Milking the Village Goats

My mornings have been filled with spring planting, thinning peaches, chicken chores and early morning visits with Dorothy and Charlotte, the Village Goats. 

My little grandson and I walk down the street to Jack and Leah's house because Jack is letting me try my hand at milking.The plan ... should everything work out, is to get to know the girls. Then, when the time is right, Dorothy and Charlotte will have their turn at our place (and at Caroline's Boho Farm). 

We will all try to work together to give the goats a good, healthy, stable lifestyle while trying to accommodate each others schedules. While it all sounds pretty simple in words, it really is a big responsibility to take care of the needs of  these simply amazing Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Take a look at what's up at Goat Chick Farm!

Dorothy jumps on the milking stand. She is ready for her grain and alfalfa! 

 " Just roll your fingers, don't pull, let the milk come down... aim for the bowl and don't let her step in it!". These are my first instructions! 

  After awhile my fingers are getting cramps or ...something. I guess you have to build up milking muscles!

  I can hear the zing of the milk hitting the bowl on the other side. I'm just getting started... and Dorothy is ready to jump off the milking stand! I think the goal is five minutes milking time per goat. That's why you have to be fast and learn to milk with two hands (my next lesson)!

More grain please!

 While milking, we talk about how creamy the milk is, and how to make cheese. Jack reminds me to put the milk in the freezer for twenty minutes, just to cool it down.

 I think I'm getting the hang of this, but I will definitely have to find a better milking stool, because this bucket is not feeling very comfortable ...

  It's Charlotte's turn now and daughter Emma gets a lesson too. We are all in this together!

Four cups of rich, warm and wonderful goat's milk!

Is there any left for crazy Rambo?

Dorothy with Sandy and Rambo taking their turn!

Dorothy and grandson talking things over...

The goat hut. This is where the buckling's romp, sleep and wait their turn for mama's milk.

   It's pretty much like a playground/ farmyard around here! 

Leah, shows niece Ella how the kids climb to the very top of the hut, their favorite place to hang out!

Leah and Snow

                                                                      Yep, GOT MILK!


We are linked up with one of our favorite blogs, Frugally Sustainable!

New Kids at Goat Chick Farm!

Saturday was an unexpectedly busy day. While picnicking at the park with the family, I received a frantic call from fellow urban farmer Leah. I could only make out a couple of the words, they were COME NOW! Leah had warned me that husband Jack would be out of town until later that afternoon, so I knew  I would be on call just in case of the upcoming goat birth. So while Jack was on his way back to Phoenix, there was something wonderful going on in his back yard! Warning, this is a real birth, so it's a little graphic...

When I arrived, everyone was huddled in a shady corner of the goat pen. Leah, calm and collected, her Nigerian Dwarf Goat mommy, Dorothy and two just barely born baby goats! Adorable and amazing was my only thought. Take a look!

First goat out, already trying to get on his feet  Still a little wobbly, but just about up!

Leah, making sure everyone is getting a little warm milk.

Cleaning and a sweet nuzzle for baby.

Mother and babies bonding, Leah, much relieved and of course bonding too.

 Below, a much appreciated snack for Dorothy.

Dorothy resting and goat babies ready to play!

Not much more to say, except that we are all happy that everything went so well! We are enjoying the beauty of birth and growth and are now waiting on Charlotte, who will also kid anytime. A big thanks to Leah for letting me be a part of it. It was heart warming to watch her attend to her goats!

As the goats grow, Jack and Leah, the Sweet Life Garden family and the Boho Farm family will share in the care and milking of the " village goats". We will keep you updated on the progress as we learn to work together in this new urban farm venture. Thank you for stopping!