Goatucation is making a return for today. There were quite a few questions when I showed you that the twins had to go to jail when Louise erm, wanted to dance the rhumba with Luke.
This is not going to be a fun Goatucation but it will answer all of the questions. As you know there seem to be a lot of little boy goats born on the Farm. When the male person bought Luke the goat from his Farm he came from a Farm where there were a lot of boy goats and he asked the lady if that meant Luke would make boy goats. She swore up and down that he would not.
She lied.
Luke has been here 2008 and he has danced a lot of rhumbas. The only girl goats have been Emily and Thelma and Louise. So that leaves the male person with a lot of buck fixing to do. And he growls a lot every time another little buckling appears.
We cannot have a lot of bucks on the Farm and bucks are hard to place. On the other hoof, wethers (a fixed, male goat) make very nice lawn mowers and excellent pets. So the male person and publicist do something called "banding" the little boy goatlings. It is not their favorite job but it has to be done. Not everything is fun on a Farm.
It bothers the little guys for about 10 - 15 minutes and then they are back to bouncing around and annoying us older goats as kids are wont to do. If the male person erm, misses the buckling can maintain his "buckiness" and that is what happened with Bruce and Clarence. They think it is because they were smaller than average. Nothing more can be done at this point. This presents a problem because they now spray and do things that a buck would do so they cannot be placed as pets.
The male person and publicist are not sure of what is going to happen right now. These are some of the hard decisions that come with having goats.
They will stay here for a while yet so you will get to see them grow a bit more. They will just have to go to jail when their nanny wants to dance the rhumba!
Showing posts with label goatucation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goatucation. Show all posts
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Goatucation Returns - Why Are Goats Eyes the Way They Are?
Yes, I know it is Saturday and not usually a day for learning.
But I was asked a question yesterday and I thought it would be rude not to answer it.
I am not a rude goat.
I am not Abby.
One of my lovely readers asked why goats' pupils are horizontal instead of vertical like your human eyes.
If you look at my close up you can see that my eyes are indeed very different from yours.
There are a couple of reasons for this. But first I would like to point out a very interesting fact; goats' pupils are actually rectangular.
You can see that very clearly in the photo.
But I was asked a question yesterday and I thought it would be rude not to answer it.
I am not a rude goat.
I am not Abby.
One of my lovely readers asked why goats' pupils are horizontal instead of vertical like your human eyes.
If you look at my close up you can see that my eyes are indeed very different from yours.
There are a couple of reasons for this. But first I would like to point out a very interesting fact; goats' pupils are actually rectangular.
You can see that very clearly in the photo.
Is that not fascinating?
The first reason for our eyes (and the eyes of other hooved animals) being this way is to increase our peripheral depth perception so that we can see what is off to the sides better in 3D.
The second reason is our eyes allow us to see better at night. This is obviously more important for my wild cousins than it is for us goats here on the Farm. We don't have to worry about being out at night and watching for predators. We have a nice safe and warm barn to sleep in.
Our vision covers 320 - 340 degrees as opposed to human eyesight which covers 160 - 210 degrees. This lets us see almost all the way around us without moving our heads.
Now you are jealous, aren't you?
I hope you enjoyed this Goatucation post today. I think I will goatucate you whenever I receive a question. So if you have a question about goats just ask away.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Goatucation: A Sad Lesson Today
For today's Goatucation I need to discuss something very sad.
It seems I have lost my baby.
I know. I am very sad too.
The publicist has done a bit of research on the computer and she thinks it might be because I was rammed by one of the other goats. I am not telling who - Mallory - but I am also an old goat and these things happen sometimes.
It is also possible I was never pregnant in the first place but I'm not telling.
So to goatucate you on goats and miscarriage it most often happens because the doe gets rammed by a pen mate. It can also happen if the doe eats moldy hay but the publicist never gives us that. We only get yummy fresh hay around here and besides I am a fussy goat and wouldn't eat moldy hay any way. There are a number of other diseases that can cause miscarriage too including:
Toxoplasma - this is found in cat poop
Salmonella
Mycoplasma
John's disease
Listeria
Don't they sound scary?
I just know I am very sad not to be having a kid this year and will be sad when Abby's kid comes. I hope you all understand.
I will leave you with a photo of me and Kevin from last year. It makes me happy to remember Kevin.
Tomorrow: I don't know yet. I might take the day off and give the blog to Abby.
It seems I have lost my baby.
I know. I am very sad too.
The publicist has done a bit of research on the computer and she thinks it might be because I was rammed by one of the other goats. I am not telling who - Mallory - but I am also an old goat and these things happen sometimes.
It is also possible I was never pregnant in the first place but I'm not telling.
So to goatucate you on goats and miscarriage it most often happens because the doe gets rammed by a pen mate. It can also happen if the doe eats moldy hay but the publicist never gives us that. We only get yummy fresh hay around here and besides I am a fussy goat and wouldn't eat moldy hay any way. There are a number of other diseases that can cause miscarriage too including:
Toxoplasma - this is found in cat poop
Salmonella
Mycoplasma
John's disease
Listeria
Don't they sound scary?
