I already conduct fecal tests on the herds so I know which dewormer to use. All I gotta do is monitor the goats that have a higher propensity for getting worms. Buttressing their immune system is always a good idea.

I’ll deworm for stomach worms and coccidia at the beginning of the season as well as through the season, keep hay as a free feed, and somehow keep water in the barn throughout the snow storm (easier said than dun) but I have a few months to figure this out.

I learned that keeping free feed minerals and red cell is helpful. For the goats that want/like these treats, it’s available for them.

Hauling water the four different pens was our biggest challenge. But next year that will not be an issue. Like I said earlier, I’ve got a few months to figure this our then get it fixed before next winter. Note: need longer, shallow troughs with heaters in them instead of deeper bucket-types so more goats can drink at one time.

But for the most part, being snowed in the the family for two days was delightful. We napped with the dogs, read for the first time in a while, and watched a movie or two. Mind you, we did this in between barn yard visits. We had already setup the heat lamps in each barn so our critters could curl up under them … if they wanted to.

Our silly horse chose to stay outside most of the time. Go figure. Silly horse … love that guy. We absolutely must get a saddle one of these days so we can ride that little bugger. I say little, he’s a Walker and a tall one at that. I’ll measure the hands one of these days. I’m 5-4 and his wethers is still over my head. Sigh … .

Enjoy the late winter and stay warm,

Pat n Bob of the Sleeping Dog Ranch

While we’re talking, would you mind turning down the MPH of the wind? We live on a hill so we get the full-blown effect of your winds. You’re blowing off roof shingles. Getting a roofer out here to replace a few shingles is pricie at best. That is IF we can find a roofer who’ll come out this far just to replace a few shingles. Most of them want to replace the roof. Granted we could use a new roof, but not now, please. We need more fencing first. We would appreciate you leaving the roof alone for three more years. You’re consideration would be greatly appreciated.

We’ll talk about the mud later, if you don’t mind. I have chores to do. But if you’re thinking about how much more rain, sleet and snow you think we need. how about you letting up a bit. You know like 35 degrees, gentle breezes, with intermittent showers and mostly sunny.

Thank you for listening, Mother Nature. Nice talking with you.

For the past few years Karin Christensen with Scientific Animation & Illustration has released her famous Carol of the Goat Bells around this time of year.

The goats, the song, and the sentiment combined put a smile on my face, warms my heart, and sparks even more of the Holiday spirit within me.

Please accept this song as a gift from our goat herd at the Sleeping Dog Ranch Nubians.

The Carol of the Goat Bells

The popular Carol of the Goat Bells performed by the cast of the Biology of the Goat animations.

May the Spirit of the Holidays bless you and your families,