Moving on.

Even though it just happened a few days ago, we have very little time to locate a companion for Vanessa. Goats are herd animals and being alone isn't their thing.  At the moment she has 5 chickens and a few humans to keep her company but from what I've read that isn't enough for goats.  She needs a buddy.  Luckily it's spring and all the goats are giving birth.  Lisa at Sonrisa Farms (where I got Gregory and Vanessa) said she has angora's that will be ready to go soon.

But do we want to stay with Angora's?  Maybe we want to try another breed? I've been looking at Saanens and La Mancha's lately, I've read they are mellow and friendly.  I had been looking at Nubians because they're so cute with their noses and ears, but everyone says they are very vocal.  Can't have that in the neighborhood.  I  really like classic goat look of the Saanen.  If we get a doe we could one day breed her and then do the whole milk & cheese thing?  I suppose there is more to do with goat milk?  I've sent out some emails to some local La Mancha and Saanen breeders so we will wait on their reply.

Saanen

La Mancha

Nubian

Metal Goat

That metal goat looks more like sheep though.

Tragedy

Yesterday was a sad day.

Gregory has died in a freak accident.  His horn tangled up in his feeder and he hung himself.  To say that we are sad is an understatement.  Gregory was just warming up to us and I really shaken up by this loss.

Better than a swing set.

Our five and a half year old loves spending time in the animal yard with the goats and chickens.  She spends hours outside everyday.  Playing with the animals, rearranging their "furniture", building nests & castles for the chickens, feeding them all treats, singing them songs. Bringing the country life to town was the best thing we could have done. My husband said "its better than a swing set." And that is so true.

Leash training

It's been almost 6 months since Gregory & Vanessa have come to live with us.  I've slowly gained Gregory's trust to the point where I could grab his cheek hair and have him hang out with me. Today I finally got a leash on him and let him explore a bit outside the pen. He seemed to enjoy himself.

An important step in building our relationship. 

Haircuts!

Vanessa & Gregory got their hair sheared today!  This is their first shear while living with us and their second ever. They did great. Those shearers sure make it look easy.  

They look so silly all naked.

I now have two large trash bags stuffed with mohair...now I need to learn how to spin.