I just know I am very sad not to be having a kid this year and will be sad when Abby's kid comes. I hope you all understand.
I will leave you with a photo of me and Kevin from last year. It makes me happy to remember Kevin.
Tomorrow: I don't know yet. I might take the day off and give the blog to Abby.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Goatucation: Putting the Cart Before the Goat
It's Monday so that means I must Goatucate you.
I am going to tell you about something shocking.
Something you will not believe.
Some people put harnesses on their goats and make them pull carts!
Are you not shocked?!
The male person wants to do this to ME!
To ME!
So I wanted to Goatucate you all to this practice so you could tell me if you are as horrified as I am. I do not think I should pull a cart to haul around the publicist.
Harumph!
I am a SpokesGoat, not a goat with spokes.
This is what one of these.....things look like
I mean really.
They are meant for wethers, not famous goats like me.
Maybe Matthew should pull the cart.
He should do SOMETHING around this Farm.
If you want to learn more about this SHOCKING idea there is actually an American Harness Goat Association! Those goats must be being slipped something in their grain.
THAT has to be it!
I don't care what the male person thinks - I will never pull a goat cart!
Harumph!
Tomorrow: The publicist and male person meet one of my cousins.
I am going to tell you about something shocking.
Something you will not believe.
Some people put harnesses on their goats and make them pull carts!
Are you not shocked?!
The male person wants to do this to ME!
To ME!
So I wanted to Goatucate you all to this practice so you could tell me if you are as horrified as I am. I do not think I should pull a cart to haul around the publicist.
Harumph!
I am a SpokesGoat, not a goat with spokes.
This is what one of these.....things look like
(photo from my favorite goat store - Hoegger's Goat Supply)
They are meant for wethers, not famous goats like me.
Maybe Matthew should pull the cart.
He should do SOMETHING around this Farm.
If you want to learn more about this SHOCKING idea there is actually an American Harness Goat Association! Those goats must be being slipped something in their grain.
THAT has to be it!
I don't care what the male person thinks - I will never pull a goat cart!
Harumph!
Tomorrow: The publicist and male person meet one of my cousins.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Goatucation: All About Where We Live
This is not a typical Goatucation post. Instead of telling you about us goats I am going to tell you about our Farm. In the comments last week a lot of you asked about our river and wanted to know more about it so I thought I would tell you about our little patch of Western Montana.
We live in a town called Superior. It is in Mineral County and we are not far from the Idaho border. (If you want to learn the facts and figures about the County you can go HERE.)
Superior was named after the same town in Wisconsin. The people who founded the town named it after the town they came from. The post office was founded in 1871; Mineral County had one of the largest gold strikes and helped to settle the West. Mining was a major industry for a while but it, of course panned out (heh heh). Timber was also a big industry but that has also died off.
Our river is the Clark Fork River. It is 360 miles long and ultimately drains into Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. The Pend Oreille River then connects the lake into the Columbia River which then goes to the Pacific Ocean. Our river is named for William A. Clark of Lewis and Clark fame.
Mineral County is home to the Alberton Gorge which has a great white water rafting The county is almost 85% National Forest so there is lots of great hiking and camping. There is also world class trout fishing in the Clark Fork River and many of the myriad creeks, streams and alpine lakes that can be found throughout the county. The male person told me about these things and he should know - he has done them all!
The publicist, when she can, just loves to sit and watch the river go by....
It is beautiful, isn't it.
We love to graze on our riverbank.
I hope you enjoyed today's Goatucation!
Tomorrow: The Strike is OVER!
We live in a town called Superior. It is in Mineral County and we are not far from the Idaho border. (If you want to learn the facts and figures about the County you can go HERE.)
Superior was named after the same town in Wisconsin. The people who founded the town named it after the town they came from. The post office was founded in 1871; Mineral County had one of the largest gold strikes and helped to settle the West. Mining was a major industry for a while but it, of course panned out (heh heh). Timber was also a big industry but that has also died off.
Our river is the Clark Fork River. It is 360 miles long and ultimately drains into Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. The Pend Oreille River then connects the lake into the Columbia River which then goes to the Pacific Ocean. Our river is named for William A. Clark of Lewis and Clark fame.
Mineral County is home to the Alberton Gorge which has a great white water rafting The county is almost 85% National Forest so there is lots of great hiking and camping. There is also world class trout fishing in the Clark Fork River and many of the myriad creeks, streams and alpine lakes that can be found throughout the county. The male person told me about these things and he should know - he has done them all!
The publicist, when she can, just loves to sit and watch the river go by....
It is beautiful, isn't it.
We love to graze on our riverbank.
I hope you enjoyed today's Goatucation!
Tomorrow: The Strike is OVER!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Goatucation: How Goats Eat - Browsing and Grazing
It is no secret that we goats like to eat.
We like to eat a lot.
I have used a Goatucation (or two) to tell you about the four stomachs of a goat.
Now I will tell you about browsing and grazing.
