The story of French Fry

Eva is a doe that we purchased from my parents farm in Westminster, SC. Last breeding season, she was the last one that we bred back. We were honestly not sure if she took or not, but we had our calendars marked. Kidding season was about to an end, all of the first fresheners did great, all kids were also doing great, life was good and we had a break for a while before Eva was due to kid. I went out to feed one morning and to my surprise, Eva had kidded. Of course, I'm freaking out because this kid could be anywhere in the herd and we have one livestock dog that is young and hasn't seen a kidding at the point before. Normally, the does are on "stall rest" a week before kidding to make sure all goes well. I look around the corner of the barn and see the older livestock dog "Aria" standing over the baby! She was guarding this little baby and licking him clean- he was lifeless though! I immediately went in and scooped the baby up to check on him. He was cold. I felt the faintest heartbeat. He didn't even develop all of his hair. My heart dropped but i thought to myself- this baby has to be given a chance. I'm the reason he is in this world, its the very least I can do. Colby ran inside and ran the tub with warm water while I grabbed a thermometer and trash bag. I tried to take his temperature and it wouldn't register it was so low. We carefully put him in the trash bag and held him in the water to raise his body temperature.

After waiting and waiting- constantly swiping honey and cayenne pepper on his gums, we finally got his temperature up to a point where it was safe for him to take a bottle. We were worried that he wouldn't have a suckle reflex but that little man had the fight in him! After giving him an oz or two, we took him out of the bag and put together a tote with some warm blankets for him. 20 minutes later, we checked his temp and it had dropped too low to read again. Back in the tub he went! We continued this with him for hours. We were finally able to transition him to staying in his tote, but we cut a hole in the lid big enough for a hairdryer to fit in and that worked really well! It was like and indoor warming barrel. After about 24 hours he was finally able to maintain his temperature. We took this photo next to the honey bottle to show just how small he was.

It wasn't until day 3 or 4 that he was able to stand on his own. In the meantime we were feeding him every other hour around the clock, wiping his bottom clean, taking his temperature. We got no sleep but it was very worth it for this little fighter!

This photo above is from him standing for the second time. The first time was inside moments before and we rushed out to see if Eva was even remotely interested and maybe he can go back to being a normal kid? The exact opposite. Eva wouldn't go anywhere near him. He earned himself another few weeks at our bedside!

This little man grew quick! He was loud and ready to eat whenever he heard the slightest noise in the house. He was even going to work with Colby so he could be fed and monitored around the clock. Take your kid to work day? We understood the assignment!

Some of you guys may know French Fry from the Charleston City Market. The manager gave us permission to bring him with us so we can continue to sell our products. Everyone has been asking us like crazy when he will be back- don't worry! he's coming when it cools down! Y'all, I'm not lying when I say this baby had come everywhere with us. We love him. We have developed a special bond with him like no other goat we have ever had. He is our little miracle.

Now he is thriving. We transitioned him to a free choice lambar system using an old mini fridge. Ill make a post about how to make one yourself for all of my goat friends! He grew out so incredibly well, we couldn't be more proud. Yesterday he got banded, so he will live out his days on our farm as a happy wether (castrated boy goat).