Welcome to the world, little "Chili."At 9AM, Monday March 3rd, Seven gave birth to a single healthy buckling. I tell you, I've never seen a goat look more shocked in my life. She didn't know WHAT to think of this new creature. It didn't help that I had to fish out his second leg and help him into the world, which no doubt was painful for poor Seven.
After a while, she warmed up to him. It took them some time to get used to each other, but soon enough I had a happy fed kid, a happy mom. Other than his slightly wrong presentation into the world, the birth went smoothly.
Little Chili here is the first goat born specifically aimed for the freezer. This should not come as a shock to anyone who reads this blog, as it's been talked about for some time. Chili will live a great life, enjoying the fresh grass, sunlight, all the feed he could want, and even love and kisses. He'll stay with his mom until the day comes. What more could anyone ask for?
It might surprise you that I pick up Chili and cuddle with him. Why not? I know what purpose he will serve, but it doesn't stop me from sharing my love with him. How could I deny that to him, when I plan to use his body for my own means.
He will receive just as much preventative health care as the other goats. His feet will stay trimmed, his tummy full. He will not just be "thrown to pasture" and forgotten about until it comes time to process him. He will have buddies around his own age to play with. If I plan to use him, then I plan to give him everything in life he deserves.
When he reaches optimal weight, we will be with him when he is humanely slaughtered. All parts of him will be used, none wasted. His energy will be passed on to us and others. We will thank him for his life.
Welcome to the beginning of the life of a meat goat.
