Yesterday in less than 90 minutes both of my does gave birth to six wee ones–four boys and two girls. Both does had triplets. All are doing great!
I was able to get in on all six births. As Maggie gave birth to her three boys within less than a half hour, Jazzy helped her clean them up. Less than an hour later, Jazzy gave birth to her three (a boy and two girls) within about 30 minutes and Maggie helped her with hers. Both are sharing milk duties, but both definitely know, and ride herd on, their babies.
Lisa was instrumental in milking Maggie to make sure we got sufficient colostrum to adequately protect all six babies. She milked Maggie this morning again, too, so we could hand-feed the babies at least once a day to make sure they know both methods of feeding. They catch on fast!
They are so cute and so precocious. Already today three of them are climbing the 2x 8 up to the top of the spools. I have straw strategically placed everywhere so that IF they fall, they’ll have a pillow-soft landing, but they’re awfully sure-footed already, and Maggie goes with the ones that climb and noses them away from the edge if they get too close. It’s amazing, really! Their instincts are just fabulous to watch.
I was supposed to get three sets of visitors today but only one showed. I’m sure they’ll take advantage of the “rain checks” soon!
Here are some photos of the little darlings and the new mothers… and “Auntie Lisa” too… None of my selfies turned out, so you’re spared that. HA HA HA HA HA!
The first two photos were taken about 24 hours after birth (this morning around 10:30). The others were taken one hour (out in pen) and 2.5 hours (in house) after birth…
“Auntie Lisa” (Dancing Goat Web Design) with Two Hours-Old Baby Goats
