So we had our first baby Alpine goat born this year. It was super exciting! It was especially exciting for the fact that I had no idea our goat, Persey was even pregnant. Five months prior, Persephone was bred to our buck, Atlas. At that time, I wasn't sure that the breeding had actually occurred. I was pretty certain but not definite. I figured that with her young age of two years old that it was pretty safe that she would settle.
As the months went by, Persey didn't seem to change much. She would run down the hills and leap in the air. None of the behaviors of a pregnant goat. Her tail ligaments remained tight and she had no discharge. Persey's due date came and went. I was so disappointed for many reasons. First and most importantly, without Persey milking, my milk supply would be quite a bit less. Second and finally, baby goats just make life on the farm more fun. I absolutely love watching baby goats bounce and play. Their happy energy is just infectious, especially after a long rainy winter.
As the months went by, Persey didn't seem to change much. She would run down the hills and leap in the air. None of the behaviors of a pregnant goat. Her tail ligaments remained tight and she had no discharge. Persey's due date came and went. I was so disappointed for many reasons. First and most importantly, without Persey milking, my milk supply would be quite a bit less. Second and finally, baby goats just make life on the farm more fun. I absolutely love watching baby goats bounce and play. Their happy energy is just infectious, especially after a long rainy winter.
Goats have babies at 145-155 days after breeding with 150 days being the average. Life was going by and I was changing my focus onto our other doe, Opal who was definitely pregnant. Then on day 155, while working on chores, Persey ran up to me crying loudly. This behavior was extremely strange for a doe that was usually silent. Persey began to run back and forth to the barn crying. Her udder looked slightly bigger and her tail ligaments had completely disappeared!!! I knew that meant babies would be on the ground in less than 24 hours. I let her into the barn and in eight hours we had our very first Alpine baby! Persephone gave birth to one buckling with minimal assistance. She is making plenty of milk and this year is getting off to a great start! Now all eyes are on Opal. I can't wait!
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