Where are you male goat keepers?

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Have you "guys" noticed, there aren't any males (at least none that I know of) who post here? Come now, I know many goat breeders of the male persuasion. Why don't they get in on the discussion? Hey, we won't bite, I promise!

-- Lynn (moonspinner@bluefrognet.net), March 13, 2002

Answers

Got two here! Joe's really the goat man, I'm the mechanic, carpenter, electriction, computer geek and finance manager. We have a goat dairy near Cozahome, AR, about 40 miles from Bernice. Of course if Joe's at a dog show I get to do it all. Had four fresh does while the last trip was going on. Two going at once last night! Uh, am I bragging or whining? Hmmm.

Anyway, we're here!

Dennis

-- Dennis Enyart (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 14, 2002.


I posted 5 threads prior to this one.Maybe you just noticed my feminin side.Makes me wonder if I should get some cows to keep my macho image in balance.

-- SM Steve (unreal@msn.com), March 14, 2002.

I read the forum everyday. In the near future I will be asking tons of questions again.

Hi everyone!

-- george nh (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), March 14, 2002.


And.......Rick is a lurker. Talk about being outed ;) Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 14, 2002.

It does seem like there are more women goatkeepers than men. I have wondered at times whether it's because goats are so fickle and independent, a lot like women only hard to dominate. :) For women, it's just like being out with the girls! Maybe the men who don't have a big control issue with women are also the ones who raise goats. (Or maybe I am completely out to lunch!)

It does seem that a lot of men I have met have very little patience when working with goats, some of them would rather be able to order them around, or else try to inimidate them.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 14, 2002.



I have saw most of the post's from the two ladies above this one. There is not much to add after they give advice. I'm just reading and learning.

-- bergy (bbergbower@hotmail.com), March 14, 2002.

Well, I was going to mention Joe and Dennis, but see they went up to bat to answer first thing. They are wonderful, really care about their goats and have a big love for them.

whats interesting is how many times i have been to goat shows and the hubby drops off the wife and goats and leaves for home, then picks them up after the show, probably feels its safer that way than being at a all night gown women's slumber party. At the more serious shows like nationals or district specialitys I see more men.

I just think they stay clear of the female hormones if ya know what i mean

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), March 14, 2002.


I grew up with horses and cattle, there wasn't a goat to be found for miles. Well, people on grand lake would rent brush goats to clear their building lots and then take them back. Didn't know a thing about goats until Joe took me to the Harrison show. Met some good people and loved the goats. They have personalities! Not like a dumb cow. Bovine indeed! Meat on the hoof and bred stupid is more like it. Worked a summer in a cattle dairy and my, oh my the manure! Slogging around in tall rubber boots. Yuk! Doe berries any day for me! Goats are intelligent, albeit persistant at times. Can try the nerves, but their affection is worth it. Bernice, Joe and I will slumber party with you at the shows, but no gowns here please, lol.

Things are comming together in the barn now. I plumbed the sink and water heater this evening and had hot water in the barn! Maybe someday we'll have it in the "cozy cabin". Picked up the Kelly Green metal trim for the barn today and material to box in the eves. Most all that's left is insulation, wallboard and fiberglass up the first 4 feet. . . . if we don't run out of money!

We were supposed to go back to OK today to get the bulk tanks, vacuum pump and other equipment. Joe got up at 7:00 am tuesday, drove to Chouteau, OK, then to Stephenville, TX, then back to Norman, OK then home to Cozahome, AR. We're ranging far to find fresh does. He was dead tired this morning and now I think he's got pneumonia. Sick puppy. So now I"m wondering when we'll start selling milk. Promised the buyer it'd be this week. Hope Joe's better tomorrow.

-- Dennis Enyart (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 15, 2002.


Oh Dear! Poor Joe, I guess you both are burning that candle at both ends. But remember, each day that goes by is another day closer to shipping milk, and then you can start on your book about starting a commercial goat dairy

Yep, goats have personalities. I got a barnful and belive it or not, To those who don't know, Joe and Dennis bought my meanest Alpine last fall. This goat was the epitome of evil. She really didn't care for anyone and wa salways sort of aloof of people. Oh, she liked pets and scratches, but on her terms. Then Joe and Dennis came to get a buck and Vision went over to Joe and she actually liked him! Hmmmmmm.... so now they ahve some of my evile lines in their herd.

Oh, Dennis & Joe, you have to tell your funny Vision kidding story, I about fell over laughing when Joe told me this on the phone.

Well, tie a knot in the end of the rope and hang on you'll make it. Hope Joe gets better soon.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), March 15, 2002.


I don't have my goats yet, but I'm clearing the land, stringing the fence, and learning from my next-door neighbors who have a dozen Nubians.