We goats do both.
We are very talented - especially when it comes to food.
Mmmmm, food.
Grazing is the eating of grasses and weeds. This is what we do most often. If you ask me there is nothing better than some tasty grass.
We go grazing all summer long
We love to go grazing down by the river.
And then of course, there is stealth grazing.
That is hiding and eating the tastiest tidbits for yourself.
We are lucky that so many yummy grasses and weeds grow here.
Browsing is eating woody twigs and leaves.
You know how much we love to munch on our trees around here.
We don't look at our best when we are doing it but appearance isn't most important when you are going for a delicious nibble of some pine.
Mmmmm, pine.
It takes serious balancing to browse correctly.
My studmuffin is an expert browser.
Hi Luke!
I hope you enjoyed today's Goatucation it's a nice lead in to tomorrow's post - The First Graze of Spring.
We like to eat a lot.
I have used a Goatucation (or two) to tell you about the four stomachs of a goat.
Now I will tell you about browsing and grazing.
We goats do both.
We are very talented - especially when it comes to food.
Mmmmm, food.
Grazing is the eating of grasses and weeds. This is what we do most often. If you ask me there is nothing better than some tasty grass.
We go grazing all summer long
We love to go grazing down by the river.
And then of course, there is stealth grazing.
That is hiding and eating the tastiest tidbits for yourself.
We are lucky that so many yummy grasses and weeds grow here.
Browsing is eating woody twigs and leaves.
You know how much we love to munch on our trees around here.
We don't look at our best when we are doing it but appearance isn't most important when you are going for a delicious nibble of some pine.
Mmmmm, pine.
It takes serious balancing to browse correctly.
My studmuffin is an expert browser.
Hi Luke!
I hope you enjoyed today's Goatucation it's a nice lead in to tomorrow's post - The First Graze of Spring.
Labels:
browsing,
gazing and grazing,
goatucation,
nomming
Monday, March 22, 2010
Goatucation: Goat's Milk Ice Cream
As I have mentioned in the past, the publicist makes many things with my rich milk. One of the things she and the male person like the best is yummy ice cream. She made some when our visitors came and she made another batch this weekend. Mmmmm.
It starts, of course with my rich milk! She puts it in her pot with a vanilla bean that has been split and scraped. She heats this just to boiling and sets it aside.
Then she takes 8 egg yolks. This is called French vanilla ice cream because it is custard based which is why it uses so many egg yolks. it is very rich.
The egg yolks go in her mixer with two cups of sugar.
They get all mixed up.
Then she slowly adds the heated milk to the egg/sugar mixture. You have to do this slowly or the egg yolks will curdle and it will make a big ole mess.
After it is all mixed together it goes back in the pot and gets heated up until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon or spatula as the case may be....
More of my rich milk and a little bit of heavy cream are waiting to be added. You can make the ice cream with just my rich milk but it is very, very hard. The heavy cream makes it a bit smoother, a bit richer and fluffier and much smoother.
They get added it stirred up. It is a lovely soft yellow color.
Then it sits overnight in the refrigerator to get good and cold.
The next day it goes into the publicist's ice cream maker where it spins and spins and spins.
Then after it hardens she serves it with my goat's milk caramel.
She says it's very yummy!
Tomorrow: Where did the pine pile go?
It starts, of course with my rich milk! She puts it in her pot with a vanilla bean that has been split and scraped. She heats this just to boiling and sets it aside.
Then she takes 8 egg yolks. This is called French vanilla ice cream because it is custard based which is why it uses so many egg yolks. it is very rich.
The egg yolks go in her mixer with two cups of sugar.
They get all mixed up.
Then she slowly adds the heated milk to the egg/sugar mixture. You have to do this slowly or the egg yolks will curdle and it will make a big ole mess.
After it is all mixed together it goes back in the pot and gets heated up until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon or spatula as the case may be....
More of my rich milk and a little bit of heavy cream are waiting to be added. You can make the ice cream with just my rich milk but it is very, very hard. The heavy cream makes it a bit smoother, a bit richer and fluffier and much smoother.
They get added it stirred up. It is a lovely soft yellow color.
Then it sits overnight in the refrigerator to get good and cold.
The next day it goes into the publicist's ice cream maker where it spins and spins and spins.
Then after it hardens she serves it with my goat's milk caramel.
She says it's very yummy!
Tomorrow: Where did the pine pile go?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Goatucation: What Exactly IS the Maaaaa of Pricilla
This is not a normal Goatucation because yesterday my Aunt Nora got me thinking. She was looking for balance in her life and said so on her Facebook page. The publicist gave her a stupid answer but I am a wise goat and I ruminated a bit and I gave her my philosphy which is The Maaaaa of Pricilla. I thought I would share it with all of you.
Only work with people you like; butt the others out of your life.
Play like a kid; hop, leap and frolic.
Eat what you love; burp with abandon.
Bask in the sun; this is why we have the sun.
Love your herd; they have your back.
I hope you enjoyed this less than traditional Goatucation post today from your less than traditional goat.
