Yesterday after I got home from getting a hair cut I sat down in front of my computer and decided to watch the Pelican Acres Goat Cam.
What is a goat cam you ask? Well certain breeders have cameras in their barns showing live shots of goats that are soon to give birth or are in the process of actually birthing. Since I am expecting "kids" and "lambs" around April 1st and have never seen little ones born I hoped that watching some live births (live) would be educational.
So shortly after I started watching one of Karen's goats started to give birth. I was so excited but also a little concerned as it appeared that no one was in the barn (and Karen is normally always there) to make sure the mama and the little ones were OK. The first kid came right out but the moma kind of rolled over on to it and began birthing a second. Things happened so fast as the second kid was born and didn't seem to be moving.
Fortunately I knew Karen as she was the breeder who provided me with Addison and provided the buck that bred her and Becca Boo this Fall. I called her house phone, no answer. I called her cell, no answer. I left messages on both but I was now really worried as the first kid looked like it was getting crushed and the second wasn't moving. I decided to call Karen's mother-in-law (who runs a lodge just down the road) and let her know of the looming tragedy in the birthing stall. Shortly thereafter I saw Karen (via the goat cam)rush into the barn and begin to revive the little motionless kid. In the process she moved the mama off the first born and after a bit of frantic work she got the second kid on its feet. Whew, both kids survived and can be see on Karen's web Site, Pelican Acres.
If you have some time to kill and want to catch the goings on click on the link to the goat cam, it was worth it for me!
Plant Notes
4 hours ago
I have heard of cat cams, but not a goat cam, will have to check that out!
ReplyDeleteCat
Now THAT's Reality TV! :)
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a gift that you just happened to be watching that goat cam at that time. I think that's why breeders put the cams in, isn't it? So that when the birthings start, if something goes wrong, helpful Internet watchers can alert the owners. I'm so, so glad you knew to call Karen's MIL!
ReplyDeleteBabies....sigh.... I'm going to go look in on them now. :-)
Fortunately, in this case, Big Brother was watching. Great work!
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ReplyDeleteCat - I have always wanted to put a goat cam on Chip, but I'm not sure it would be rated PG.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - Isn't it amazing what can be considered as exciting TV! I grabbed the Commander last night and we watched another two kids being born, we had a lively discussion about what our own goat birthing experience will be like.
Farmgirl - Extra eyes to alert is one of the reasons, but I think the breeders really do us an honor by inviting us in to their barns and birthing areas. I was so happy that I could help. I'm sure Pete and Reggie would just love a little doe to come live with them!
Ian, Thanks, Karen is normally always in with her girls so I'm very happy to have helped. When I put the Cam link in today I noticed that Karen had both of her telephone numbers listed....
This Karen thinks that Karen owes you a big thankyou:) Glad it all turned out well. I've watched a foaling cam, and also an eagle cam a few years ago. Every time I hear an eagle's scream it reminds me of the hours I used to spend watching that:) Thanks goodness the eagles around here don't seem to be bothering the chickens, yet.
ReplyDeleteQuite a few years ago I put a baby monitor in the sheep barn for when they were lambing. Even though I couldn't see what was happening, I could tell by the sounds if labour had started. (I had put the ewe that was imminent in a stall by herself)
Karen - I wish my barns (really they are sheds) had electricity so I could put in Cams or monitors. Looks like I am going to have to make a lot of night time trips out to them during birthing season, drat!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you were able to help out like that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the link Sheryl! I have Kai-lan in the kidding pen now--she has discharge & ligaments are both finally gone so I'm pretty sure that today will be the day :) I'm betting she only has a single or small chance of twins this year.
ReplyDeleteMy purpose for the barn camera is purely fun. We enjoy our goats--especially those bouncing babies & wanted to share that with everyone. I was so suprised when I had 8 messages in the house from people all around the United States about Floe's kidding when I wasn't out there right away & was very thankful that people could share their concern!!! The barn cam is definately an amazing tool but I wouldn't rely solely upon the viewers to notify me--I try my best to be out there for every kidding :)
Ah HA!!!! Now I know what Chai Chai's mom's name is...
ReplyDelete(I feel so close to you right now) :-) :-)
Nancy - I Karen's post below yours you will note that 8! different watchers called her! I was just awed by being able to watch the whole process live.
ReplyDeleteKaren - I just hope I'm have as diligent as you are during the birthing times! The camera is a great boon to all of us rookies out there, or to those who just want to see baby goats bouncing around.
Farmgirl - Darn it Danni I was trying to keep it a secret! Have you discussed adding a girl goat with Pete and Reggie yet?
Dangit - you mean you weren't?
ReplyDeleteSo much for my super sleuthing skills. :-)
hey baby i got something special for you:
ReplyDeletehttp://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2011/02/farm-friends-its-truth-about-farming.html
happy anniversary(ish!) GREAT WORK!!
Wow. WOW! What a story. Thanks for the link, I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteHey! I want a goat cam! How awesome. Well. Here, it would be a lam cam.
ReplyDeleteNeverwinter - A lamb cam would be a great teaching tool and provides free advertising....
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