THE BREED: MINIATURE SILKY FAINTING GOATS (AKA MINI SILKIES) 

We always knew we wanted to add goats to the OneEighty Homestead, and when we came across this sweet breed it was love at first sight. 

Affectionately referred to around the OneEighty Homestead as our "hoof puppies", Miniature Silky Fainting Goats (or Mini Silkies for short) embody all the personality and lovable qualities of a dog, with the irresistible cuteness and humorous antics reserved only for goats. They know their names, wait patiently (or not so patiently) when it's time to eat, walk on leads, and will never turn down a good scratching. As a bonus, they faint (though it's not a requirement of the breed and we never intentionally startle them to make them faint). 

Mini Silkies' coats are often compared to that of Silky Terriers. Their trademark is their long, lustrous coats, outrageous bangs (especially the bucks), full cheek muffs, and beards. Ideal coats are soft and silky to the touch, and although they do require regular grooming, the end result is worth the effort. Standing at just 23.5 inches at the withers for bucks and 22.5 inches for does, their small stature and gentle personalities make them ideal for hobby farms, families with kids, and those wanting to dip their toes into the world of keeping goats. 

Photo Credit: Leah McFarlane Photography

BREED HISTORY

The Mini Silky breed was developed in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s by crossing Tennessee Fainting Goats with long-haired Nigerian Dwarf stock. Because fainting goats figure heavily in their backgrounds, most Mini Silkies exhibit varying degrees of myotonia, a muscle condition that causes them to stiffen or fall over when startled or overly excited. However, fainting is not a requirement of the breed. And although not all will faint, they carry a gene for myotonia that will likely express itself in future generations. All of our goats faint to some extent, though some are more sensitive to fainting than others. 

OUR BREEDING PROGRAM

After starting out with our original three sweet does — Betty White, Dottie and Kit — we knew we wanted to share this breed with others.  Each baby born on our farm is spoiled with love and care, so we put a lot of effort into finding the perfect home for each once they are weaned. All of our goats are registered with the Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Association (msfgaregisrty.org) and arrive to their new homes microchipped and with their first dose of CD&T vaccinations. 

We breed both for pets and show animals and are committed to responsible breeding practices, high-quality care, and a never-ending supply of love. We invite you to meet the herd below and, if interested in adding a OneEighty "hoof puppy" to your family, add your name to our 2021 waiting list by filling out the form below. Kidding begins in April! 

MEET THE HERD!

Our Does (Retained) ...

Doing It My Way's Betty White

Betty White and her half sisters Dottie and Kit were the very first goats we brought home to the OneEighty in April 2019.  Betty White lives up to her name with comical antics and striking good looks. She can be a bit of a diva (we often say, "She knows she is pretty") but that spark of personality only makes us love her more. She has hazel eyes, gorgeous ear set, and a silky coat that is coming in quite nicely for just two years of age. This past fall, she and Cedar Creek's Shaggy produced two beautiful doelings, the first baby's to be registered under the OneEighty herd name. 

Gwen
​(expected to kid in mid-April)

Sweet and patient and a friend to all, she is the goat in our herd that shows the new additions the ropes.  She is a natural-born mama and we couldn't be more excited to see the babies she and Cedar Creek's Shaggy are expecting in April!

Doing It My Way's Dottie

If we had to choose one of our does that fits the description of "hoof puppy" more than any of our other girls, it's Dottie.
She is as sweet as they come, always the first to nuzzle up to your side for a scratch or a treat. Her coat is a bit of a late bloomer, but it's texture is soft and silky with little undercoat.  Her bright blue eyes are truly the window to her soul.  She was bred by Flying J's Django. 

King Creek's Cassia (Cassie)

Cassie, one of Gwen's 2020 doelings, is a mama girl. But if she sees that Mama Gwen gives the green light,  she warms to the person or situation quickly. We love her apricot and cinnamon coloring, enhanced even more by the soft, silky coat that is coming in quite nicely for her young age. 

Paige

Paige wears the crown among the ladies — quite literally.
But don't be fooled by her horns. Her personality is confident, but gentle. She produces gorgeous kids, so watch for updates for future kids. 

Happy Hoove's Flower
​(expected to kid in mid-April) ​

There was something about seeing Flower's photo for the first time that told us she was meant to call the OneEighty home.  We are so happy we acted on that nudge and inquired about her. She is a gentle, quiet soul with a gorgeous, silky coat, striking white blue eyes and the most beautiful chocolate coloring with white accents. She and Cedar Creek's Shaggy produced two beautiful bucklings in April 2019, Blue Wild Indigo (retained) and Pop Socks Cosmo (sold). 

Doing It My Way's Kit

Kit is Dottie's twin sister and the most petite doe in the herd. Her name is appropriate as her soft bleat sounds a bit like a kitten. Her icy blue eyes are the first thing people notice, but not long before her sweet and gentle personality. She is rather quiet — except for when she knows treats are near.  She was bred with Happy Hoove's Wild Blue Indigo. 

King Creek's Daphne

Miss Daphne looks like she stepped out of a storybook. Her feminine looks, beautiful tri-colored markings, and silky smooth coat have us so excited for Miss Daphne's future.  She is a little selective in who she allows to get close to her, but if she chooses you as her person you'll have a friend for life. 

King Creek's Marguerite Daisy

Daisy is Daphne's twin sister and a lover through and through. And if her first love called "food" is involved, you better believe she’s first in line. It's been so much fun to watch her cautiously curious personality develop!

Our Bucks (Retained)...

Cedar Creek's Shaggy

Wise beyond is years, Shaggy is cool, smooth and Mr. Charmer. He never acts too "bucky" and quietly seeks out your attention. He is naturally polled and has a beautiful blue and roan coat. Oh, and did we mention he produces the most stunning kids? (Our retained buckling Indy is one of them.) Watch for this year's kids with Gwen!

Happy Hoove's Blue Wild Indigo

Blue Wild Indigo, or "Indy" as he is known around here thinks he is a dog more than a goat, much like his sire Shaggy. He is affectionate and funny and takes his job as one of our younger herd sires quite seriously (also like his sire Shaggy)! We are expecting his first kids this spring with Kit.  

---

Luke

Luke is a stud and he knows it!  After all, just look at those eyes! You could get lost in those deep blue pools. He always needs to know what's going on, will follow you around like a puppy, and doesn't miss an opportunity to be the center of attention.

Flying J's Django

Django is a looker, but he doesn't let it go to his head with his quiet and gentle personality. We can't get enough of his handsome tri-color markings or that mop of bangs. His cheek muffs are full and his coats soft. We're excited to see the first kids out of Django later this spring!

Available 2021 Kids — Coming Soon! 

Our kidding season here on the OneEighty Homestead is right around the corner. If you would like to add a Mini Silky to your family, we encourage you to add your name to our waiting list for updates and announcements. Our first kids arrive in April! 

---