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Tag Archives: angora goats
Sunny Spring Day on the Farm
We had such a nice day this week with warm weather and sunshine. The animals were all feeling frisky and friendly to “the staff.” Cooper, my rooster, kept following me around and clucking for my attention wherever I was doing … Continue reading
First Professional Shearing
So much new here, where do I start? Last week, we took Eddy and Ely to an alpaca farm to share the services of a professional shearer. They are now so skinny and small! Here are some pictures from that … Continue reading
The Time Between
This is that dull time between seasons, when the winter has become boring and routine and the spring’s repeated teasing and retreating is already getting old. My animals are feeling the same way, I think. The goats are impatient for … Continue reading
Signs of Spring 2017
We are having an early thaw and it’s fun to see all the harbingers of spring around the farm. We met this little guy in the driveway this morning and the dogs were thrilled. He “played possum” and waddled away as … Continue reading
My Poor Ely
Yesterday, I was mystified when I checked on the goats for the night because Ely kept his head down even when I reached out to scratch his head. It was raining and cold and I had things to do so … Continue reading
Spring Teaser
We are in a temporary thaw, with furious winds last night shaking the house and helping to evaporate off some of the excess moisture. The animals are taking this as a sign of spring and everyone is frisky. I opened the door … Continue reading
New Year, New Skills
That awkward number, “2017”, is starting to sound as familiar as all the previous ones did. I look back on all the new things I learned last year and am feeling good about the plunges I took and bobbed back up … Continue reading
The First Really Cold Night
It is one of those days I just feel grateful to be able to sit in a snug, warm house. Listening to the howling wind shaving the edges of the dry snow off all traces of my afternoon footprints, I took pity … Continue reading
Wooly Sweaters in the Cold
Angora goats produce thick, warm mohair as their profession. When it is washed and sorted it is as soft and sweet-smelling as can be. On an outdoor goat, though, it gets dirty, stiff, and smells pretty much like a farm animal. … Continue reading
We’ve Got a Problem
Since my two mischievous goats discovered the fun of getting into the chicken coop, they are routinely breaking down the electric fence posts and invading foreign territory. We went out for the afternoon and came home to find them lounging … Continue reading
The Shadow of Winter
It frosted last night, prompting us to attend to the goats’ winter quarters. We nailed a nice tough tarp across most of their shelter to keep out the worst of the wet winds. Eddy and Ely were really curious about … Continue reading
Here it is, in Black and White
We sheared goat number two, Ely, and now I am taking the next steps in processing their coats. All the mohair has been thoroughly washed and I am most of the way through the process of picking it all apart … Continue reading
One Down, One To Go
Yesterday, I took the plunge and sheared my first goat! When I took out my shearing machine for the first time, it was pretty intimidating – large, heavy, and with “sharp pointy teeth.” I read the tiny print in the … Continue reading
Approaching Haircuts
My two Angora goats, Eddie and Ely, are only five months old, but they have grown enough mohair that they are about ready for their first shearing. I’m going to do it. Yes, I know, this is a big undertaking … Continue reading
King of the Hill
Now that my goats have come to trust me, I am beginning to train them some simple tricks. I take peanuts or green beans out with me and call their names, rewarding them when they respond. I can’t help it, … Continue reading
Posted in Farm Animals, Uncategorized
Tagged angora goats, goats climbing, head butting
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New Goat Home
The adoption is complete, and our two angora goat kids are installed into the home we built for them. My husband put together a nice shed and a fun playground to keep them entertained. We found a hay supplier and … Continue reading
Goat Shelter – the Skeleton
We are getting there! My engineering husband designed the shed where the goats can lounge in the shade and curl up together at night. It will have aluminum sides and a gate so that we can lock them up safely if … Continue reading
The Next Big Thing
We are slowly, tentatively, approaching the big day on which our Bluestem Pond Farm adopts its first two goats. I had always thought, “Sheep!” I have a spinning wheel and am able to spin out thread for yarn in a clumsy way, … Continue reading