Tomorrow: We have guests!
Only work with people you like; butt the others out of your life.
Play like a kid; hop, leap and frolic.
Eat what you love; burp with abandon.
Bask in the sun; this is why we have the sun.
Love your herd; they have your back.
I hope you enjoyed this less than traditional Goatucation post today from your less than traditional goat.
Tomorrow: We have guests!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Goatucation: How to Make a Goat Coat
Now the male person around here thinks that we goats don't need coats but the publicist thinks they are very stylish. She is thinking of making some for us when she gets her sewing machine set up in her new house. She found these directions on the Dairy Goat Journal site and it said she could share them. She thought that you might like to see how to make a goat coat for your goats.
This is excerpted from an article by Maxine Kinne.
Throughout my years of involvement with goats, I've seen several types of coat designs and found them wanting because they are so complicated and expensive to make. They require trim sewn on all cut edges. Expense is driven up with wide nylon webbing and quick-release buckles or snap rings. These are fine if you want show coats-they can even be embellished with herd names or logos. But for pure utilitarian convenience, polar fleece is my fabric of choice. A single layer has great insulating qualities. The cut edges do not ravel, it is soft and easy on the skin yet wears like iron, and it launders beautifully. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns for flashy goat finery. One 28" to 30" remnant yields two adult mini-goat-size coats. Careful measurements can adjust my pattern to fit any breed or size of goat.
Custom measure (any size or breed):
- Base of the neck to base of tail
- Elbow-to-elbow over the back
Cut the fabric to those measurements.
Fitting around the neck and shoulders
Fold fabric on center back line. Cut a 4" V-shape from center neck to chest front. Measure 4" from center neckline for centerlines of 1" darts. Taper 6"-long darts on both halves. Sew center front chest seam together.
Ties are made from salvage edges of polar fleece or 1" bias tape folded and zigzagged together lengthwise. Sew the darts and front seam, then fit the coat inside-out on the goat. Mark tie locations just behind the front legs, in front of the hind legs and about halfway up the goat's side. Sew ties securely to the wrong side.
I have learned to leave the ties longer on one side to be able to hide the bows under the coat to thwart the wearer and envious herd mates who might nibble on and untie it. I always used a stanchion for fittings, and the side I was on dictated leaving longer ties on the side furthest from me. Tie them as securely as you would a child's shoelaces. I tie a large bow, and then tie the bow together. During the final fitting, make sure that the rear ties are not tight enough to interfere with the udder or milk vein in late gestation and lactation. Do not tie the coat on too snuggly.
Without ties or a belly band sewn on underneath, the coat will be removed or wadded into an unsightly mess under the goat. Disheveled goats are unhappy and quite unfashionable. Even with ties, belts and associated security devices, the creative caprine finds ample opportunities to twist and mangle the attire into a mere shadow of its former sartorial splendor. Here's how to avoid this embarrassment. Hopefully.
Bellyband
To retain additional body heat, add a 10"-wide belt of the same fabric instead of one set of ties. Cut the band 8" to 12" wide by 14" to 16" long (for Pygmies). Sew it between the tie marks on the side furthest from where you will stand to tie it on. To tailor the belt to the paunch, sew a large dart at the edges closest to the chest and the udder. Add ties to the two corners of the band to correspond with the ties on the other side of the coat. The bellyband is a good place to insert a heating pad. If it is necessary to use one, constantly monitor the goat due to the possibility of electrocution (biting the electrical cord) and to make sure the heating pad stays in place.
If your goat has real trouble keeping the coat on, it can be stabilized by sewing on a 12" tie at the center back at the neck to tie to a collar.
Masculine adjustment
A coat with a belt is better for bucks and wethers than one with ties. The rear tie can rub on and irritate the penile sheath. Fit the coat on the male and mark a circle several inches in diameter around the end of his sheath. Remove the coat and cut this fabric away. This will let him urinate without completely soaking himself.
I hope that you found this interesting. I think I would look lovely in a goat coat. I know my Sarah did. I will remind you of how cute she was...
She is the only goat on the Farm to ever have a goat coat.
Harumph!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Goatucation: Further Study of The Mountain Goat
It's time for Goatucation and today I am going to further goatucate you on the subject of my wild cousin, the mountain goat. I personally have never met one of my mountain goat cousins but the publicist and the male person did run into some when they visited Glacier National Park here in Montana. It's a very beautiful place - or so they said. This is one of their favorite scenes from the park. It's St. Mary's Lake....
But I digress.
The mountain goat is also called the Rocky Mountain Goat and it is only found in North America. Both nannies and billied grow horns just like us Nigerian Dwarf goats. Mountain goats grow a nice thick fur to help keep them warm in the winter; they can withstand temperatures to -50° F and winds up to 100 MPH. Brrrrr!
Billy goats weigh from 100 - 300 pounds with the nanny goats being around 25% less. They are about 3 feet tall at the shoulders. If I weren't so in love with my studmuffin I might just find a goat like this veeeerrrrryyyy attractive.
