my back and giving me kisses was helpful. It  however lightened the mood!

 He was frustrated... I was frustrated... and I think Daisy was frustrated if her reaching around to grab a hunk of hair with her teeth and yanking it out of my head was any indication! Eventually I had to go inside and watch another YOU TUBE instructional video, both of which made me disheartened. It really couldn't be as easy as Ruby's owner or as that 3 year old "milking champion of the world" made it out to be! I learned a little technique and headed back out.


We just weren't having much luck. We ended up with under a half a quart full of hair, and then dirt once she placed her foot into the pail! There were visions of her drying up or developing mastitis. I left a message with her previous family and went back to work. We just kept milking every couple of hours to relieve her discomfort, through the night. Her former family got back with us and assured us we were probably milking right, but that due to stress she may not be letting down. By 8 am this morning, we had success!!! Well, more than yesterday! 

I have visions of goat cheese, and feeding my family wholesome goodness from our very own place. We are on the right track. Today, we will be making a milking stand! If you are looking into goats, I can tell you to start with a full size breed as the Miniature breeds may produce as much milk but it is no easy feet getting down to milk them!! Daisy's temperament is true to her breed, being docile and shy. She is warming up to her new family and I think we will be friends soon. She was VERY patient this morning as we milked and her milk let down! Flower, who is a Nubian, is loving, curious and full of mischief... we love it! I would already recommend her her breed! The milk smells sweet and as soon as it is cold, I will venture a taste. If I have enough by this evening, I will try my hand at goat cheese! 

After all the milking difficulty of yesterday, my Lil' Bit came home. Who new we had a Master Milk Maid in residence??? Apparently last summer, when she visited her friend, they milked goats daily! 

What a love!

I had NO idea that goats would cuddle!!!

Day two is no less amazing than day one... maybe even more wonderful as these beautiful girls have just settled right into our family. After taking a seat on the ground, Ms Flower came over and laid next to me and made the cutest little sound. Every few minutes she would look up at me with adoring eyes. I am HOOKED!