[Tree Farmer]

Thanks again to everyone for all your comments on my post on Monday. It made a massive difference to feel part of a community - thank you so much.

Okay, a decision has been made. It's a bit left field...

We are still having Rufus the 10 month old wether (obviously!) but after the sad loss of his sister his companions are now going to be two Anglo Nubian girl kids. They are big, bouncy kids already and will be going on 10 weeks by the time we have them. All three will be coming to us together, at the start of May. I really, really hope the three of them will be happy together.

After a load of soul searching I decided I just wasn't ready for the milking nanny. And I was worried that Rufus and the nanny would both be 'disappointed' in one another - Rufus because he is still so young and playful, the nanny as she is used to being with other ladies. I changed my mind several times over the couple of days but know this is the right thing. And hopefully I will have years of milking ahead, when I am geared up for it.

Of course the downside is it will be 2014 before either of the new girls will kid, but better to go slowly.

Orignally I looked everywhere for a female goatling but drew a blank - just males. Although I think, maybe selfishly, I am pleased to be doing something different and not just looking for a replacement for Martha, if you see what I mean.

I still wish none of this had happened, obviously, but I do feel happy and excited again now. So it's four weeks of ready-ing things for Rufus and the two little girls.

I am sure I will have lots of questions!

Thank you again everyone,

Charlotte

[Brucklay]

So good to read you 'got a plan' and it sound's like a good one - enjoy getting ready before the madness!!

[Tree Farmer]

Thanks Brucklay - I hope it's a good one too. I know it'll be tonnes and tonnes of work, I'm not underestimating that and am prepared to change around my whole life really, but I somehow feel more relaxed about 'growing up with' three young goats. We can learn together... well, sort of, you know what I mean!

[little blue]

best of luck ... it YOUR decision, so its the best one
in "payment" for advice .... you must post photos of them when they arrive!!

[Mays]

good plan! I bought kids and have gone thru the whole cycle, raising the kid, showing her as a goatling, breeding from her and sitting with her while she kidded now I am hand rearing her offspring and hand milking her twice a day, what a journey we've been on she bites me on my knee when shes no more milk left... she's teaching me 

[jaykay]

Sounds like a good plan  Your two little girls will keep each other, and your wether, company and as you say, you can get to know them before the commitment of milking. And yes, often a good plan, when you've lost an animal, not to just try to replace them directly 

[Lesley Silvester]

You have thought it through carefully so this is the right thing for you.  Your new family will give you so much pleasure and, if you decide you are ready sooner, you can always look for a milking goat then.

[salopman]

Sounds like a plan!!