MEET THE HERD |
In addition to growing flowers, we also raise Miniature Fainting Silky Goats and Babydoll Sheep. We are also beginning our journey to adding Valais Blacknose Sheep to our flock of sheep. All of the animals play a role in our farmstead, but we also make some available for others to enjoy as additions to their own homestead or as pets. Read on for more information and how to sign up for our waitlist.
|
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 silly personalities reserved only for goats. Our animals know their names, wait patiently (or not so patiently) when it's time to eat, and will never turn down a good scratching. And, yes, they do faint, although that trait is not a requirement of the breed and we never intentionally startle them to make them faint. What makes these goats special? Small stature and sweet personalities aside, Mini Silkies are known for their long, silky coats, often compared to that of Silky Terriers. Their trademark long, lustrous coats, outrageous bangs (especially the bucks), full cheek muffs, and beards are soft and silky to the touch. While 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. Most Mini Silkies exhibit varying degrees of myotonia (aka fainting), 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 here at OneEighty faint to some extent, with some animals being 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 goats are registered with the Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Association (msfgaregisrty.org) and arrive to their new homes microchipped and with their first vaccinations and vet check.
We breed both for pets and starter herds, 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, please add your name to our 2023 wait list by filling out the form here. Once kids are on the ground we will go through the list in the order of names received. To select and hold the goat of your choice, we request 50% nonrefundable deposit, with the balance due when you pick up your new friend.
The first group of 2023 kids are expected to arrive between the end of March and early April. Learn more about this year's pairings in the animal bios below, and, if interested in bringing one home, add your name to our wait list here.
We breed both for pets and starter herds, 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, please add your name to our 2023 wait list by filling out the form here. Once kids are on the ground we will go through the list in the order of names received. To select and hold the goat of your choice, we request 50% nonrefundable deposit, with the balance due when you pick up your new friend.
The first group of 2023 kids are expected to arrive between the end of March and early April. Learn more about this year's pairings in the animal bios below, and, if interested in bringing one home, add your name to our wait list here.
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. For 2023, our breeding plan includes kids sired by Indy.
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. In 2023, we are expecting kids sired by Flying J's Django. |
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. The 2023 season marks her first kidding, bred with OneEighty's Henry.
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 OneEighty's Higgins for the 2023 season.
|
Sweet Acres 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 on her 2023 pairing with Indy. Happy Hoove's Flower
|
Our Bucks (Retained)...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. He has been a part of the OneEighty family since one week of age and is a farm favorite. He is affectionate and funny and takes his job as one of our younger herd sires quite seriously.
OneEighty's Henry
When Henry and his twin brother Higgins arrived, we couldn't decide who to retain. Both were beautiful bucklings! So we decided to let both hang around— at least for the time being. Henry is a bit smaller than Higgins in size with markings that match his sire, Flying J Django. Both he and Higgins come from a long line of MCH goats, so we are eager to see how Henry (and Higgins) develop and add to the quality kids born to our farm. This year we paired Henry with both Flower and Daphne.
|
Flying J's Django
Django is a looker, but he doesn't let it go to his head with his quiet and gentle personality. His handsome tri-color markings and mop of bangs are certainly striking, but it's his small but well-proportioned conformation that really made us fall in llove with this boy. He produces the most beautiful babies (we retained two of his boys for the time being). We're excited to see his latest "contributions" this spring.
OneEighty's Higgins
We're so excited to have OneEighty Higgins a part of our retained bucks. It's been so much fun to watch him develop. We knew he and his twin Henry were special the moment they arrived on the scene, and they are not disappointing so far. Higgins is a lap goat, always the first to greet you and check to see if you brought a snack. His small stature is appealing and his conformation and coat both promising — we can hardly contain our excitement to see the kids he and Kit produce later this summer.
|
Available 2024 Kids
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 wait list for updates and announcements. At the time of selection, a 50% deposit is due when your kid/goat is chosen with the remaining 50% due at pickup. We'll be posting an updated wait list form soon. In the meantime stay up to date on new arrivals and available kids by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Sheep
Babydoll Southdown Ewes
"Johnny Cash: The Ram in Black" |
"June" |
|
|
Johnny and June joined the OneEighty Farmstead in April 2021 and were our very first introduction to raising sheep. We chose Babydoll Southdowns because, adorable smiles aside, their small stature fit right in with the Miniature Silky Fainting Goats and their docile disposition was a big win for the family farmstead. Specifically, we use are sheep as the cutest lawn mowers around, in addition to benefiting the orchard by helping reduce soil erosion, reducing the need for tillage, and increasing soil organic matter and soil carbon levels. They're relatively "easy keepers" and an ideal addition to the hobby farm or homestead life. We're hoping for our first spring lambs in 2023 so stay tuned!
Valais (Breed Up Program) & ValaisDollsTM
Frankie sometimes double as a babysitter during chores. :-)
They've been dubbed the "World's Cutest Sheep" and we couldn't agree more. It was love at first sight when we first laid eyes on this breed that originated in the Valais region of Switzerland. But it was their puppy dog personality and lovely wool that led us to embark on our own journey of bringing this sweet, docile dual purpose sheep to Door County and our homestead. While "Frankie Valais," an F2 (75% Valais cross) may be our first addition of the breed to our farmstead, he most certainly won't be the last.
