Feels very strange not to be waiting for my goats to kid. After a dreadful year last year with my goats, and problems with the kids, I made the decision not to breed this year. Actually with moving house etc. probably the right decision!! Just the one pygmy male (Edward) born in December.
Got to make a decision before Autumn and breeding time again - hubby wants me to sell the goats. Its not easy - I have always had goats, except during the foot and mouth when we had a short break from goats. 40 years is a long time to be doing something, and then decide to stop!!
The recession has hit a lot of people and they are not buying livestock as they used to - or they want it at rock bottom prices. My AN had triplets each last year. I could easily end up with a field full of kids that I can't sell, and have to keep through winter.
Looking at our feed bill and haylage bill for this winter (which seems to go on forever) I think selling may be the sensible option, but taking the plunge and actually doing it is hard!!!
Seen a bit of grass coming, so hopefully they can go out soon - reduce hay bill and workload a little