I’m always worrying about Clover.
Watching her. Wondering if she’s okay. Feeling her forehead.
I love all of my animals, but Clover is the one I’m obsessed with.
I can’t help it. She’s very powerful.
I worry about her health and well-being all the time. Clover, how are you feeling? She won’t even answer me anymore.
A few days ago, I noticed her making a strange sound, sort of low in her throat. It sounded like she was choking! But she didn’t really look like she was choking. I got a handful of feed and gave it to her to see if she could eat it. She ate it just fine. After she head-butted all the other girls halfway across the goat yard for thinking they might get a scrap.
But still. She kept making this weird noise in her throat. I ran to check all the medical supplies, making sure we had antibiotics and penicillin and anti-bloating stuff and syringes and needles and anti-inflammatory and wormer and who knows what else we might need!!!!!! MAYBE A DONKEY VITAMIN. There’s something wrong with Clover! Take stock of the emergency supplies! GIVE HER A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING! Now! Before she dies!
Then I thought maybe I should stop and make one teensy little phone call. Before I gave her a little of everything.
I called our goat farmer friends who we got Clover from. I explained everything that was wrong with her–you know, that she was making a weird noise, and that she was eating normally, head-butting the other girls more than usual, and behaving quite vigorous. And SHE’S NEARLY DEAD! I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! WHAT’S WRONG WITH HER?!
Answer: “She sounds like she’s in heat.”
Oh.
Never mind….
Thunja says:
that first image is classic. I can’t wait to see Clovers first baby.
On February 2, 2010 at 1:15 am
Blessings says:
that is just so funny
~~HUGS~~
On February 2, 2010 at 3:00 am
Deborah R says:
ROFLMBO!
But it’s sympathy ROFLMBO!
Many, many years ago, I was catsitting for a friend. Her cat started screaming and howling and walking really funny across the floor.
My friend had left the vet’s number, thank heaven, so I called them, hysterical, and begged for an immediate appointment for my friend’s cat, who was obviously at death’s door.
The person on the phone insisted (power hungry witch!) that I waste time describing the cat’s symptoms.
She was in heat. I was so humiliated.
Ten years later, my son went thru the same thing with his cat.
Now, if I may ask it…could you imagine if human females “showed” like that? Yikes!
On February 2, 2010 at 3:30 am
Hrist says:
Oh well, at least now you know what to look for in Nutmeg so you can introduce her to Rhett properly 🙂
On February 2, 2010 at 3:44 am
Becky says:
I dont have goats., But I was wondering when you will be able to tell shes pregnant? Is there a way to tell befor she starts showing?
On February 2, 2010 at 4:50 am
pamb says:
Yep, natural-born farmer, that’s you. :yes:
On February 2, 2010 at 6:05 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
I think your dreams of goat babies are about to come true. Don’t feel bad. I have a hen who gets hiccups. I thought something was wrong with her until I saw a chicken with hiccups on You Tube. She sounded and acted the same as my hen. Like you, I thought something was wrong with her. We learn these things as we go. Good luck with Clover.
On February 2, 2010 at 6:35 am
Diane says:
LOL. She wants her little boy toy you have for her there on the farm. lol. Sounds like you will have little goat babies on the farm next!!!
On February 2, 2010 at 6:46 am
Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:
Oh my you sound just like me.. I too can not wait to see CLOVERS BABIES!!tooo funny!!
Hugs Granny Trace
On February 2, 2010 at 7:02 am
Skoog Farm says:
What an adorable herd. Hope Clover is just in heat.
On February 2, 2010 at 7:17 am
Debnfla3 says:
This is hilarious! hahahahaha
Clover will make such pretty babies.
Deb
On February 2, 2010 at 7:21 am
Christine says:
LOL, Oh Suzanne. That first photo is a calendar shot if I ever saw one.
On February 2, 2010 at 7:25 am
CindyP says:
😆 Yay, Clover! Clover babies!!!! :snoopy:
On February 2, 2010 at 7:26 am
Amy Detweiler says:
Our Goaty-Goat does the same thing and we were equally befuddled. It sounded like a human goinf “Meh,meeeeeep…”
Clover’s ready for her big man!
On February 2, 2010 at 7:26 am
Townie Farm Girl says:
Not only do I think she was wanting a little action, I believe she was making a play for more cookies…that’s my thought!
