CrazyGoatLady

I saw a listing on Craigslist that the seller has a lot of 40 blacksmithing tools for $200. Looking at the pictures, I'd be interested, but when I found out how far away it is, I changed my mind

Used to, we didn't eat them, we just sold them on the hoof. But we decided to start putting some in the freezer. Really good meat. When I do sell them, most customers here tend to be Hispanic. They either like a really, muscular buck for breeding or a younger one to cook in the ground

I made something today for the first time in over a year. It's not pretty and it's a little off and the hammer needs to be dressed... I didn't even think my forge would still work, but work, she did. I apologize for the rusty (like my skills) tools. Nice to hammer something though

Better post a picture of my newest buck before Frosty gets back on

Nice score Das. I haven't been to a garage sale, thrift store,etc. In ages

George N.M. That's why we don't name animals that are destined for freezer camp. The goats get a number as a designation. The other animals just don't get names at all. When you are milking a cow, you do form a very close bond with them and I can't imagine eating her. I completely agree about terminal sales. If you purchase an animal, you should be able to do what you want with them. There was a lady around here that sold goats on the condition that they were not to be slaughtered. That's fine, but I woudnt buy one. When I sell one, it's theirs for whatever purpose they need or want. As far as the lifespan of a cow, I don't really know from experience. I'm still new to cows and learning. I have read that you can milk them until they are 8 or 9 years old or beyond. Probably dependent on the cow? My girl is 3 years old so she's still got a lot left in her

Thank you for that great information George. I had no idea. As far as our Jersey, when she gets too old, she'll either retire and live out her days here on the farm or a friend has already said he'd take her if need be. I don't think I could butcher her

Well said George. May we never forget

Prayers going out for him. Thank you for letting us know

Oh yeah, I've broken a few as well. I was never really very good at them lol. Reading your post took me back to when I first starting making them and how much fun it was. Good memories. Be sure to post more pictures of your work as you go along. We love pictures!

George N.M. I am milking. I started back in December and I love love love having fresh raw milk. Jerseys have a high butterfat percentage in their milk and that's a plus. I just always wanted a Jersey because I thought they were about the prettiest cows there are. They have gentle dispositions and I find this to be true. What I didn't know was how intelligent and emotional cows are. They amaze me. Mama was bred before we bought her and hopefully she is pregnant. We haven't done a test to confirm yet. I have done a bump test but I don't think she's far enough along to tell about that. But she's showing all the signs. That being said, I'll have to dry her off soon so she can put that energy back into growing a calf. I'll sit miss the endless supply of milk I don't know much about their meat. I've not heard the term "canners". I'll have to research that!

Pretty awesome to make something isn't it? And taking from one thing and turning it into something else is something I enjoy as well. Did you have fun making it?

Hey there BillyBones. So nice to hear from you too. I've been off the radar for a long time. Life happens and it takes a toll on us sometimes and I apologize for being such a stranger. I have done very little forging for 3 years now. But I have gotten inspired to get back to it. I missed you guys but I didn't really have anything to contribute. Or didn't feel like I did anyway. Frosty told me to hang out here anyway and I should have listened to him

Yes sir, Jersey. I've always wanted a Jersey cow and my wonderful husband bought me a cow and calf for Christmas.

Good morning and thank you! That is a pretty accurate description lol. When we first got these cows back in December, you should have seen it. Every other goat was terrified of them except this little wether. He's one of the smallest goats in the herd but he "bucked" up to them from the moment they arrived. He and the calf would play and chase each other but if he doesn't want her to be close by, he tucks his horns and goes after her and she runs away. Mama cow on the other hand, will not put up with him. She even pinned him down the other day when he was trying to eat her food. Do you think that stopped him? Not hardly. I'm actually kind of proud of him for being so brave. I just hope he doesn't get himself hurt lol

Okay. I'm going to try to load up a picture here. I always had trouble with this, so hopefully it'll work. This is my 8 month old Jersey heifer Peanut and her buddy, #5. They are the oddest couple you can imagine. He bosses her around all day and then they sleep next to each other at night Sorry it's been so long y'all.

Got a bigger herd now and we introduced a Kiko buck onto the Boer herd. Got 8 good looking, very healthy babies in February. I'll have to put up some good pictures. AND...pictures of my dairy cows I'm a genuine milkmaid now

So sad. Both those guys were such heroes for the craft. I still can't get over it. I've been thinking of all my old friends here and you were one of them. I'm better these days. Quite a lot going on in my life over all this time. I don't feel right chatting about it while on this topic but perhaps I can make a new thread. Or go to Show Me Your Goats lol. So good to talk to you!

Oh my gosh. I haven't been on IFI in so long and I had no idea that Glenn AND Thomas Powers passed away. I am heartbroken to hear this. My condolences to both families. I spoke with Glenn on several occasions. He tried so hard to help me in my blacksmithing journey and in a few other subjects like knots for use in hauling logs. Such a big hearted, kind man. I'll miss him dearly

So sorry to hear this Billy

Thank you friend. I'm good, just been a very long strange year.

Not today, but recently. I bought myself a scythe and I needed to peen the blade. I haven't made a stump for the jig yet so the pritchel hole in my anvil worked a treat

Your welcome SHC. No, I never stamped it. Thanks guys. I'm sorry I don't get on. Lots of life changes and I haven't dealt well with them. But it's getting better. Frosty, the kids weren't planned for the middle of winter. But my little buck didn't do his job when I expected him to. I was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to and contemplated getting a new buck. And the thing with the easement is we think they are using the wrong one and in fact have built over someone else's easement. It's also only about a two year old easement. It woudnt have been a big deal until we had to keep politely asking them and sometimes forcefully asking them not to park cars on our property outside their easement. Its for ingress/egress only. There's way more to the story than that, but I don't want to hijack this thread. It's been a headache

Hey Frosty! I'm good and the farm is good. We are getting fencing done slowly but surely and currently in a bit of a disagreement with neighbors who supposedly have an easement on our property. Very long story that I'm afraid is going to be a matter for lawyers... But tons of work done and tons more to go. Hopefully I'll have new little spronkers somewhere between January and February. Also we've added quail and turkeys to the roster. Sorry I don't get on often. It's been a very busy and eventful year. I have done a little smithing but not much. I am hoping to get to more here soon. It's good to talk with you

Hey guys! I'm still alive and I sent you a pm SHC