tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post1017536370777656478..comments2024-03-27T22:01:59.919-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Around the HomesteadLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-6925750886586250202015-03-31T21:23:54.201-04:002015-03-31T21:23:54.201-04:00Paula, good to hear from you! How strange about th...Paula, good to hear from you! How strange about the posts. You're correct, I only post once every couple of days!<br /> <br />Awhile back I bought a domain name for my blog. It went from my5acredream.blogspot.com to 5acresandadream.com. eReader subscriptions, including Blogger's didn't catch that so on some blog lists it looks like I haven't posted for a couple of years. It also affected subscriptions by emails, because that uses Feedburner. But I thought I updated Feedburner! If it continues to be a problem will you let me know? I'll try to sort it out based on whatever clues we can come up with.<br /><br />Joanne, I agree that cleanliness and quick chilling are two keys for good tasting milk, for sure. Another problem can be if the goat has a vitamin B deficiency. They manufacture their own B vitamins, but sometimes goats on high grain diets, or under stress (kidding is stressful) can cause a B shortage and the milk will taste goaty. I like to keep Diamond V yeast culture available as a feed additive. If B's are the problem it will sweeten the milk right up!<br />I'm not one for over sanitizing either, but I do wash my milking bucket and milk strainer immediately in hot soapy water and occasionally scald with boiling water. I also wash my hands immediately before milking and wash the udder with soapy warm water, then waste a squirt or two for each teat to clean out the orifices. It's all common sense stuff but easy to get slack on.<br />Sounds like you are doing a really good job with your research and that's great! I'm always happy to answer questions if I can. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69010489611499786722015-03-31T20:51:27.678-04:002015-03-31T20:51:27.678-04:00Thanks Leigh - I will certainly check out your goa...Thanks Leigh - I will certainly check out your goat labels :) I responded to your post on my blog but I'll put it here just in case you did not subscribe to the comments ...<br /><br />Mainly what I am concerned about is the TASTE of the goat milk. Rarely have I had goat milk that did not taste 'goaty'. Today I learned that it *might* be the breed, it *might* be the bloodline, it *might* be having a male in the pen, it *might* be different grasses they are eating, it *might* be not getting it cold soon enough and not keeping it cold, etc.<br /><br />But, the most promising thing I read was it *might* be unsanitary milking paraphernalia. I read it was important to sanitize the equipment before using it (any sanitizing advice? I'm not usually one to sanitize anything ...), and this is something NOONE that I know of is doing, so maybe it's the cause of most of the 'goaty' taste I always experience? We'll find out I guess!! I was already planning on milking over bottles of ice to cool the milk off right away, but that's the only 'trick' I knew of.<br /><br />If you have 'how to have good tasting milk' advice, please share! I'll look around here now too.<br /><br />Thanks again!<br />Joanne (Frugal Home and Health)<br />in SW MO Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02132806453213204204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-87949570777142164262015-03-31T07:36:14.691-04:002015-03-31T07:36:14.691-04:00I just got twenty-five posts from you, all of them...I just got twenty-five posts from you, all of them posted eight hours ago. You didn't really do that, did you? I'm guessing an issue with Blogger, but can't imagine what did it. Makes me wonder if the lack of comments I don't get anymore means that my posts don't get delivered either.<br /><br />I wondered what had happened to you.....Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16171802310115844104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34199030666198454062015-03-31T06:48:45.928-04:002015-03-31T06:48:45.928-04:00Bill, in only seems like we get a lot done on pape...Bill, in only seems like we get a lot done on paper, LOL. <br /><br />Joanne, hello and welcome! Congratulations on getting goats! I can't imagine a homestead without them. If you look at my "goats" label (also "breeding" and "kidding") you can read what I've learned, some through reading but mostly through experience 'cuz it seems that goats don't read the same books. :)<br /><br />Nancy, I get less done than it sounds like, LOL. But this is the time of year for enjoying baby goats. It was unfortunate about the rooster but we really didn't want a rooster at present. Worse, no one next door (where he came from) seemed to care. <br /><br />Sarah, thanks!<br /><br />Linda, thank you for that; it confirms Dan's suspicions. We've seen opossums around but never a raccoon, although we know they are native to the area. Don't care to see any either; much rather keep my chickens! Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-29660377243042715992015-03-31T03:46:52.622-04:002015-03-31T03:46:52.622-04:00Raccoons rip open the chest of chickens. Possums g...Raccoons rip open the chest of chickens. Possums get the head. At least that has been my experience.