Mark

-- Mark in West Central Ohio (mark@marksykes.net), March 15, 2002.



Mark, you're doing it right. Learn first, get your pens and barn in order, get your hay in and THEN get the goats.

Joe's still sick, the rest of the cattle panels, bulk tanks, big vacuum pump, milk strainers and such are still in OK. Milked 20 does this morning, from 9:30 until 2:30. One at a time, trip to the pen, pick one out of the 20 rushing the gate, walk to the barn, wash, milk, teat dip and back to the pen again. Joe get well soon, we've GOTTA get back to OK and get our stuff! Ahhhh, to have a holding pen and an in and out lane. The refrigerator is full of milk, no people food.

But! The good news is that I now have hot water in the dairy barn! Box in the eves, insulate, wallboard and fiberglass panels and it's grade A! Uh, can anyone tell me why grade A insists on stainless sinks when I've yet to find one that will hold my Surge buckets? Have plastic laundry sinks that I can fit a 7 gallon bucket in with room to spare. Dreading the inspector.

-- Dennis Enyart (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 15, 2002.


Dennis, my sink is going in tommorrow. Double stainless resturant sink with the drain board attached! It has been with us for 10 years, just never installed anywhere. Also found a small hot water tank that fits under the drain board. My milk pail is a DeLaval, the pear shaped (like me) kind, it fits in the sink sideways ;( I would love to be able to use deep laundry sinks, but alas, to buy something new...........but then you haven't met my husband John :) Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 16, 2002.

Hi Vicki,

The laundry sinks were $33 at Loews. Quite a deal! I'd love to have a double or tripple sink with drain boards. But I can find any anwhere that don't have a gold plated price tag. I sure hope the ispector passes our plastic ones. Looks like they're made from the same stuff as food grade plastic buckets. And they sure are nice and deep!

Joe's fever broke tonight and he seems to be sleeping more comfortably. Hope we can get to OK tomorrow. I'm bone tired but wanting to get things finished. Looks like we'll be grade C for a while until I can finish the barn. No new babies due until the 20th. Whew, I need the break! lol

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 16, 2002.


Dennis, I really don't want to give you bad news, but plastic sinks won't get passeed. I used to manage a resaurant and they are not allowed there either as they seem to have a somewhat porous attributte and cannot be thouroughly cleaned. BUT the good news is, that if you get on the phone to a bunch of chambers of commerce in the area, I BET you can find a restaurant that is going out of business and get a stainless sink for a song.

Glad to hear Joe is getting better! Take care and best to you!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), March 16, 2002.


Glad joe is better, he didn't sound good when i called yesterday. Things are coming together for you both, just look at it being half way finished and not half way not finished. I can see the ground you guys made already, you started from scratch and had little to work with, you did more than you see or think. Yesterday must have been payday for checks.

I went to H&R Block in town to see about a rapid refund on my return, the guy said he could do it from their office even though our CPA in VA did the taxes. I get there, he gets busy typing in information into their data base files which in turn transform the information into IRS forms. He got to depreciation and couldn't go on. Now, do you know how long I sat there with this guy before he said that? Try almost 3 hrs. I was furious, why in heck didn't he say that from the get go? GRRRR!!!!!!!!

While Bruce was waiting he noticed a lot of traffic in and out of the plant, which is down the street, it was payday,

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), March 16, 2002.



Hmmmm, I came down with the same thing, Joe finally went to OK this morning but not with the stock trailer. Bearings out on the right front. They tried to match them in Marshall. The races fit but I don't think they're gonna fit the axle.

Is the sunhining somewhere in the U.S? Get me a flight.

On the other hand! Everything is paid for, Mike at the plant is understanding and the sun is supposed to shine thursday!

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 19, 2002.


I love having a sink!! It's nice having a milk room that actually looks like a milk room! I am unorganized at this point, which is driving me nuts. Blissmore Farms AK Frosted Tart, Poptart to her friends :) had two large beautiful doe kids this evening, at 12! She has some gurgling in her lungs that is alarming me some, but she popped them out with no problems. The only problem wass that I have every day for 5 days thought she was in labor!! Don't you love how stupid they make us look? I am hoping that it isn't her heart, I have talked to my vet more in this last two weeks, than in all the 16 years I have used her. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Well, I have to give a big WhooHoo! for my husband. Without his help I'd be unable to do all that I've done with my goats. Not only is he the brawn behind the operation, but he's no longer embarrased to be caught in the stall giving the girls a hug. If he's got any faults when it comes to the goats, it would have to be that he doesn't wish to cull. In his eyes, they're all cute and worthy of living on our farm forever. So, here's to my Joe and his lactose intolerant tummy!

