first babies of the year 💜

Having raised goats on my own homestead, I understand the excitement and challenges of kidding season firsthand. Like the author, I’ve found that fresh milk is one of the most rewarding outcomes of dedicated goat care. When a doe has just one kid, it’s quite common for her to favor one side during nursing, making colostrum preservation on the opposite side critical for the newborn’s health. Over time, I learned to store extra colostrum frozen, which helped to supplement feeding if the mother’s milk supply was uneven. Watching bottle babies grow up side by side creates a special bond, much like that of Maggie and Eden’s kids. It’s touching to observe their playful interactions and see them thrive in a supportive environment. If you’re starting your own homestead journey, I recommend keeping detailed notes during kidding season—from birth weights and nursing habits to health observations—to better manage each doe and kid’s progress. Kidding season is also a good time to prepare your supplies: have clean bottles, feeding syringes, and colostrum storage bags ready. Make sure to keep the kidding area clean and safe to prevent infections. Lastly, joining local or online forums like #kiddingseason2026 and #smallhomestead can provide community support, advice, and shared experiences that make homesteading more enjoyable and successful.