I have waited almost a week to post on Sonny because there was a likelihood that he was not going to survive. Sonny was born extremely tiny! He was for sure a prem goat kid if there is such a thing. He is the tiniest goat we have EVER seen (and we see lots of goats here on Rarotonga). Sonny's nanny (mother goat) is just barely "out of nappies" herself. Lulu (Sonny's mother) has only just turned 1 years old! Lulu's father got accidently entangled with her 150 days ago & so she got accidently pregnant. At that time she was only just 7 months. In all honesty we had thought that Sonny may have come out with 5 legs! But thankfully he was all perfectly formed.
Sonny was born very tiny, but his front right leg was bent in the most awkward position - it looked like it was broken or dislocated. Normally goat babies are up on their feet within 1 hour of being born. Sonny was still barely able to get up on his legs after 24 hours! He was still shaking, wobbling & then there was this bent leg. Long story short Sonny had contracted an umbiblical cord infection. This is an infection that affects the joints (normally shows up in the knees) and if not treated could lead to permanent damage to his mobility & possibly death. The Vets at Esther Honey (the volunteer run animal clinic) were outstanding! I called them one afternoon at 2pm, they were here within the hour to come and see Sonny Boy. They gave him a shot of antobiotics as the poor Sonny already had a high feve.
24 hours later Sonny Boy was a completely different goat. He was still fragile and tiny but he was attempting to jump & bounce around and was following his mama everywhere. He is an absolute darling! He is almost 1 week old and is starting to be very brave, even attempting to join his (half?) brothers on the lawn in our property. Lulu is the dearest mama goat! I had my doubts as she was still so young herself but she is gentle and so loving to Sonny.
Here are some of the first shots - check out his leg...it should be bending the other way.
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