Mountain goats are found in the Rocky and Cascade Mountain ranges in Northern Washington, Idaho and Montana through British Columbia and Alberta and the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. Some of my white, furry cousins have been transplanted into Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and other places.
Hmmmm, I would like to see other places. I wonder how I can arrange something like that.
As you can see the mountain goat looks very different from a Nigerian Dwarf goat but they are still cute.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about my wild cousins. The publicist took these photos when she visited Glacier. She says it's beautiful and if you are ever in Montana you should visit.
I think she should take me there for a visit so I could meet my cousins! Wouldn't that be fun?
But I digress.
The mountain goat is also called the Rocky Mountain Goat and it is only found in North America. Both nannies and billied grow horns just like us Nigerian Dwarf goats. Mountain goats grow a nice thick fur to help keep them warm in the winter; they can withstand temperatures to -50° F and winds up to 100 MPH. Brrrrr!
Billy goats weigh from 100 - 300 pounds with the nanny goats being around 25% less. They are about 3 feet tall at the shoulders. If I weren't so in love with my studmuffin I might just find a goat like this veeeerrrrryyyy attractive.
Mountain goats are found in the Rocky and Cascade Mountain ranges in Northern Washington, Idaho and Montana through British Columbia and Alberta and the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. Some of my white, furry cousins have been transplanted into Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and other places.
Hmmmm, I would like to see other places. I wonder how I can arrange something like that.
As you can see the mountain goat looks very different from a Nigerian Dwarf goat but they are still cute.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about my wild cousins. The publicist took these photos when she visited Glacier. She says it's beautiful and if you are ever in Montana you should visit.
I think she should take me there for a visit so I could meet my cousins! Wouldn't that be fun?
Labels:
Glacier National Park,
goatucation,
mountain goats
Monday, February 22, 2010
Goatucation: My Rich Milk
As you know I am not just a SpokesGoat.
I am also a milk goat.
Although right now I am on break from being milked because my kid is due soon.
But my main job on the Farm is provide rich milk for the publicist and male person to drink and to use to make my rich soap. The publicist also makes cheese, ice cream and caramel sauce with my milk. And well Abby's and Mallory's too.
Goat's milk is very good for you humans. It is full of good stuff; it has 13% more calcium, 25% more B6, 47% more Vitamin A and 27% more selenium than big ole cow's milk. It also has more potassium, niacin and other minerals. So there is no reason to keep the cow's in business. Not to mention the fact that my rich milk tastes delicious! It is also good for humans that are lactose intolerant - they can usually drink goat's milk.
So knowing all of this why would you all not go out and get yourselves a goat or two?
Just look at this face - how can you resist?
Tomorrow: The Goat Olympics continue
I am also a milk goat.
Although right now I am on break from being milked because my kid is due soon.
But my main job on the Farm is provide rich milk for the publicist and male person to drink and to use to make my rich soap. The publicist also makes cheese, ice cream and caramel sauce with my milk. And well Abby's and Mallory's too.
Goat's milk is very good for you humans. It is full of good stuff; it has 13% more calcium, 25% more B6, 47% more Vitamin A and 27% more selenium than big ole cow's milk. It also has more potassium, niacin and other minerals. So there is no reason to keep the cow's in business. Not to mention the fact that my rich milk tastes delicious! It is also good for humans that are lactose intolerant - they can usually drink goat's milk.
So knowing all of this why would you all not go out and get yourselves a goat or two?
Just look at this face - how can you resist?
Tomorrow: The Goat Olympics continue
Monday, February 15, 2010
Goatucation: Can You be Buddies with Your Buck, Part II
Last week I showed you that the publicist and Luke get along very well.
This led to a number of questions that I thought I would answer for you today. But first I am going to post a photo of my little studmuffin because it makes me happy to do so.
He is a cutie, isn't he? Even when he is expressing his opinion of Matthew the goat.
Daisy asked if some buck are a little bit mean - yes some buck surely are. Michael the goat was a little bit mean to the publicist and that is why he no longer on the Farm. He charged at her and flipped her so that she landed flat on her stomach. Then he stomped on her. This was not nice at all.
Carolyn asked if the publicist had to burn her sweater due to buck smell - no mostly because Luke isn't in rut right now. He doesn't stink so much. Of course I love his smell but I know you humans can find it offensive.
jaz wanted to know what makes the "buck smell." Well I will try and be delicate here. When bucks want to attract us does they well, urinate on themselves. All over their legs and faces. After doing this several times a day for weeks at a time....do I need say more?
So I hope this helps answer you questions about the love of my life. He is a very good buck and very nice to the publicist. Even with his big horns he has never tried to but her or hurt her.
Happy President's Day to all of my human friends in the USA.
This led to a number of questions that I thought I would answer for you today. But first I am going to post a photo of my little studmuffin because it makes me happy to do so.
He is a cutie, isn't he? Even when he is expressing his opinion of Matthew the goat.
