Billy Goat Don't

At the beginning of this summer past we had the opportunity to borrow a moon-spotted Billy goat by the name of Buddy from some nearby friends. The idea was to introduce a few new genetic traits to the next generation of goat kids here at Celtic Mist Meadows just to keep the flock interesting.

Buddy, a Nigerian Dwarf cross goat buck, was provided with a month of one-on-one opportunity with our little Kinder goat, Twilight, to demonstrate his charm and wit. The pair were fenced together separate from the rest of the goat flock for the honeymoon phase. Provided with fresh pasture, daily grains, and moonlit nights.

Following the honeymoon period both Buddy and Twilight were introduced back into our main flock of female goats. Providing the opportunity for three more goat does to experience the magics of Buddy the Billy. Three months went by before Buddy’s owner asked for the return of their flock sire. After all he did have other responsibilities to attend.

As many know, and some may not, the gestation period in goats ranges between 145 to 155 days and can be affected by breed, litter weight, environment, and other factors. Our tradition specifies you count out five months, then subtract five days to mark a first due date on your calendar.

The months began to drift by. The month of October fell into our midst, followed by November and then December without the appearance of any goat kids. We were counting on our fingers and toes, hoofs and horns, then recalculating and pondering the possibilities. Hope had come and gone. Confusion reigned. We had far surpassed the gestation period by months to no avail. It appeared that the borrowed Billy had just not proven capable of properly handling the Celtic Mist Meadows girls.

Now, like us, I hope you did not give up all hope for our little flock of goats. For the month of February would bring on many new little surprises. Three of our girlie goats blessed us with seven little bundles of jumping joy…all resembling our original goat flock sire Klein the Alpine! How you ask! Well nature always prevails. After Buddy had returned to his humble homeland, the goat girls were fenced in the field adjoining Klein's Kingdom. While Buddy may not have been up to addressing the wiles of our Celtic Mist Meadows girls, even with fences between, our original flock sire arose to the occasion.