Life on Madd House Hill: Winding Down Summer with Our Nigerian Dwarfs

As summer gracefully winds down in 2025, there's a distinct shift in the air here at Madd House Hill. The busy pace of the long, sun-filled days begins to slow, a change that marks a period of reflection and anticipation for what's to come. For us, life on the farm is always in tune with the seasons, and this transition guides us toward cooler weather and the promise of new life.

This past year was especially busy. Our farm had a small boom, welcoming 17 new kids to the Madd House Hill family. Each arrival brought immense joy, and frankly, a significant increase in our daily "aww" quota. For all the excitement kidding season brings, it can also be incredibly stressful. While most of our does deliver their kids smoothly, we have come to expect that one or two births will bring a challenge we didn't want. We've had to assist with kids not in the right position, multiple kids getting tangled, or very large kids needing a helping hand. Each year, our skills improve or we learn new skills for new situations! 

Some of these little ones have already gone to new homes, where we know they'll bring happiness. Others are staying to become our future milkers, and we're still working on their names, a fun challenge when you're looking at such a great bunch. With these new additions, our total herd now stands proudly at 49 goats. It’s a number that often surprises people, but each one, from our oldest does to the youngest kids, holds a special place in our hearts and on our farm.

The Heartbeat of the Farm: Milking Season's Rhythm

During the height of milking season, our days revolve around being in the barn twice a day for milking. It’s a commitment, but also a rewarding routine. Each of our does has her own distinct personality on the milk stand, from the impatient one who tries to sneak an extra pellet to the naughty one who will not stand still. Every milking session is a new adventure, reminding us why we love these intelligent, affectionate animals.

Our chosen breed, the Nigerian Dwarf, is the smallest of all dairy goats. This charming size means they produce a smaller volume of milk compared to larger breeds. However, what they lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Nigerian Dwarf milk has one of the highest butterfat contents of all dairy breeds. This rich, creamy milk is not only delicious to drink, but it is also the perfect ingredient for our goat milk soaps and body products. The natural emollients and vitamins in the high-fat milk give it an unparalleled moisturizing quality, making it the star of everything we create at Madd House Hill.

Every drop of milk is precious. We meticulously strain and then freeze the fresh milk in convenient cubes, carefully labeling and storing it for future use. This preservation method ensures the goodness of our farm-fresh milk is locked in, ready to be transformed into our luxurious products all year round, even when milking season winds down. This is part of our commitment to using only the freshest, purest ingredients, straight from our barn to your skin. Did you know that every bar of our soap is handcrafted with one ounce of this hard-earned goat milk, while our lotion contains a generous two ounces of this "goat milk gold," ensuring a truly decadent feel?

The Reign of the Queen: Honey, Our Foundation Doe

In every strong goat herd, there's a matriarch, a wise and respected leader. Here at Madd House Hill, our undisputed queen is a beautiful doe named Honey. Honey was part of our very first group of goats, joining our farm 15 years ago, and she embodies everything we love about Nigerian Dwarfs. She rules her herd with quiet authority and an undeniable presence.

But what exactly does a "goat queen" do? The queen goat often dictates the herd's actions, leading them to the best grazing spots and deciding when it's time to rest. She’s typically the first to approach new situations, her confidence reassuring the others. When there's a squabble, her presence can often de-escalate tension. She also teaches the younger does how to navigate herd dynamics and interact respectfully with us. Honey's calm demeanor has guided our herd through countless seasons, and her lineage continues to thrive. She truly is the heart of Madd House Hill.

A Life of Grazing and Summer Delights

Our goats lead a life that many would envy. They free graze daily, roaming our pastures and nibbling on grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. This natural foraging is not just good for their health; it’s a form of mental stimulation. In addition to their pasture time, they have constant access to high-quality hay, ensuring they always have the roughage they need for optimal digestion and nutrition.

During the summer, our goats are treated to nature's bounty. Just like us, they love the refreshing taste of summer produce! Watermelon rinds are a particular favorite—a crunchy, hydrating treat on a warm afternoon. Cantaloupe and fresh garden veggies like cucumber and carrots are also welcomed with great enthusiasm. It's a joy to watch them enjoy these seasonal treats, which add variety and extra nutrients to their diet.

The Cycle Continues: Looking Towards the Next Season

Every season on the farm brings a unique rhythm. While summer's end signals a gentler pace in the milking parlor, our minds are already turning towards the future. As cooler weather arrives, the does get a well-deserved rest from the demands of heavy milking. They're rebuilding their reserves and starting to think about their future dates with our bucks.

Breeding season is a carefully planned event at Madd House Hill, typically starting in November. Our bucks are always kept in separate, secure pens, away from the does for most of the year. This separation allows us to precisely control breeding times, so we know exactly when each doe is bred. This meticulous planning is crucial because it allows us to project kidding dates with accuracy. We can then provide optimal nutrition and care to our pregnant does and prepare for the joyful, but intense, kidding season. Each date is marked on our calendars, counting down approximately 120 days until the cycle begins again. It’s a continuous cycle of life, growth, and renewal—the very essence of farming.

As the sun sets on another beautiful summer at Madd House Hill, we’re filled with gratitude for our herd, the delicious milk they provide, and the endless joys they bring to our lives. The quiet hum of the barn, the contented chewing in the pasture, and the anticipation of new life all remind us that this isn’t just a farm; it’s a living, breathing community.