Daisy asked if some buck are a little bit mean - yes some buck surely are. Michael the goat was a little bit mean to the publicist and that is why he no longer on the Farm. He charged at her and flipped her so that she landed flat on her stomach. Then he stomped on her. This was not nice at all.
Carolyn asked if the publicist had to burn her sweater due to buck smell - no mostly because Luke isn't in rut right now. He doesn't stink so much. Of course I love his smell but I know you humans can find it offensive.
jaz wanted to know what makes the "buck smell." Well I will try and be delicate here. When bucks want to attract us does they well, urinate on themselves. All over their legs and faces. After doing this several times a day for weeks at a time....do I need say more?
So I hope this helps answer you questions about the love of my life. He is a very good buck and very nice to the publicist. Even with his big horns he has never tried to but her or hurt her.
Happy President's Day to all of my human friends in the USA.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Goatucation: Can You Be Friends with Your Buck
As you know my little studmuffin is the chief buck on the Farm. He has been here for a long time. Some people have asked if a human can be buddies with a buck goat. I went directly to the publicist for the answer to this Goatucation question because, well, she is a human!
She said that she can't speak for all bucks but she is very friendly with my little studmuffin. It could be because he came to the Farm when he was just a kid goat. He was only two months old and the publicist has been working with him for a long time.
Wasn't he a cute little buckling? I knew from the start that he was going to be the love of my life....
He grew up to be the gorgeous buck he is today. Oh hi there my love!
As you can see the publicist gets very close to my little studmuffin without any problems.
He loves to eat apples just like me!
He especially loves to be scratched by his eyes. He likes this even more than being scratched by his tail.
He even tells the publicist secrets. I hope he was talking about ME!
So you can see that some bucks are perfect gentlebucks around humans.
She said that she can't speak for all bucks but she is very friendly with my little studmuffin. It could be because he came to the Farm when he was just a kid goat. He was only two months old and the publicist has been working with him for a long time.
Wasn't he a cute little buckling? I knew from the start that he was going to be the love of my life....
He grew up to be the gorgeous buck he is today. Oh hi there my love!
As you can see the publicist gets very close to my little studmuffin without any problems.
He loves to eat apples just like me!
He especially loves to be scratched by his eyes. He likes this even more than being scratched by his tail.
He even tells the publicist secrets. I hope he was talking about ME!
So you can see that some bucks are perfect gentlebucks around humans.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Goatucation: My Four Stomachs, Part II
I am sure you remember last Monday's Goatucation when I started telling you about my digestive system.
Burp.
Oh, excuse me!
I left you hanging after I got through my second stomach which is often called the "hardware stomach." I am sure you are happy to know that I am going to finish telling you about my stomachs in today's post! I would not want you to be half goatucated - that would not be good at all!
The third compartment in my stomach is omasum. The fermenting stuff from the hardware stomach goes in here where the water and nutients are sucked right out along with fatty acids and then absorbed to give me my "get up and go."
You saw my "go" in my movie debut when I ran didn't you. heh heh
Then last but not least the remaining particles are forced into the last chamber, the abomosum or "true stomach" where they are digested by stomach acids much like you humans have.
Goat kids are born with four chambers too but three of them are very tiny at birth because they don't eat much rough food. The mostly drink milk. The milk goes directly to the abomosum.
If you want to see pictures you can go here. I don't want to ruin your breakfasts.
I hope you liked learning about my other stomachs. Have a happy Monday!
Burp.
Oh, excuse me!
I left you hanging after I got through my second stomach which is often called the "hardware stomach." I am sure you are happy to know that I am going to finish telling you about my stomachs in today's post! I would not want you to be half goatucated - that would not be good at all!
The third compartment in my stomach is omasum. The fermenting stuff from the hardware stomach goes in here where the water and nutients are sucked right out along with fatty acids and then absorbed to give me my "get up and go."
You saw my "go" in my movie debut when I ran didn't you. heh heh
Then last but not least the remaining particles are forced into the last chamber, the abomosum or "true stomach" where they are digested by stomach acids much like you humans have.
Goat kids are born with four chambers too but three of them are very tiny at birth because they don't eat much rough food. The mostly drink milk. The milk goes directly to the abomosum.
If you want to see pictures you can go here. I don't want to ruin your breakfasts.
I hope you liked learning about my other stomachs. Have a happy Monday!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Goatucation: All About my Stomachs - Yes, StomachS, Part I
We goats, like all ruminants, have FOUR stomachs! Isn't that pretty amazing? I am sure you have seen me use the word ruminant a lot on this blog but here is the definition:
(from The American Heritage Dictionary)
I know that whole partially digested food thing sound disgusting to you humans but it's how we work. And I can be very contemplative....don't I look like a deep thinker here?
But back to how my digestive system works. We goats eat a very rough diet (except for my tasty apple treat at night. They are not rough) that includes hay, straw, weeds and grasses. In order for us to get the most nutrition out of these low nutrition foods we have those four stomachs but they are really chambers named 1) the rumen, 2) the honey-combed reticulum, 3) the omasum, and 4) the abomasum or true stomach. Don't worry, there won't be a test!
