Cammille - Nubian Dairy Goat
This is Cammille, one of my nubian dairy goats. Her milk plays a big part in the goat milk soap that is made on my farm.
Cammille is a smart doe. As with most of my dairy goats, Cammille arrives at the milk room door twice a day, following the same pattern. This season the order is Iris, Bonnie, Cammille, and Carmella. Goats love patterns, in fact, some become rather upset when a normal routine is not followed. They also know their own names. They have individual personalities. Cammille, for example, will not allow the milk inflations to be placed on her teats without first having access to the grain in her dish. With Cammille, everything has to be pre-planned, in perfect order, before she arrives on the stand. If not, a person had better hurry! She has a gentle nature, she does not kick, she more or less shifts from hoof to hoof, dancing, and the impatience quickens when food is not at her lips!
Athena - Snubian Dairy Goat
Athena is a young dairy doe. She has not “freshened,” meaning, she has not given birth and gone “into milk” yet. Athena is a 2nd generation snubian (cross between a saanan and a nubian). I love snubian dairy goats. They produce a nice volume of milk, and they retain the wonderful rich fat-laden nubian qualities in the milk they produce.
Snubians are generally very laid back goats, easy to lead and train to the milk stand. Athena does not fall short of those abilities. Goats love to nibble with their lips (no teeth involved). Athena has a habit of nibbling with her teeth, and it certainly can hurt! I am trying to break her of that wonderful practice! She loves to follow behind, and ouch, nibble!!!
Have you ever seen a goat bury their head in a huge pile of hay to find just the one morsel they were searching for? They cannot see through the hay, but they can smell, and amazingly their lips can feel better than most any other animal! Try to hold a young bottle-fed goat kid. Try it without a bottle in your hand. What you will get are nibbles. Little nibbles to your neck, chin, earlobes, and they love to target the nose!
Goats…amazing animals.
I love goats too. There are few baby animals as cute and fun as baby goats. They are so curious, and mischievous , and it is hard to be too upset when they cause mayhem and damage because they are so durn irresistible.
Kathy, my husband and I were talking last night about the times we have had to bring a goat kid into the home. We love the clicking of their hooves on the floor. A lot of work, but fun animals!
They are cute. I didn’t realize they had so much personality. I’ve only had a couple of goats in my life and they were both male.
Snubian! I learned a new word today…
Pretty girls!
Amy
I’m not as experienced a goat person as you are but I am learning that they do recognize theirs names, even the young ones. And yes, each one has a unique personality too. We also really enjoy our sweet bucks.
Athena seems to be smiling and winking, like she has you totally figured out.
I love her.
A goaty Greek goddess.
Mary, do you make goat cheese form that wonderful milk? I’m hooked on it, and I bet fresh is a special treat!
Athena is so beautiful. You’re making me want to move to the country and raise goats. I already have hens and bees on my list. My hubby just looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind, as my list gets longer.
Why Mary, what cute goats you have! (does that line remind you of a line from little red riding hood? lol) 🙂 I love goats, and my hubby thinks I’m nuts because of it (he likes sheep, cows, etc. but not goats?)…A few months ago, I went to a gal’s milking barn and it’s true, those goats know which order they go in. I was impressed! And I recently saw a photo of what I believe was an Angora… absolutely beautiful. And then, I believe I saw/read where they are making them mini! Ohhh…. I’m on the hunt to put my hands on one of those cute little things!
Alix, yes, I do make goat cheese. I am in the mood for some too!
Yes, they are smart animals. I am around them enough to have to remind myself to watch the little things that they do. Quite entertaining, and very smart.
Amazes me how when you call a goat by its name, it will either answer you, or show up at the door or gate. And, they each have their own voice as well. They know their names, and I know them by ear. 🙂
Hi Mary, thanks for commenting on my blog. It seems the people for that issue is highly offended by that post and are coming out of the woodwork so it was nice to have someone on “my” side. heehe. Jamey says “Now you done it, you put us on their radar”. I don’t know who “they” are but oh well, if you are going to read my blog you are going to get my opinion I say.
I love this post, I think I have been putting off trying fragrance blending myself for soap. I think it is that old side of me that is afraid to “mess things up”. I have tried some very basic lavender/vanilla and a few other very basic combination’s but have not went further than that.
I totally forgot to say I love your dairy goats. They are so pretty and I would snatch Cammile right up and take her home with me if I could. What a beauty she is!
Jennifer, when I received a letter from the USDA saying they wanted to visit my farm for a survey this summer, my radar went completely up. First, I have nothing to hide. They do not need to spend their pennies coming here. Spend it elsewhere, on something that needs help. Leave the farmers alone that are living their dreams as they want! When it comes to the gov, the NAIS, our rights as farmers, etc… , yes, I do have definite comments to leave.
Your goats are adorable. I just purchased 12 acres in South Carolina and I want a few goats – they are so cute. I’d like to learn to make goats milk soap also. I’ve heard it is really good for your skin.
I love the fact that they are so personable. I can’t wait to have my goats and chickens.
I am a bit biased. There is nothing like a goat. They can be picky, bullish, yet lovable and sweet. Just look at their faces and eyes. And take a bottle fed baby, they are your friend for life.
I hope you do get your goats! And I hope you let me know when you do.