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991571309786149363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-21792984066922213722015-03-31T00:00:36.152-04:002015-03-31T00:00:36.152-04:00oh my goodness! Love, love, love the goat picture...oh my goodness! Love, love, love the goat pictures! Thanks for sharing!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17105014798773711886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-19741622744583156992015-03-30T23:17:34.608-04:002015-03-30T23:17:34.608-04:00So sorry about your volunteer rooster and I didn&#...So sorry about your volunteer rooster and I didn't know a chicken would try to crow. So that was interesting. I can barely remember my folks having chickens when I was growing up. I am afraid I would get no work done but would want to sit and watch your little goats play!!! Nancy Cozy Thyme Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933769393226611441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-35538293828994499932015-03-30T17:26:07.933-04:002015-03-30T17:26:07.933-04:00New here ... I look forward to when I have a littl...New here ... I look forward to when I have a little bit of time to look around. I am getting my first goat soon and hope to find some tips here. Thanks!<br /><br />Joanne<br />Frugal Home and HealthJoannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02132806453213204204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-37684295727115595062015-03-30T07:03:57.927-04:002015-03-30T07:03:57.927-04:00It looks like a chicken came over to watch the kid...It looks like a chicken came over to watch the kids play. Or to join in the fun. :)<br /><br />I enjoyed your update. Sometimes I wonder when you find time to sleep! :)Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01640663629610290592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-61694169790718259582015-03-30T05:26:52.879-04:002015-03-30T05:26:52.879-04:00Clarajteixeira, welcome! Thank you so much for tak...Clarajteixeira, welcome! Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I have a dear blogging friend who lives up there in your territory and her weather posts have amazed me. I love that you have a bit of spring in your home: baby chicks and sprouting herbs are a lovely reminder of better weather to come!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-68693693471772040272015-03-29T23:55:35.246-04:002015-03-29T23:55:35.246-04:00I really enjoy reading your posts! I found your bl...I really enjoy reading your posts! I found your blog a few months back and have been quietly reading through it when I have a quiet moment to myself. I have to say, this post might be my favorite! It is great to see spring happening. We live in Northern MN and are still getting snow showers. Spring still feels so far away for me right now but I have 6 new chicks growing like weeds in my basement and herbs sprouting on a windowsill. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-60776858228428932982015-03-29T21:08:16.531-04:002015-03-29T21:08:16.531-04:00John, thanks! it actually seems like things are gr...John, thanks! it actually seems like things are greening up here a bit earlier than usual. Odd how that happens.<br /><br />Rosalyn, well, we're trying! ;)<br /><br />Chris, I'm so ready for spring but every time it seems the soil is drying out enough to plant, it rains again. It's nice that you have a local honey supply! I only wish we had that for maple syrup. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34343103341911507242015-03-29T18:44:32.545-04:002015-03-29T18:44:32.545-04:00Seems like you're set for Spring to get cracki...Seems like you're set for Spring to get cracking! You're doing the bee thing that I wish I was. Though we do have some lovely honey merchants in our neighbourhood, and they stock us in the meantime.<br /><br />Fingers still crossed for Daphne. :)Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-77163657945397667902015-03-29T14:54:49.333-04:002015-03-29T14:54:49.333-04:00I'm amazed that you've had time to get rea...I'm amazed that you've had time to get ready for honeybees, plan a new goat barn, plant your permaculture hedgerow and garden when you have that much cuteness to occupy yourself with! I LOVE your homestead updates. :)Rosalynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07594397183233004323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-27675841517889966172015-03-29T14:01:26.316-04:002015-03-29T14:01:26.316-04:00Love the pictures of the goat kidds, It certainly ...Love the pictures of the goat kidds, It certainly appears things are taking off in your neck of the woods, thanks for sharing.<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13845113520987402425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-43426593801722264802015-03-29T06:17:12.615-04:002015-03-29T06:17:12.615-04:00Quinn, funny how they all grow the same, but it...Quinn, funny how they all grow the same, but it's always something to look forward to!<br /><br />Sue, you too? I know better than to get too hopeful about spring, but I never appreciate the cold snaps !<br /><br />PP, I think "way behind" is the plight of every homesteader, farmer, prepper! So true that there's never enough time. Here's hoping your lambing goes well!<br /><br />Debbie, aw, it always amazes me that anything we do could be of interest, but I agree it's not the way we lived when we were in suburbia!<br /><br />Kirsty, I don't like to see any animal get killed like that, but since he was one of the neighbor's roos, we really didn't want him here. But how does one stop chickens from being chickens?