Any of various hoofed, even-toed, usually horned mammals of the suborder Ruminantia, such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and giraffes, characteristically having a stomach divided into four compartments and chewing a cud consisting of regurgitated, partially digested food.
adj.1. Characterized by the chewing of cud.
2. Of or belonging to the Ruminantia.
3. Meditative; contemplative(from The American Heritage Dictionary)
I know that whole partially digested food thing sound disgusting to you humans but it's how we work. And I can be very contemplative....don't I look like a deep thinker here?
But back to how my digestive system works. We goats eat a very rough diet (except for my tasty apple treat at night. They are not rough) that includes hay, straw, weeds and grasses. In order for us to get the most nutrition out of these low nutrition foods we have those four stomachs but they are really chambers named 1) the rumen, 2) the honey-combed reticulum, 3) the omasum, and 4) the abomasum or true stomach. Don't worry, there won't be a test!
Our rumen is like a big fermentation vat. Our feed goes in there and then good bacteria breaks it down and causes fermentation. This helps to keep us warm. When we eat our hay or weeds it gets all full of our saliva and this mess is swallowed. This is our cud. Those same bacteria help to break it down and then we goats, well, bring it back up into our mouths to chew it some more. I know you humans don't like the thought of that, but cud is mighty tasty to us goats. We like to burp when we bring up our cud; the publicist is not fond of our goat gas. Heh heh.
After the cud is chewed enough it goes to our second stomach where any things we shouldn't have eaten are sifted out. This second stomach or reticulum is sometimes called our "hardware stomach."
This is a lot of information so I will cover our other two stomachs in next week's Goatucation. You can ruminate on this information for now.
Tomorrow: Where DID Luke go?
Labels:
goat's digestive system,
goatucation,
Pricilla,
ruminant
Monday, January 18, 2010
Goatucation: The Four Kinds of Goats
I thought you all would like to learn about the four different kind of goats. Yes, believe it or not there are other types of goats other than dairy goats like me. Of course I think that dairy goats are best but I suppose I am just a little bit prejudiced.
Therefore, the first kind of goat is the dairy goat and you already know quite a bit about me! And, well Abby. And Mallory. We are nice goats that give milk. And like to bask in the sun.
The second kind of goat is a fiber goat. These breeds are bred for their wool. They are Angora, Cashmere, Nigora and Pygora.
Then there are our wild cousins, the Mountain Goats. The publicist and male person saw lots of Mountain Goats when they went to Glacier National Park.
The publicist really likes Mountain Goats! But they are not pets like me and Abby and the rest of the Happy Goats.
And lastly there are meat goats! Oh, the horror! People actually eat us! The goats usually bred for eating are Boer goats.
I hope you liked learning about the other kinds of goats out there. Just don't invite me to a barbeque....
Tomorrow: Mallory Gets Frisky
Therefore, the first kind of goat is the dairy goat and you already know quite a bit about me! And, well Abby. And Mallory. We are nice goats that give milk. And like to bask in the sun.
The second kind of goat is a fiber goat. These breeds are bred for their wool. They are Angora, Cashmere, Nigora and Pygora.
)
That cute goat is an angora goat. Not as cute as me of course! These goats' hair can be spun into wool for knitting and crocheting.Then there are our wild cousins, the Mountain Goats. The publicist and male person saw lots of Mountain Goats when they went to Glacier National Park.
And lastly there are meat goats! Oh, the horror! People actually eat us! The goats usually bred for eating are Boer goats.
I hope you liked learning about the other kinds of goats out there. Just don't invite me to a barbeque....
Tomorrow: Mallory Gets Frisky
Labels:
fiber goats,
goatucation,
meat goats,
mountain goats
Monday, January 11, 2010
Goatucation: Really Chickucation - The Blue Andalusian
So today I am going to teach you all about Blue Guy or as he is more formally known - The Blue Andalusian Rooster. Blue Guy is our exotic rooster. When the male person ordered his chicks last spring he received one exotic. If you remember, we didn't know what that little chick was going to be for quite a while.
But that little chick grew up to be Blue Guy.
He is a pretty rooster, isn't he.
The Blue Andalusian is named after the Province of Andalusia in Spain and is one of the oldest Mediterranean Breeds. The lovely slate blue color came about by breeding black and white birds. Sometimes if you breed two blues together you will get a white bird - isn't that funny?
They are decent egg layers (well not the roosters!) and very fast runners. I can attest to that. I have seen Blue Guy tear across the goat pen like a crazed bird! Usually to attack the publicist!
I hope you liked learning about Blue Guy's breed of chicken.
Tomorrow: More video!
But that little chick grew up to be Blue Guy.
He is a pretty rooster, isn't he.
The Blue Andalusian is named after the Province of Andalusia in Spain and is one of the oldest Mediterranean Breeds. The lovely slate blue color came about by breeding black and white birds. Sometimes if you breed two blues together you will get a white bird - isn't that funny?
They are decent egg layers (well not the roosters!) and very fast runners. I can attest to that. I have seen Blue Guy tear across the goat pen like a crazed bird! Usually to attack the publicist!
