But there is no need to worry that these recent births will put any strain on parish housing, as the kids are of the goat variety and are new arrivals at Le Douet and Le Tacheron Farms.
At Douet Farm, livestock farmers Laurence and Louise Agnès have welcomed over 80 new additions in their first kidding season since owning goats.
The couple have expanded their small-holding to make it a full-time venture, so they can produce organic goat’s milk, cheese and other dairy products, alongside their 100% grass-fed beef and lamb which is sold directly to customers.
Forty-five of their nanny goats gave birth this year and most of them have had twins. The herd consists of various breeds, including Anglo Nubian, British Toggenburg and Saanen, which are known for their milk quality.
Mrs Agnès explained that most goats were able to kid by themselves, but they needed close supervision and occasionally needed assistance to deliver.
She added: ‘The majority of the kids arrived during the three-week sunny period in February. It was a busy few weeks but really fun and we were so lucky with the weather. We did not need to intervene with too many deliveries. The girls did a great job and we are so proud of them!’
The young goats are being raised by their mothers and are growing fast.
Mrs Agnès said: ‘The kids are so full of fun. They bounce around all over the place and like to climb on everything, including all over their mums. They are full of mischief and love to nibble anything and everything, including our clothes and hair!’
The couple are currently putting the finishing touches to their milking parlour and cheese-making rooms, and their organic produce should go on sale later this year.
At Le Tacheron Farm near Victoria Village, run by members of the Le Maistre family, kids – including a set of twins – have been born to distinctive black and white Bagot goats. The adult animals were only recently brought to the Island, and as they are Britain’s rarest indigenous goat, as well as its oldest breed with a documented ancestry, efforts are being made locally to swell their numbers.
