Outside the living room window, a snow storm is just finished. Dreary January rain has magically turned into swirling white snowflakes. Right now, with a barnyard full of mud and a soggy dirty driveway, I think my entire family has welcomed this fresh snow with joy and glee.
{Leia, with her bantam/mini rooster, Rocky}
As the goat kids are older, we have begun milking Marigold, who freshened a few weeks ago. This is a first for me and a first for our goat. So let’s just say, it’s rather humorous out in the dark, chilly goat barn around our place lately. If you see milk buckets go flying and see my running after our goat in my p.j.s and snow gear, you’ll know another milking session has begun.
But, seriously … it has been more difficult than I expected. Certainly not “like the movies.” First, we had to train Marigold to just allow us to touch her udder. Then we had to train her to stay still without squashing me against the barn wall {amazing how strong she is!} … then we had to train her to get on the milk stand. Then we had to train her to stop freaking out while on the milk stand. And to please to stop kicking me!
But this morning, we finally saw progress. We entered the barn with her grain and Marigold jumped up onto the milk stand like a pro. Fabulous. So rewarding! I milked her (but not full out, as I am still learning, she’s still learning and, truth be told, I’m not that fast at milking her yet and she’s done eating her grain before I am finished) and then rewarded her with plenty of goat-hugs. It will be WONDERFUL if we could accomplish our goal of providing milk for our own family – over time.
We’re looking for a second milk goat, as well (at least, I am looking – not sure if hubby knows my plans!) … and will be selling (most likely) our male kid in the spring.
In the meantime, I will keep practicing my milking (lack-of) skills and continue to dream and chase after mason jars brimming with fresh, beautiful goat milk.
by Gigi
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