Doe's Secret Code of Honor

At the beginning of the month, my goat mentor, Shirley, sent this along. As we wait for Vinegar to kid, perhaps I need to keep history in mind.

During this time of year when we start to think about the pitter patter of little hooves running around the house and the does soon to kid. I know some of us are already in kidding season and for the rest
it is fast approaching.

I am also reminded to take out my copy of the Does Secret Code. To those of you that have never herd the legend of the code. It is said to be older that domestic goats, written back when man first realized that goats could be tamed and tasted the sweet taste of fresh goats milk. It was then that the code was written.

It has been passed from doe to doeling, hidden first under stones and in hollow trees. Then later as people begin to house goats in barns and stables it was
hidden in the cracks in the walls and hollows under the mangers and hay racks. Even though no one truly knows who discovered "The Code" (I think they were scared to admit finding it for fear their does would revolt) It is rumored that it was first found on a small farm in the mountains of Switzerland early in the 19th century. That copy was carbon dated and it was found to be written in ancient goat language dating 437 B.C.

It took scholars years to translate it, late in the 20th century round 1963 the translation finally completed it began to be passed from goat keeper to goat keeper. I was given a copy a couple of years ago by an old goat keeper who took me under his wings and here it is for those of you who are new to goats and haven't seen it.

Doe's Secret Code of Honor

The doe's secret code of honor is as old as goats themselves and is
ultimately the species best kept secret. No doe shall ever kid before
it's time. (It's time being determined by the following factors):

1- No kid shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all
involved. Your owner's house must be a wreck, their family hungry and
desperate for clean clothes, and their social life nonexistent.

2- "Midwives" must reach the babbling fool status before you kid out.
Bloodshot eyes, tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean
the time is getting close.

3- For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you,
kidding must be delayed by at least one day for each item. If they use
an audio monitor, one good yell per hour will keep things interesting.

4- If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. She'll be fine
while we're away for the weekend," Wait until they load the car, then
begin pushing!

5- Owner stress must be at an all time high! If you are in the care of
someone else, ten to fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're
getting close.

6- When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait at least
three more days.

7 -You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are
mandatory! Little teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing
your food around in the bucket and then walking away from it, and
nesting, are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new things
to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.

8- The honor of all goats is now in your hands. Use this time to
avenge all of your barn mates. Think about your friend who had to wear
that silly costume in front of those people. Hang onto that baby for
another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three more days seems
fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, those awful
wormings can also be avenged at this time.

9- If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when
to have the kids, listen to the weather forecast on the radio that has
been so generously provided by those who wait. Severe storm warning is
what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into action!
The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a
good chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching
for a flashlight that works!

10- Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time
someone comes into the barn to check you. Your barn mates will love
you as the extra goodies fall their way too.

Remember, this code of honor was designed to remind man of how truly special goats are. Do your best to reward those who wait with a beautiful doeling to carry on the Doe Code of Honor for the next generation of those who wait!