On February 2, 2010 at 7:27 am
Johanna says:
The first winter I lived in the country, one night my dogs went berzerk at a sound outside. I came out to listen and heard the most hideous scream-screech. I thought a puppy was caught in a leg trap. So I got my flashlight to investigate. Not too far into the undergrowth and mud I decided that was not the best idea. So I e-mailed a naturalist friend asking how to find the poor puppy.
She wrote back, “what you describe is the sound of coyotes mating. Get used to it.”
I blushed. Now I know better. Every late winter they start up again. Such a ruckus!
I imagine the goat noise is equally disturbing!
On February 2, 2010 at 7:36 am
Abiga/Karen says:
Yes, I wondered what was wrong with my daughter’s goats too when Skittles was sounding like that. We figured it out from what we had heard from others. Skittles is the only one out of all of them that acts that way, no sounds from the others like her. ANd she does this every three weeks about. Unfortunately we don’t have a buck yet and couldn’t find any nearby to transport them too.
On February 2, 2010 at 7:54 am
Dixie in Iowa says:
Female humans have “concealed ovulation”. I’m not sure what the evolutionary purpose is of not allowing the human male to know when the female is in esterus. Whatever the reason, it was good luck for Barry White.
On February 2, 2010 at 7:56 am
carol says:
Oh boy…..if this is what happens to Suzanne when Clover just goes in heat, I wonder what it’s going to be like when Clover actually goes into LABOR!!!!
There is nothing sweeter than a baby goat, unless it’s a baby kitten or puppy…or lamb..or chick or duckyling…or any kind of BABY!!!
Calm and steady, Suzanne…you have a long row to hoe!
On February 2, 2010 at 8:00 am
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
Didn’t you notice the tongue action? That was my guess the moment I saw it. She is a sweetie and I can’t wait to see pics of her first baby!!! The first pic of all the furbabies lined up is priceless. Thanks for sharing.
Susan
On February 2, 2010 at 8:01 am
kerri says:
We learn something new every day 😆 That first photo especially brought a big smile. So sweet to see all those eager faces 🙂
On February 2, 2010 at 8:02 am
Beth says:
Well, this IS what you’ve been waiting for…little ‘Clover babies’ running around! Yay! Clover’s in heat! *doin’ my little happy goat dance!* :snoopy:
On February 2, 2010 at 8:07 am
Jeanne says:
You have made my day!
On February 2, 2010 at 8:11 am
Mickey says:
Maybe you need to add a little something for Suzanne to the emergency medical supplies. Love the first pic !
On February 2, 2010 at 8:30 am
Jill from Spencer WV says:
my girls do this also! we have babies now and i am keeping the billy away from them.. anyone interested in a nubian buck 1.5 yrs old!
On February 2, 2010 at 8:31 am
Angela P says:
:shimmy: Clovers gonna be a MAMA …. soon!!!! Suzanne, does this make you a Gramma to a goat????? 😉
On February 2, 2010 at 8:50 am
Chic says:
LOL…well now the wait begins…after a few days of fun for Eclipse and Clover. Poor ‘Mom’…it’s tough having ‘kids’ isn’t it! :hungry2:
On February 2, 2010 at 8:54 am
debbie says:
Poor Suzanne, she has a goat trollop on her hands. Ah, kids these days. :no: But, you’ve done a fine job raising her, she’ll make a great momma. :yes: Let’s hear it for goats! I so want goats. And chickens, pigs, Irish Dexter cattle, a couple of turkeys etc. etc.
On February 2, 2010 at 9:12 am
Jo says:
Sounds like me, when I’m PMS-ing. :devil:
On February 2, 2010 at 9:17 am
beartwork says:
You make me laugh…that’s why I read you everyday…
On February 2, 2010 at 9:18 am
Melissa Marsh says:
I LOVE all these pictures today! Here’s hoping you have goat babies soon!
On February 2, 2010 at 9:56 am
Shell says:
I didn’t see anyone answer, so I will…
@Becky Post #5-I dont have goats., But I was wondering when you will be able to tell shes pregnant? Is there a way to tell befor she starts showing? —
Does come into heat every 18-21 days. If Clover settles this time, she will not come into heat and Suzanne can assume she’s pregnant. Clover will start to “show” around 3 months. 🙂
On February 2, 2010 at 10:02 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thanks, Shell! I really didn’t know the answer!