I hope you liked learning about Blue Guy's breed of chicken.
Tomorrow: More video!
Labels:
Blue Andalusian Chicken,
Blue Guy,
chickucation,
goatucation
Monday, January 4, 2010
Goatucation: Actually Chickucation - The Rhode Island Red
It's Monday so you know what that means - it's time for Goatucation!
But not today. Today I am going to do another Chickucation. I like to shake things up around this Farm. I will tell you all about the chickens on this Farm; the Rhode Island Red. (I will tell you about Blue Guy next week - he is the odd rooster out.)
The male person picked the Rhode Island Red mostly because the breed he really wanted (the publicist doesn't remember the name of it) produced medium sized eggs. When the publicist heard this shelooked at the male person like he was crazy and said how to you expect me to bake anything around this Farm with medium sized eggs you fool I need large eggs, duh kindly told the male person she needed large eggs for baking so he went back to his research and chose the Rhode Island Red. Isn't he nice to the publicist? He also chose them because they are a very hardy breed of chicken and he knew they would be able to withstand Montana's cold winters.
They are also very good at free ranging; just ask the horses across the street.
The Rhode Island Red was developed in, well, Rhode Island as a dual purpose bird. That means they are good for both laying eggs and for their meat.
The rooster
can get to 8 1/2 pound and get to be a little
A LITTLE?!
A LITTLE?!
aggressive.
The hen
is usually around 6 1/2 pounds. They are much nicer to the publicist. You will note from the comments above that she has some problems with the roosters. Heh heh.
The Reds lay brown eggs.
This is a very interesting chicken fact; chickens with red/brown feathers lay brown eggs. Chickens with white feathers lay white eggs.
There - you have been Chickucated!
Tomorrow: The does get their pine
I have just come to realize that January 5th will be my 1 year Blogoversary. I am very happy about this and will be planning something special for all of my wonderful readers.
But not today. Today I am going to do another Chickucation. I like to shake things up around this Farm. I will tell you all about the chickens on this Farm; the Rhode Island Red. (I will tell you about Blue Guy next week - he is the odd rooster out.)
The male person picked the Rhode Island Red mostly because the breed he really wanted (the publicist doesn't remember the name of it) produced medium sized eggs. When the publicist heard this she
They are also very good at free ranging; just ask the horses across the street.
The Rhode Island Red was developed in, well, Rhode Island as a dual purpose bird. That means they are good for both laying eggs and for their meat.
The rooster
can get to 8 1/2 pound and get to be a little
aggressive.
The hen
is usually around 6 1/2 pounds. They are much nicer to the publicist. You will note from the comments above that she has some problems with the roosters. Heh heh.
The Reds lay brown eggs.
This is a very interesting chicken fact; chickens with red/brown feathers lay brown eggs. Chickens with white feathers lay white eggs.
There - you have been Chickucated!
Tomorrow: The does get their pine
I have just come to realize that January 5th will be my 1 year Blogoversary. I am very happy about this and will be planning something special for all of my wonderful readers.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Goatucation: Goat's Milk Caramel Sauce (Spiced)
This week I am letting the publicist tell you how she makes caramel sauce with my rich milk. She has been making lots of caramel sauce. LOTS of caramel sauce. This time she made spiced caramel sauce. She has also made orange caramel sauce. Like I said she has made lots of sauce.
She starts with 3 quarts of my rich milk in a large pot
Then she puts cinnamon sticks and cloves in cheesecloth
and ties it up.
She uses fresh grated nutmeg
And two vanilla beans; split and scraped.
Once all of that is in the pot - with a pinch of salt - doesn't it look yummy?
she brings the mixture just to a boil.
She turns off the the heat and then she adds sugar(3 cups)until it is dissolved and baking soda.
It foams.
A lot.
After she stirs down the foam she puts the pot back on the burner until it comes to a simmer and lets it simmer for HOURS. Until it gets thick and turns a beautiful well, caramel color.
When it gets thick enough she pours it into jars. It can keep in the refrigerator for up to three months. She laughs hysterically at this because so far it has not lasted a week.
I hope you enjoyed this goatucation.
Tomorrow: Playtime
She starts with 3 quarts of my rich milk in a large pot
Then she puts cinnamon sticks and cloves in cheesecloth
and ties it up.
She uses fresh grated nutmeg
And two vanilla beans; split and scraped.
Once all of that is in the pot - with a pinch of salt - doesn't it look yummy?
she brings the mixture just to a boil.
She turns off the the heat and then she adds sugar(3 cups)until it is dissolved and baking soda.
It foams.
A lot.
After she stirs down the foam she puts the pot back on the burner until it comes to a simmer and lets it simmer for HOURS. Until it gets thick and turns a beautiful well, caramel color.
When it gets thick enough she pours it into jars. It can keep in the refrigerator for up to three months. She laughs hysterically at this because so far it has not lasted a week.
I hope you enjoyed this goatucation.
Tomorrow: Playtime
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