Goat keeping is a wonderful part of our lives. We keep our herd fairly small so that each goat is known fully as an individual and loved for who they are. We value the good wholesome milk they provide our family, the income they help generate, and the pleasure and enjoyment that they bring to us as animal friends. We aim to raise our animals as we have raised our family; with humane and conscious practices, with good organic food and natural, holistic health practices. On these pages we will share with you a little bit about our practices. Every goat keeper has to decide on issues such as health care and husbandry for themselves, but we hope you will take the time to make conscious, caring decisions regarding your practices, too. The rewards can be happy, healthy, friendly animals who will be a wonderful enriching part or your life. Besides, these goats are worth it!
Humane Animal Husbandry :
We do not see our goats as mere possessions or livestock; we value what they bring to our lives and want to repay them as well as we can. Those who remain with us, we aim to give good, long, full and happy lives. Those who leave us, we aim to give the very best start we can, and to support their new families in learning to provide good care. Animal psychology and emotional wellbeing is something we give great consideration to, trying to see each goat’s individual differences and ensuring their needs are adequately met. We try to support our goats through all of their life experiences from good times to bad, in sickness and health, through births and when the time comes, through death.
We believe that babies need their mothers, and their mother’s milk, and that mothers need their babies. As such, we do not separate mothers and babies for our convenience, a buyer who wants a very young bottle baby, or for greater milk supply. Though we do try to introduce babies to bottles in case of health issues for mother or baby, the babies are nursed solely by their mothers for a minimum of 8 weeks. For the first few weeks, the milk is all theirs; for the remainder, we share if the mother has enough (most do, so that’s great for everybody). We handle our babies frequently, both to provide care and for snuggles! Our babies are friendly and interested in people, without being deprived of their mothers. When separation is necessary, (like when the time comes for the babes to go to their new homes) we try to alleviate the stress as best we can, providing our comfort, the company of other members of the herd, and some homeopathic help when needed.
Our research and experience have led us to believe that disbudding (early removal of horn buds) is necessary and in the best interest of the goat, and that wethering (neutering) is often the best way to ensure a happy life for a little goat boy not suitable for breeding. When procedures such as these are necessary, we use the most humane methods and equipment possible and take great care to alleviate pain and stress as much as possible.
We also know that goats are herd animals and regardless of the bond they forge with their human family or the enjoyment they may have in friendships with other types of animals, they truly need the constant companionship of at least one other goat. For this reason, we will not sell a single goat to a buyer who does not already keep goats. We have found that kids usually have a special buddy; often their twin or sibling, but sometimes just a playmate in the herd with whom they have bonded extra strongly. We like to honour this bonding whenever we can and find them appropriate homes together. New families will find great pleasure in watching a bonded pair as they play, eat, sleep, and rush to their people for attention, together.
Organic Principles :
No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers of any kind have ever been used on our property, and never will be as long as we are here! We raise our goats on certified organic feed, organically grown herbs, fruits, vegetables, natural hay and browse. We use only safe natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. We grow much of our own food for ourselves and our animals and use their manure and waste hay to create wonderful compost to do so; it’s a pretty great system! We believe strongly in organic practices and principals, in sustainable farming and living. We believe that abiding by these principals is vital to humane farming, the right thing for our health, for our planet and for our future. We hope to be fully Organically Certified within two years.
Natural & Wholistic Care :
We use preventative care, good nutrition and good management practices to maintain a high level of health and vigour in our herd, avoiding chemical medications whenever possible. We give nutritional and mineral supplements, Selenium and vitamin injections but we do not vaccinate. We pay attention to emotional well being, to the health of the whole animal, not just the parts. We use homeopathic, herbal and nutritional medications as a first line treatment. We would not rule out conventional treatment if it was required to keep one of our animals alive and well, but it has never happened yet. We feel that this is due to the practices we maintain.
Disease Prevention :
We run a ”closed herd” which means that our animals do not leave our farm and no new animals are introduced to the farm without testing and quarantine. This means that, despite lovely conformation and show quality lines, you will not see our beautiful animals at the shows. Because of our practices, our herd is healthy and well, and disease free; our foundation herd has all been tested for CL, all our goats (over the age of 1 year; testing is not accurate on babies) have been tested for CAE, and we have never had incidence of those or any other communicable disease in our herd. CL & CAE are goat diseases which have become endemic in this part of the world. Many breeders are unaware or not entirely forthcoming. Always ensure that you are dealing with a breeder who maintains preventative practices and who is willing to provide proof of CAE and CL testing.
Breeding Goals :
Our primary breeding goals are sweetness of temperament, good milk production, good udders and beautiful, vigorous healthy animals with colourful coats and winning ways. Our kids make fantastic pets, our does make wonderful milk, our bucks sire beautiful babies. Our purebred Nigerian Dwarfs have fantastic bloodlines, and it shows. Our Mini-SaManchan crosses are the perfect family milk goat. We feel that we are meeting our goals!
Birthing Practices :
We personally attend all births on our farm. Because we keep our herd small and manageable, we are very aware of the state of each doe and watch carefully for signs that birth is imminent. Many times we have spent all night with an anxious first timer in the mother-baby house; it is important to us that the physical and psychological well being of the mothers is fully attended to. We are always prepared for potential difficulties, but so far we have been very fortunate! We have had only healthy babies and healthy mothers. We like to believe that this is due to the care we take and the practices we maintain.
Sales :
Making a sale is not our primary aim; finding the right goat for you and the right home for our goats is. We make no meat sales, no sales by auction or to pet stores. If you are purchasing one or more of our goats, it means we think that you will provide a great home and be a great goat friend ~ Please, prove us right! We wish you every joy in learning to love your wonderful Mini Goats!