Relaxed Farming - our farm in your classroom

Our pygmy girls are back (David drove over to collect them this morning) and it is so nice to see them again. When he got home, we opened up the trailer and after a little encouragement the goats trotted down the path, through the open gates and straight into the barn. Here they were greeted with enthusiasm by the 'babies' before turning their attention towards the hay racks.
Later, we welcomed them back properly with some willow which as ever went down a storm: it is definitely their number one favourite treat. What was also fabulous was how at bedtime, the babies and mums were all snuggled back up together: Nutmeg with Thyme and Pepper and Garlic with Onion. It was fabulous to see and we wondered how long an absence would need to be for them to no longer recognise each other!!
All four adults (Thyme, Onion, Sage and Parsley) have now been covered (mated with) so with any luck next April should see all of them kidding: fingers (and toes) firmly crossed. As with Pickle (see 10th December) life will carry on as normal until six weeks or so before the kids are due. Pygmies have large bellies normally and so when pregnant they are HUGE!! We have to be a bit more careful with them about them knocking their sides, so at feeding time in particular we spread the feeding trugs further apart to stop too much pushing and shoving.
The excitement is mounting!!!