Polled, Disbudded or Horned

As we're approaching the start of our goat kidding season, I thought I'd share a little information about goats and their horns. Forgive me if I've mentioned this before. 

We have two females that are polled, Cocoa and Caramel. This means they were born without horns. When someone wants a goat that is Disbudded, this means they want the kids to have their horns cauterized to prevent further growth. Horned means they stay natural with their horns. 

A lot of people will mix up polled versus disbudded and a lot of people prefer their goats to not have horns. Why? The people want to protect themselves from the head butting goats do at times. Also, several people are misinformed about horns claiming they aren't necessary. I disagree and I keep the horns for the goats I currently have. Most likely, I will refuse to disbud for potential buyers, but I'm going to speak with my veterinarian first. Anyhow, I believe in animals staying mostly the way they're born. Goats who have horns are given a better chance at weathering extreme temperatures of cold or hot. Hello, we're in Texas, let's give them a fighting chance in the summer!

Now I said mostly I keep them the way they are born. I will be banding my bucklings who are born. Essentially that means neutering them. I'll explain more about that another time. Going back to horns, I've also found those with horns tend to love scratching themselves with them. Who doesn't love a good self scratching?

Mama Done Said

Do you know what helps when you're scolding your cow? Get her name right! Flora decided she wanted to act like Fiona today and vice versa, so was it any wonder I kept telling the wrong name? Rob alerted me Flora might actually listen if I stop calling her Fiona. Highlands are so sweet and loveable, but goodness they can get stubborn!

That's ok, everyone got extra treats, big scratches, and lots of love anyway. But a cowboy trick I inadvertantly learned today, stomping your feet while simultaneously slapping your knee will get cows to hustle. So apparently, I can officially check square dancing in an actual barn off my bucket list. I swung my partners in their stalls and kicked my heels to get off the cow paddy. All in a day's fun on the farm!

Not Enough Daylight

Mondays are always busy at the farm, but now than usual today. After the usual morning chores, we had to head out to pick up hay. That always takes at least an hour out of our day. 

Back home for quick meetings with our builder and all the other guys necessary. Inside guys will be working on the interior walls this week, the welders will be working on the exterior walls. We decided to forgo our storm closet (was going to use too much room) but everything else is looking good. While I would love a humongous pantry, I'll make do with what I'm getting. That's the thing with houses, never enough closets and places to hide stuff. 

After the meetings, we had to drive to Austin. We're going through some private family matters, but let me just say getting back late was not what our animals wanted. I swear, they are all overgrown cats acting like we starve them because we're an hour late!

Ramping Up

We've got a lot of excitement happening on the farm. Rob and I are already live on Facebook, but will soon have a website, too. For now, it will be to post our animals and this blog. In the future, it will include great farm products, animals up for new homes, and fun merchandise. It's expensive having a farm, so any help is greatly appreciated. More income means more incoming animals, especially highland cows!

As for incoming animals, this week begins the goat watch for Cocoa and her kid(s).  Technically, she's due on January 20th, but I'm supposed to be mindful the fifteenth to twenty-fifth. I know she's ready to drop, as she's already started dropping in her belly! I think she'll just be happy to have her bladder for her to control again. 

Lastly, this week begins truly impressive work on the barndo. I'll just post updates when applicable, but know Rob and I are excited about everything happening on the farm!

Country Hair Styles

Living on a farm, you wouldn't think your hairstyle matters. That's false! You've got the added challenges now of looking halfway decent. 

First, there's the weather. We're in a windy area, so the best thing to do to get you ready for the day is to set up a fan to the side of you while you style your hair. Keep in mind, if you use styling products, any dirt will quickly congeal on your shiny tresses once you go outside. 

Second, maybe you decide to be clever and put your hair in a ponytail. Sure! Just know that swinging that tail around attracts the animals like a red flag to a bull. Keep your head still and hope the wind doesn't blow it much and you'll be fine!

Lately, I know what you're thinking. A hat covers all sins. While true, we're in the country and it's polite to remove your hair indoors. Go ahead, get that nice sweaty, flattened crown out for the world to see. 

Just do what I do, brush it and appreciate what you achieved in the mirror and keep that within you for the rest of the day. Avoid all mirrors after that brushing unless you just want to do it all again. Have a great weekend everyone!

My very special kitchen window. On the inside, it frames the kitchen sink. On the outside, it will frame the outdoor kitchen. The window open from the center out to leave a nice big passthrough!

Barndo Update

I wanted to save everything for tomorrow's blog, but I promised my mom the pics in tonight's blog of the progress. Monday and Tuesday, the metal guys finished the wall framing. Today, yes just today, the interior guys got started on the jams and windows! Curtis Durham and his team are rocking this build. 

Tomorrow, the tin is supposed to be delivered. No, is not actually tin, but that's what they call it around here. Friday, the metal guys come back and start work on the exterior walls and roof. It's happening y'all! I'm inserting a ton of pics now, enjoy. 

The Cow Lady

Who knew I would one day not only be called, but happily answer to, a cow lady! This afternoon, I took Rob to my dentist and one of the hygienists I've never met before comes up to me and asks me if I'm the cow lady. Why yes, yes I am! I have her my number and address and she's going to be part of one I'm terming my "socialization project". 

I've also got one of the welders bringing his two little girls and wife soon for the project as well. The more comfortable my animals get to seeing strangers, the better. Luckily, I've got a two-step process to work with the strangers. The first is a meet and greet through the pasture fence. If that goes well, I'll them separate those who are enjoying the company to stay in the pasture and those who aren't to go into the pen. Those who stay will get pets and treats, which I know will greatly encourage the hold outs. Do I find animals already prone to enjoying treats or do I make them that way? Hmmm. I have a feeling my love for treats might be a nurturing affect.