deaths
Valerie Donald
Hi everybody
I am suffering from boredom this morning. Still in hospital and only because I can't use my arms much for dressing etc. I go for walks and read a lot and sleep a lot but that's it. So this morning I thought I would see how many goat deaths I have had since I started with my first Angoras in 1977. I keep very good records of what goes on at the farm. Would you believe I have had 49 deaths over the years. Some from coccidiosis, 2 from accidents, one killed by a dog, 4 killed by foxes although I have had more killed by foxes before they were tattooed and two that I remember killed by crows. The others were what I call mysterious deaths. So expect some deaths as you continue to breed. It's bound to happen. I cull a lot also, although I have only culled two this year. They go for dogs meat or I eat them. the wethers I keep for about 6 months and they are very nice at that stage. I sometimes get an animal which is very kempy so I don't keep that one to breed from. I can't remember having a problem with their conformation and they have a very healthy constitution. Personally think that with the close breeding of the AHA's most of the bad genes have been thrown out. That's just my opinion of course.
You are probably sick of me waffling on. So I had better go and think of something else to do. I have started crocheting again. Haven't done any for years.
Happy breeding everybody
Val
Breeder of Australian Heritage Angora Goats and English Donkeys
http://mohair.alphalink.com.au
Preview and purchase my book on Australian Heritage Angora Goats at http://www.blurb.com/books/1295430
Helen Repacholi
I recently bought a pregnant female, Nettie who is expecting her kid/s within a few weeks (may be sooner). However she still has her lovely long locks. When could she be shawn - after the kids are born or before. I don't want to stress her - new owner and new place to live and kids on the way !
I will try shearing her myself (I have used clippers on my big newfoundland dogs before so I guess its a bit similar) . What is best - hand shears or electric ? Or is it a personal choice ? I have dog clippers but I imagine the blades for mohair will be different.
cheers Helen
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Heritage Angoras" group.
To post to this group, send email to heritage...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to heritage-angor...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/heritage-angoras?hl=en.
Valerie Donald
Dear Helen
I am back in the Orbost hospital now after my second operation
I would be inclined to hand shear the doe and that would leave a small amount of fleece. I always like to have my pregnant does shorn they kid. They are more inclined to stay in a warm area with the kids and the kids find the udder more easily
Regards
Val