When I started taking pictures on Thursday, I wasn’t planning on a complete dispersal but we got pretty close.  We photoed 36 lots plus the 2 bonus lots–makes 38 mature females.  The following is a list of does at my place that weren’t photoed.

— 2 does that I am working on to prevent toxemia.

–2 does of Sweet’s

–1 doe that belongs to a student

–1 doe that belongs to Milligan

–1 doe with babies that I just don’t really want to sell.

That makes 45 does.  We normally keep around 50 breeding females.  I had one die in Feb. after SLBK syndrome (single large buck kid).  One that had week old babies on her and she just decided to quit living.  And one that croaked a week before her due date.  I would say that is a typical percentage when dealing with female goats.

I remember when Tammy and I used to stress about a sick one or a dead one.  Now, we just expect it and go with it.  I have had some question my motives and why the quick decision?  Trust me, this has been years in the making.  Milligan has listened to me as I have stood on the ledge for months and months.  But then…..

I’ve got no story for you.  Tammy doesn’t like doing chores with the goats.  Duke hates doing chores involving any type of doe goat.  It is a well documented fact that if I could make wethers and bucks without does, I would.  Tammy loves dealing with her mini herfs.  Duke takes pride in his cow herd.  So, we will be in a better mood with just a few does.

I would rather help other people with their stock.  I enjoy the bucks and the wethers.  I absolutely love marketing goats and talking to people about my goats, their goats and what we all need and want.  I am really proud at the repeat customers that we have had.  We have had some customers for over a decade.  It is amazing how many friends and acquaintances that we have made as a result of this dumb ass blog.  Who’d a thunk it?  Of course, I might have made an enemy or two.  No problem, I was right.  Still am.

There is a couple of pens of yearlings.  Maybe a dozen or so critters combined.  I’m fine with that because some of them are really good and some of them are really stacked with productive genetics.  I can have fun with that.  WTH? That means that I have to kid out a bunch of first-timers.  “I can have fun with that” may have been the dumbest thing that I have ever typed.

Basically, we just want to be in a better mood.  And I’m pretty close to doing just that–gettin’ in a better mood.  Have a good one and a better tomorrow.