High Reaches Silk was so proud of her little spotted boy. They were always together during rest times. Other times he raced around her. This was High Reaches Silk’s Augustus.
Growing Up
The big buck in my herd at that time was Goat Town USA Gaius. He was from Oklahoma and came home when I was writing “Goat Games”. I loved his regal bearing and deep red color.
Bucks get old faster than does. I liked Augustus and so did Gaius, as much as any buck respects a rival. They did play together for several years until Gaius got old and Augustus got big.
Then the two had separate quarters. They still shared their pasture during the day.
One day Gaius was gone. Augustus was the big buck in my herd. He ruled the herd for many years.
Getting Old
I knew Augustus was getting old. He lost weight and wasn’t as lively. He did still love to be with the girls.
Special days were those when no one was in season and the entire herd could go out to pasture. Only my big wether Pest complained about those days. Pest might be bigger than my old buck, but was no match for him.
Going Forward
I had intended to stop breeding my does after Augustus died. There is a flaw in this idea. There are still nine does plus Pest. They eat a lot. They still need care twice a day, every day. Several does are young enough to breed and give milk.
It seems ridiculous to still be doing all the work and having to buy milk. So, there will be a new big buck for my herd.
Two of my oldest does going back to Gaius are bred. High Reaches Spring kidded with two nice little bucks. High Reaches Drucilla is polled. A polled buck would be nice.
Then again, I may go looking elsewhere. After I stop missing Augustus.