<br /><br />Mama Pea, Sr. Rooster would head back home at night but since there were two others next door and he was the smallest, I don't think he ever actually went back over the fence. <br /><br />For the baby goats I'd love to have some of those round wood cable holders, but Dan thinks they look dumb! I at least need to get something that will accommodate more than three kids!<br /><br />Erika, it was the same way for us, bees were always maybe next year until I sat down and ordered all the stuff plus the bees. So glad I did. <br /><br />Glad to hear someone else composts with their chickens. I'll have to check your blog for posts on that to compare notes. :)<br /><br />Fiona, thank you! What a kind thing to say. :) It's an encouragement for me, you know. <br /><br />Nancy, was it a firm veto or just a no? Maybe there's hope!<br /><br />Rosezeeta, baby goats and that log give me some of the best photos every year. :)<br /><br />Julene, and that was only a fraction of what was on my list, LOL<br /><br />Jaime, thanks!<br /><br />Harry, that's a scary thought! We've found a few headless chickens over the years and have been puzzled as to their killer. The summer the rat killed all those baby chicks I found several headless. Hawks only leave a pile of feathers. Foxes, dogs, and coyotes carry them off. That leaves possums or coons. We think. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-59826895988123518452015-03-29T01:11:23.048-04:002015-03-29T01:11:23.048-04:00Chupacabra got the rooster! Better keep the goats ...Chupacabra got the rooster! Better keep the goats under lock and key. I'd say another rooster killed him and then something else scavenged the corpse, but if he was the only rooster I don't know. Seems like a predator would have eaten more than the head.Harry Flashmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05071021900005041592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-53874104908768705802015-03-28T22:12:35.850-04:002015-03-28T22:12:35.850-04:00Your goat pics brought such a big smile to my face...Your goat pics brought such a big smile to my face today. Thank you! <br />-Jaime Ngo Family Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484243776589015749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-40774186908634017562015-03-28T21:56:02.620-04:002015-03-28T21:56:02.620-04:00You have done so much this week! And, the baby go...You have done so much this week! And, the baby goats are growing quickly! It's a delight to watch them jump straight up and frolic! Goat herbs...what a great idea! <br />Thanks for a great update on the week! Can't wait to see how many babies Daphne has! <br />The bee keeping fascinates me. I'll be watching as you go! <br />Have another great week! Julenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745380264115669103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-3536523710586977062015-03-28T19:47:20.146-04:002015-03-28T19:47:20.146-04:00Love the goats on the log.
RosezeetaLove the goats on the log.<br /><br />Rosezeetaprimrosesattichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10413782888139380761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-7509884928292285952015-03-28T14:46:22.881-04:002015-03-28T14:46:22.881-04:00Cute goats!!! I've wanted to get bees going he...Cute goats!!! I've wanted to get bees going here, but hubby vetoed :(Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00576053785355324560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-41228488915703824542015-03-28T14:40:04.684-04:002015-03-28T14:40:04.684-04:00I am so enjoying our blog...solid ideas and good e...I am so enjoying our blog...solid ideas and good experimentation to see what works and what does not. With just enough totally cute goat photos to brighten our day!Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05348495575211204989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4857430424797198912015-03-28T14:13:27.338-04:002015-03-28T14:13:27.338-04:00So exciting about the bees. They have been on my t...So exciting about the bees. They have been on my to do list for 2 years, but maybe next year.<br />I love having the chickens help with composting, and so do they!Erika kellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086673285608786783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-52143103969628856132015-03-28T12:08:16.445-04:002015-03-28T12:08:16.445-04:00Seems as if much of the country is experiencing a ...Seems as if much of the country is experiencing a wonky spring . . . warm, cold, hot, freezing. Mother Nature cannot seem to be rational.<br /><br />Give baby goats something to climb on and they get all the exercise they need! (Same goes for big goats, too, although maybe not Daphne in her current condition.)<br /><br />Not surprised to hear your volunteer rooster met his end. He was probably not in a very secure spot at night and was taken advantage of.<br /><br />Sound as though you are well into spring time. Enjoy hearing of what's happening in your area.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-28377579642970415572015-03-28T11:53:43.905-04:002015-03-28T11:53:43.905-04:00Poor roo and he was doing such a good job!
I can&#...Poor roo and he was doing such a good job!<br />I can't wait to see how you get on with the bees, I'd love a hive one day. Keep us posted.Kirstyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12046312998038020946noreply@blogger.com