Goat Yard blog

Love those branches

Love those branches

Although most of the leaves have been eaten off of it, I’m pretty sure the branch Pepper is munching on here is from the locust tree right next to the goat yard. It’s a safe bet because it’s Pepper’s favorite – as soon as he […]

Tricks of the Trade

Tricks of the Trade

This week I’ve been going fairly often to take the goats out to pasture and I must say some days it can be quite a challenge. As sweet as the goats are, they’re not trained, so getting them to do what you want poses a […]

Snoopy and Snowy do a Dance

Snoopy and Snowy do a Dance

Judging by how hot it’s been the last few weeks, it seems crazy that we’ve only just begun the first week of July, and the goats agree! The goat yard was quite busy last month as we began to make the transition into summer mode. […]

Names for Naya’s kids

Names for Naya’s kids

At two weeks old, Naya’s three kids are healthy and adorable, spending short periods of time outside playing, gamboling about, and even practicing their nascent head-butting skills.  Provided they stand still for long enough, you can identify them by their size and markings: Snoopy (left) […]

After the Blizzard…

After the Blizzard…

Our herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats enjoyed beautiful views on a sunny Sunday afternoon, thanks to owners, caretakers and volunteers who variously plowed and shoveled paths to the barn doors and climbing structures. Click picture for close-up – Left to right: Ella, Naya, Pepper, Sapphire […]

Goat Yard on a Winter’s day

Goat Yard on a Winter’s day

We enjoyed public visiting hours at the goat yard on Sunday, after holidays and weather had kept us away. Ionia and the herd enjoyed some green branches and met some new friends – those enjoying a walk on a beautiful winter’s day, along with many […]

Flax Seeds Anyone?

Flax Seeds Anyone?

Go to any health food store and you will hear that flax seeds are good for you. High in omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and lignans and other phytonutrients, these little seeds are filled with nutrients with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. As a […]

Goats in Winter: Forage

Goats in Winter: Forage

Goats are natural browsers. They like to eat leaves and other vegetation about head high (more or less). Trees, bushes, and high grasses provide a variety of tasty seasonal offerings in spring, summer, and fall. So what do the goats do in winter? In winter, […]