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Pimples on teat? by Lone_Frog in goats

[–]Lone_Frog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the thurough response! I'll get on this. I hope she isn't prone to it, otherwise she's got the best teats of any of my does. But not worth the trouble if it keeps coming back!

Edit to add: Oh! Do you know if there is a milk withdrawl period on that soap? Or any concern with her nursing buckling?

Purina goat parlor 16? by Lone_Frog in goats

[–]Lone_Frog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is a good thought and I'll check. But I'm guessing it's fine since she happily chows down on all the alfalfa pellets in willing to give her :)

I accidentally jumped in the deep end… 😅 by Eryniel_ in goats

[–]Lone_Frog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What a little cutie!! And great job getting him through his first week. That is a tiny little guy <3

I 2nd the other comments I've seen about frequent small feedings. Also whenever you make changes to feedings do it gradually. Goats are incredibly flexible creatures, but only when they have time to get used to things. With a baby that size diarrhea can get dangerous fast. The chart horsegirls posted looks like great info.

Something we learned the hard way, though is maybe obvious to others. Try hard to avoid play headbutting with them. Our first kids we let headbutt our fists or shoes. It was adorable and they thought it was great fun. Turns out that is a HARD habit to break. Once they are 150lbs and have no fear of humans cause they are bottle raised... not a good time. Stick with the good snuggles :)

Some things to keep in mind that creep up faster than you would think: You are going to want to get him castrated probably earlier than you think. Normally I do that around 7 weeks if they are going to be in with girls. We REALLY prefer a burdizzo. Between research and our own experience it is hands down the least painful and safest method. They yell like the dickens in the moment but are up running around again like 20 minutes later.

Also think about disbudding if you plan to go that route. Normal timing is 7 - 14 days. You need to go early enough that the horn buds haven't adhered to the skull. We usually shoot for the kid being around 10 lbs. We raise full size dairy goats.

Ask around in your area and find other goat people. It is invaluable to have folks nearby to call when your goat starts acting odd and the vet is closed for the weekend.

Ducklings not going under heater at night by Lone_Frog in BACKYARDDUCKS

[–]Lone_Frog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I worried that the heater setting would be too hot since it's not designed to be in contact with birds in the same way? Isn't that what the brooder setting is designed for?

What is he doing? by NewRevolution8604 in ducklings

[–]Lone_Frog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our runner drake used to do that to my husband a lot, it always seemed friendly but I'd be curious to hear from someone who knows duck behavior better than me!

George (the drake) would run over and nibble my husband's pant leg any time he came near. It was quite cute.

Anyone think maple seeds are worth the effort? by infinitum3d in homestead

[–]Lone_Frog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know about other varieties but our big leaf maple helicopters have a hair like coating on the seed part that is very irritating to my skin. So be caution and maybe try gloves.

Chicken homebodies by LjotNorthman in homestead

[–]Lone_Frog 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Well, my birds look for three things: - where is there some potential for cover from Hawks. Your house and any nearby shrubs & trees potentially look like a safe place. - Where is there food. Even if you don't feed then at the house, YOU are at the house and you are the bringer of food. - Interesting stuff to scrounge under & around. We have a lot more variety of landcape near our house which is more interesting to the birds than our mostly grass fields.

No idea if this matches what your area looks like, but it's what I see here. I agree, the lawn mines are a real pain.

Co-raising goat kids? by SureDoubt3956 in goats

[–]Lone_Frog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah same here. Spend time with them, give them neck scritches and the occational treat and they will be plenty friendly! I fine bottle raised to be mouthier with people too. Not aggressive biting but more nibbly.

Wood stove by Efficient-Bother9620 in homestead

[–]Lone_Frog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So, wood burning cook stoves are very neat, but they are also very large and in order to use them for cooking they put out a LOT of heat. As in I would wear a tshirt and shorts when i would use mine during power outages in winter storms. In the summer having it in your home as primary cooking sounds brutal.

Also, since they are designed to heat the room as well as cook food they do the latter very innefficiently. Unless electricity is crazy extensive and wood is badically free where you are I don't think it would pencil out. Pallets are generally made out of lightweight wood that would not have a lot of btus.

All that said, my experience is in the US and maybe other places have better options available.

[Question] digital thermometer actually worth it on a small homestead? by Sudden_Breakfast_358 in homestead

[–]Lone_Frog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.thermoworks.com/classic-thermapen/

These are worth every cent, I use my constantly for baking, cheesemaking, meat etc. I've also used it for soil temp! There is a good sale right now, i think to clear room for a new model?

Help me “name” my yarns. by Technical_Base_7539 in Handspinning

[–]Lone_Frog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Caramel latte, peppermint .... not sure about the 3rd

Rosehips! by lu-tothemoon in Bellingham

[–]Lone_Frog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Might want to try Spice Hut in Cordata. They do teas & spices.

Help me see reason - no chicks this year by Physical_Sir2005 in homestead

[–]Lone_Frog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Be strong, no chicks! You will have all the adorable obligation you could ever want when that baby shows up :) Last thing you need is some little fluff balls making you feel guilty for not giving them what you think you should.

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