NH Homesteader's journal

[Mini Horses]

I hate when people ask what my bottom dollar is. I am not a used car salesman.

It can be annoying BUT it is part of sales. I used to raise & sell mini horses. Prices were high then and you really had to know your lineages, conformation, etc. When I sold it was with the knowing that I would be there to answer questions, provide documents (registration in hand, vetting, background, all stock DNA tested, etc) and CARE about my animals. Because I had excellent stock, good rep, etc., most had no issue with the prices. My animals were good and they were healthy.

BUT....one came and looked. Bought elsewhere, less $$ but, sick animals!! She then called ME for help... Talk about a pair of balls, she had them! So I explained about "you get what you pay for" and gave her the name of 3 vets.

It's just sales. Sad but true.

I love your Goldens but I see the ear tags & hate those. Back in the day that is what was used for registered goats. So many torn I[ ears!! Boers allowed chips & tattoo vice tags. GREAT! LOL I still have a couple of the chips to insert. I also have a couple hundred ear tags!

 

[NH Homesteader]

I hate them too. She's a darn rule follower! I wish she hadn't put them in. They say right on them it's illegal to take them off... Whatever, if I can get them off I will. They aren't registered for lack of attention to paperwork on the part of the dam's previous owner, so they technically need tags for interstate transport.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

UGH! I hate them too. I have traveled across state lines with goats more times than I can count. I think our law is that they have ear tags OR a tattoo. I have NEVER been stopped or directed off for inspection at a state line. I've never had an official at a show (like a STATE fair) ever inspect a tattoo. And, the only time I've ever had a tattoo inspected was when we took a major win at a show.... Ear tags are waaaaaay outdated, heck- even tattoo's are outdated now. It's all about the chips.

Ya know....sometimes those ear tags just fall right out... LOL!

 

[NH Homesteader]

How did lamancha people do ear tags anyway?

Yeah my mini alpines all have tattoos, except the wethers. Not that you can see Clifford's! But since these girls aren't registered, I guess she thought they needed tags. They won't leave our farm, so their tags can fall out lol!

 

[NH Homesteader]

Made some lavender soap today.... Hoping for the best! It acted wonky but it's firming up nicely in the molds so... Hope it worked. I haven't made it for two years!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

That's cool! I've never made soap....another thing on my "to do" list.

 

[NH Homesteader]

It's a lot easier than one would think. Until you want to make it fancy or pretty! But I don't need fancy just for us.

 

[Mini Horses]

yes...ear tags can be cut off, carefully. They may have a hole but, at their age, it may well grow back in. What happens is they catch it on something, panic, pull and wham! Ripped ear. Not pretty.

I love my soaps that I make. Excellent cleaning, great lather and leave skin nice. NH is right, not as hard as you think. A batch lasts a long time. You can get most of your oils in a good super market now...notice "most". Cocoa butter, some palm oils, the lye, etc., you generally need to order on line. If I used essential oils --there is the expensive stuff! -- on line.

Next week or two I will need to separate & wean most of these kids. Trying to plan for a slack work week to do as that means milking. Couple does are not real happy with the program (great moms!) but will be milked! Couple will need some hobbles for a few times.... It seems the shorter ones are the most active with the legs. Only 2 of those -- mini Nubians -- and both give me a fairly high butterfat from the Nigi genetics. I've never milked them consistently since buying them but, this year they will need to contribute to the cream and cheese. I bought that equipment and I AM GOING TO USE IT! So they will need to get used to it. Hobbles & feed on the stand will make them agreeable. Only 5 in milk.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Only five, lol! That's enough to keep up with for sure!

 

[NH Homesteader]

Five? Yeah that's a lot! I have two and will have the same next year. In two years I'll have four. That's probably my limit. Hay prices are obnoxious!