-- Charleen with Obies in WNY (harperhillfarm@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

I can cull just fine . . . . If I don't name them first!

Dennis

-- Dennis & Joe (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.


Horribly sad news. It was Poptarts heart. She lasted till morning when she was put down. She was buried next to my old Brandy 14 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, and her sister Whiskey who left us at 12. Poptart is the only goat I have ever buried, and I am honestly heart sick! 2 more does to kid and I will be very glad this kidding season and this week is over. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Oh nooooo! Sorry to hear about Poptart, Vicki. Sounded like a lovely lady. They can get into your heart can't they? Hope you had a doe kid out of her to continue her genes and maybe personality. Might be some comfort. I'm getting so attached to these goats it's frightening at times.

On a brighter note, did you see Westminster this year? Woody, the Ridgeback won his group and we had high hopes of his taking Best. Linda Clark, a friend of ours is his handler.

Flowers from Dennis & Joe

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 21, 2002.


Big hugs to you, friend.....I know how you feel. At least she gave you two beautiful does...God bless.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), March 21, 2002.

Thank you guys!

The only time we watched Dennis, was on tape, when the Ridgeback was BIS. Or BOB or something like that. They are wonderful animals. I have a half breed right now, and embarassingly enough her other half is Red Bone Coon Hound :) She bays at anything she trees. But she is the best! No sticky baby butts here, no baby poop in the pens, no cleaning baby goo off the babies as they are born, no milk mustaches after the lambar! She is spayed, which we have always had spayed gals, but she is pig fat! We are just 10 acres away from the National Forest, and our back acreage butts up against 100+ acres of cattle pasture, with our Ridgebacks over the years we have never had a goat harmed by strays or coyotes. A wonderful breed. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.


Vicki, I'm curious, are your Ridgebacks loose on the property or fenced in? Just wondering if they tend to roam?

So sorry to hear about your doe :( It sure is tough to loose the critters :(

Tracy

-- Tracy (zebella@mindspring.com), March 22, 2002.


Vicki, I wan't familiar with Ridgebacks as LGD's but sure sounds like they fill the bill! We have a Pyr, daughter of a champion Joe finished for a client. Now SHE did tend to roam and is now in the pens with the goats. But she thought the entire square mile section was her's to guard. When she had a litter, she'd have a pup, clean it up and go chase coyotes until the next one came. As you say, no cleanup problems;-) If a kid is stillborn, she'll lick it forever trying to revive it, then give up, mourn, and clean up the problem. We also have a couple of Anatolian crosses she's training the ways of the world. They don't tend to roam, but seem to be a bit slower on instincts.

Dennis

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 22, 2002.


Actually the term lion hound came to them via Rhodesia where they were used to guard the Boers. Have a great 1957 Life magazine with the article about them, it was when they were first AKC recognized....I haven't read the article in a long while perhaps it was when they were brought to the US??? Anyway, I love the breed. They are true farm dogs, porch sitters, they come with me at chore time, they patrol pastures, and have an instinct about what belongs and what doesn't. They can even tell stray cats apart from ours. They are fierce at 100+ pounds, and though Morgan my 3 year old isn't near the dog that Morgan and Whiskey where, I think some of it is because she is alone. A women could rob me blind, but don't make one of her baby goats cry! I am getting an anatolian pup this late spring, but have to say the pyr that we had a couple of years ago, didn't work out for us, he would not let things be! Ridgebacks know that the wild pigs that run through, or the fox that comes around is not hurting anything, the Pyr had to have everything quite, which is hard to do in the woods, he lost a fight with a wild boer, which he had no business bothering in the first place. I am hoping the Anatolian will be more of a dual purpose dog like the ridgeback has been for us, if not I am getting another ridgeback pup. vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.

Hey Vicki,

The Anatolian should fill the bill. They stay close to home, know the range and don't get upset as easily as the Pyr's do. We have two half crosses and I like what I see so far. Pyrs do better inside the fence. They insist on abolutely OWNING their territory. Thus my story about Spook chasing coyotes 1/2 mile away between birthing pups, lol

Dennis

-- Dennis (westwoodcaprine@yahoo.com), March 25, 2002.


Vicki, I just read about your Poptart....I'm so sorry. Sure hope the last couple of kiddings go great and you get just what you want. Thinking of you. Cara

-- Cara Dailey (darrin@capriccino.com), March 25, 2002.

I dont even have a buck and never had one and never will!!!!i rather pay the stud fee when I breed my does!!!!!LOL whos agreeing with me???

-- Brandon Loulou (hawaiian_stud_aloha@hotmail.com), December 26, 2002.

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