February 16 started the downward spiral when both Linden and Paloma delivered mixed twins each without difficulty. They had an easy time. I, on the other hand was a little sluggish after helping them at 3am and 4am respectively. I guess of practice. Several hours later, Charlotte gave birth to triplet bucklings, darn it! I. I'm thankful they're healthy and thriving but she hasn't had a girl in 3 years! So, day one- we're off and running.
The following Wednesday, February 22nd, brought a shower of toggenburgs. 3 does, 3 more sets of triplets. Maribel had 2 does, 1 buck. Emilene had one doe, two bucks. And many hours later, Crazy Clingy Embry had two does, one buck as well.
Sofia, too had triplets- one doe, two bucks, one of which is a rabbit, I think. And to round out my striking out on Alpine doe kids, Chicory had twin bucklings as well. Over the next 24 hours a set of mixed saanen twins from Filomena and a set of twin bucklings from Elliot completed a long three days. Elliott, as you'all remember was the crazy kid who scaled walls, squeezed through 4 inch gaps and broke her leg last winter. Since she had boys, she is dam raising them and I was extremely impressed with her mothering ability and quick bond with the kids. The morning after, however, I found her standing in the middle of the barn, gate still latched, thankfully unharmed. I guess old habits die hard.
The next week was a bye week for the Capra Lane crowd and it's a good thing. It was one of those weeks when everything we touched turned to disaster. Including the milker, various water lines, the dogs had more escapades, we each had a cold, work was super hectic for both of us- you know, THOSE weeks where you eat a lot of hot dogs and eggs for dinner. Luci was the lone momma-to-be for the first of March and that huge belly was hiding three giant bucklings. No girls...again unfortunately but that's ok, it will help me control numbers for 2018! All the babies are doing great, some have already moved on to their new homes.
We're going to take a short breather, maybe even sleep in for an hour. Next week Iris, Sabine, Carolina, Charming and Massey (Masquerade) will kid. I'm thinking about a buy one get two free sale...😉 Meanwhile, Charlotte and Sofia are anxious to show off their trim bellies.
