Tales of Kidding Season at Rudge Farm

– July Beginnings, Billy Goat Dates & Baby Goat Highs and Lows –

There’s a certain magic in the air when kidding season rolls around at Rudge Farm – that curious blend of anticipation, joy, exhaustion, and the occasional panicked sprint across a field with a head torch. This year, we were lucky enough to host a very special guest from one of our neighbouring farms in Dorset – the one and only Forrest Gump.

Now, Forrest may not have much in common with the film character apart from the name, but he certainly made an impression. A pure white pygmy billy goat from Porter’s Farm, Forrest arrived in January for an extended eight-week stay. With his curly mop of white hair, tiny frame, and disarmingly friendly nature, he wasted no time settling in – or charming the ladies. It’s fair to say he took them on a few dates…

Fast forward to mid-June and the first signs of action began. By July 1st, we officially welcomed the first of our 2025 kids – a little later than we’d hoped (Forrest had a somewhat fashionably late arrival), but right on cue in terms of healthy arrivals.

So far, we’ve welcomed two absolutely beautiful kids – both snowy white. One is pure white with piercing blue eyes, the other has a rather stylish dark “skunk strip” down her back and soulful dark eyes. They’ve been named Daisy and Pearl, and Pearl, we must say, is tiny. Think teacup in goat form. She’s already causing a stir with guests and we wouldn’t be surprised if she starts taking bookings for meet-and-greets.

This is only our second year of kidding, and let’s just say… this season has taken things up a notch. Last year we had just one goat expecting twins. This time, we’ve got six mums-to-be. Six. Which means Lady Rudge has taken on the role of full-time goat doula, midwife, and field-based alarm system.

Each day begins with the usual feed and checks, and from there, it’s a mix of hourly, two-hourly and sometimes just constant dashes up to the Pygmy Village. The windows of the farmhouse are permanently ajar so we can catch any tell-tale signs – grunts, bleats, and the unmistakable goat version of “it’s happening!”

But kidding is not without its hard lessons. One of our more difficult moments this season saw an emergency caesarean section performed in the car park – by torchlight, with the help of our phenomenal local vets. Sadly, the kid did not make it, but thanks to swift action and an entire team of very determined people (and one very stressed Lady Rudge in a head torch), the mum pulled through and is now recovering beautifully in her own private suite.

And by suite, we do mean: pig ark, hay bale, fresh food and water – all gated off with hurdles to keep the rest of the nosy herd at bay. She’s had some time to rest, recuperate, and enjoy the farm equivalent of room service.

We still have more births to come, and while we are learning a lot on the go, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our goats are very much part of the Rudge Farm family – they’re individually named, full of personality, and we know each one like you might know a close friend. When something is off, we know it. And when labour begins, we’re there – whether we should be or not, we just can’t help ourselves.

We do let them handle things as naturally as possible, only stepping in when absolutely necessary. But ultimately, these goats are our pride and joy, and we want to be there every step of the way – cheering them on, offering the odd snack, and occasionally catching a kid midair (it happens).

Our dream is to one day build a dedicated kidding barn in the lower field – a cosy, calm space like our lambing shelter up top. But for now, our trusty hurdles, pig arks and round-the-clock patrols will do the job just fine.

We’ll keep you updated as our herd continues to grow – keep an eye on the blog and our socials to meet the rest of the kids as they arrive. And if you’re staying with us this summer, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a tiny white blur bounding across the paddock – that’ll be Pearl or Daisy, making their mark on Rudge Farm.

Here’s to the rest of kidding season – whatever it brings!

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