On February 2, 2010 at 10:24 am
Debbie in PA says:
Too funny!
I love the pictures today, especially the first one. It’s now wallpaper–I wonder what my husband will say when he turns on the computer tonight? :devil2:
On February 2, 2010 at 10:15 am
Nancy in Iowa says:
Carol said it before I could – I’m wondering if Suzanne is going to insist the vet stay at the farm around the time Clover is due to kid! I can just imagine, Suzanne, how much fun you’ll have worrying through that event! Although, after 3 kids of your own, I’ll bet you do fine. Besides, I’m sure Morgan will help….???
On February 2, 2010 at 10:45 am
JJ says:
Have you chosen the kid’s name yet?
On February 2, 2010 at 11:09 am
Lynne says:
Had to take a goat on a “date” this morning. She was moaning and frantic tail wagging at the buck rag!
On February 2, 2010 at 11:14 am
Carol, too says:
Oh, Suzanne, I’m a little obsessed with Clover, also. You could make this the Clover Blog and I’d still be back every day.
On February 2, 2010 at 11:23 am
EightPondFarm says:
Hi,
I have an idea for a column in a couple months, assuming Clover is pregnant. You could ask about what should be in the Medical Kit for when the time comes. Tell us what you already have handy, and I bet you will get a ton of good suggestions about things to add, including basic household items. I loved the poster who suggested you might want to make sure there was something in there for you!! I would suggest, too, that if this column and the earlier one about Clover and Eclipse having time together are separated by too many days, make sure she gets some time in with him now. Actually it sounded as if things are very much in synch! She sounded pretty receptive then.
On February 2, 2010 at 11:26 am
Lynn says:
Goats always look like they are smiling. I don’t know if I could resist the cute little faces, I would have to bring them in the house with me…..especially a baby!
On February 2, 2010 at 11:37 am
SuseM says:
ROFLMBO!!!!!! Too funny! Can’t wait for little Clover’s!!!! :shimmy:
On February 2, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Jenny S. says:
So hilarous! I hope that means we’ll see her babies this year!
On February 2, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Phyllis Ryan says:
If you added one of the cats and a rooster to the first photo you would have a “Road Company” of the “Brememtown Musicians.” Just too funny. Glad to hear that Clover is just letting her new stud she is ready. Hope this time it will mean babies, or kids.
On February 2, 2010 at 2:31 pm
rileysmom says:
And you thought you had reached the age when sex wasn’t embarrassing……?
On February 2, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Erin D. says:
I get that same feeling of “OMG SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY BABY, quick, give her everything, because surely, one of those things will help with this strange, mysterious condition.”
Usually, I can control myself.
🙂
On February 2, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Arlene says:
Well way to go Clover! Our fur babies do worry us!! :airkiss:
On February 2, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Shelly D. says:
OH, the funniness!
On February 2, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Cranberry says:
Lookit that last picture, she is SMILING! How cute is that?!!!!! :hug:
On February 2, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Technobabe says:
That’s pretty much how I act too. Smile.
On February 2, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Kelly says:
Ah, Clover… The lessons we are all learning from sweet little Clover. I vote to give Clover whatever she wants…
Happy farming!
On February 2, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Hannah says:
Of Suzanne and Clover :clover: The drama will never end!
PS I LOVE Mr. Pibb!
On February 2, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Jodie in Texas says:
Oh my! You farm people with goats rutting around. No wonder the farm children knew more than the city ones about sex.
On February 2, 2010 at 11:56 pm
gertex99 says:
I am the same way, Suzanne, but I still laughed til I cried. Thank you once again.
On February 4, 2010 at 12:14 am
kay keen says:
I thought that I lost this blog forever. and i beginng to get upset. But everything is going to be alright now, I understand how to do this.When my momma goats had thier babies, I would have to milked just a little to get the milk to come down, and then show the babie how to suck, this was with her first baby, Thanks again so much. Blessings k
On February 15, 2010 at 5:47 pm
monica says:
LOL
Suzanne has a horny goat!! So did she get to go on a date??? I can’t wait for little kid pictures. We need updates!!!
On February 23, 2010 at 6:15 pm