By Staff Writer: Natalie Deleon
Photo credit: Natalie Deleon
Goats are a big deal for some ranchers. They also benefit them and help us when in need. Goats can be used to declutter an area with overgrown grass, weeds, etc. My family who owns a ranching and farming business has a few goats and can also say they are far busier with them than cattle. Processing, feeding, and doctoring these animals seem to be more complicated.
Recently, my brother decided to take on the task of raising some sheep and goats to challenge himself beginning his journey in the family business. Since then every morning and afternoon he is out on the farm checking on the animals. Fixing the pin that they are located in Or having to move new mommas into the barn with their newborn. Some days I decide to help him out so he can finish earlier and can say it is definitely time consuming.
As winter hit two months ago, the responsibility of taking care of these animals became heavier. Goats have a thick fur that protects them from the cold weather, although some goats may not develop this. Since this happens we tend to check on them more frequently and make sure they seem healthy. Goats that are either young or too old go in the barn. Newborn goats definitely need to go in the barn. My brother has a few goats that are expecting so time is important when checking on them.
Unluckily, he has had a few that have not survived. Since it is unexpected when a goat can go into labor it can cost the lives of some. Recently we weren’t able to make it in time to get one in the barn. The goat gave birth to twins and although both were alive when they went into the barn, one did not survive. The other was rejected by its mother meaning we took care of it for about two weeks. My brother fed her three times a day for two weeks then kept her in the barn and began twice a day. Now she is thriving.
Since the weather has improved some my brother is still checking on them but if some give birth they don’t need to be inside so it isn’t as stressful to think they may give birth.
Some days he enjoys just walking outside in the pins and enjoying the animals. He mostly appreciates that he is able to get started with this at such a young age but knows he has a few hardships coming his way.