Thunderhead Farm

The End Of Quite A Year!

2011-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Where did the year go? Well, we kidded, we sheared, we washed, we spun, we sent fiber in for processing, we wove, knitted and felted, took classes, attended fiber events and gatherings, went to shows, bred, farmed, worked full time and as if that were not enough we threw in some major landscaping for our oldest daughter's wedding! There, in a nutshell was our year. A great one, but boy it filled every waking moment. Then we had a major computer failure and are just now getting back on the tech train.

On the farm side, we are looking forward to a relaxing year. We downsized our herd having been blessed to find great homes for a number of our foundation lines. We now have 4 breeding does, no yearlings at this time, 5 kids to raise and evaluate and only 2 bucks! Testarossa, pictured left is a white color carrier (Seneca, a favorite black doe's son by Thorn) and assumed the herd sire position this year. We shall see what he can do. Life is simpler and the fleeces they are growing are looking fabulous! It is good to have time to spend with each and every one.

It has been a cold, dry winter here in Central Oregon. Although it makes caring for the animals easier it does make us worry a bit about water this coming Spring and Summer. I am by nature a worrier so if it wasn't that it would be something else. The extra time has given me opportunities to focus on projects. I am an accumulator of projects I want to do...someday. I have decided to tackle one at a time and try to reduce my "project inventory". That is not to say that I won't accumulate more as I come across them, just that I have inventoried those "in house" and prioritized them - somewhat. I am a great "concept" person. I event get them underway, it's just focusing and finishing that I need to be better at. I see a resolution in that sentence somewhere!

Spring is Here?

2011-03-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, you couldn't tell it from our weather! Snow, wind and freezing temps continue, but we all know things could be worse. I have been remiss in not posting for a while but here we go. It is now time for kids to be coming and we have entered that arena.

We have seven kids on the ground and five came all at once; a set of twins and a set of triplets.
Are triplets a set?
Oh well, they are here and we are thrilled. So far we have one caramel and two black does and two caramel bucks, a red buck and a black buck. Not bad numbers and great color. Oddly enough, the caramels are out of a red doe and a registered white buck. As I said, we are thrilled!

We have five more girls/ladies to kid and they are all taking their own sweet time. Two of these five are first time moms and represent white color factors we out crossed for two years ago. We are having a really hard time waiting to see what they will bring into the barn.

This next weekend is the annual Wool Growers Fiber Market Day in Prineville and it represents the opening of the fiber season in my mind and heart. After the long and relative calm of the winter this event always warms the heart and sparks the desire and motivation to grab some fiber and make something! There is always so much to see, so many people to reconnect with; color, fiber, projects and great fun. I know it will be a great day!

Ah, Summer . . .

2010-08-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to sit back and enjoy the farm, the weather and the animals. The kids are growing like weeds and provide a constant source of entertainment. The adults are busy mowing the pasture and growing lovely fiber. The bucks, well, they are just being bucks, feeling a bit left out right now I think. They just eat and rest, preparing for their duties in the fall.

This summer we decided that it was time to start showing at our County Fair here in Deschutes again. It has been a couple of years since we took animals. So, my husband, myself and 7 of our sweet goats packed the trailer and joined in the fun. We entered conformation and fleece classes. Seems like just yesterday we were doing battle with the fair board to let us show goats in the 4H barn and subsequently in open class. We now have a full set of classes for both animals and fleeces and the icing is that they pay premiums. You just can't beat that!

We learned a long time ago that you put your PR goats in the front pens. They willingly stand on the rails, curly heads reaching out to each passer by, begging for attention. The nervous nellies go in the middle pens where they can feel protected by neighbors and out of the reach of the public. The experienced girls go at the end of your pens. They have been here before and they know how it works. They see it as a time to rest, be pampered and occasionally ram the pen rail of the strange neighbors next door just to startle and wake them up. They seem to really get a kick out of that.

There is a rhythm, a schedule if your will, of how the week goes. The first day, everyone stands in the middle of their pen, just out of reach, frightened by the new smells, the sounds and all the people trying to touch them. They seem to be looking about with that "we're not in Kansas anymore . . ." look. By the end of the second day, they are feeling more at ease and begin to make overtures to passers by who move slowly and talk to them calmly. By the end of the third day, they are going up to strangers and allowing themselves to be petted, scratched and when they are lucky treated to a bit of kettle corn or elephant ears. By the weekend, the public represents goodies and they excitedly clamor to the rails when people approach. They know that the "little ones" usually want to grab their ears or horns and they steer clear of them (unless they have that wonderful blue and pink stuff in their hands - then they are open to share). On Sunday, they can feel the excitement in the air - it's time to go home, people are packing and busily storing things away.

It was a good experience and we will do it again. This year, we did well; bringing home Champion, Res. Champion and Best In Show in both the animal and fiber competitions. Although it wasn't a huge show, there were some lovely animals. Seneca, a black doe with bright, blue eyes was our big winner in the conformation ring and Moonstruck, an absolutely gorgeous white brought home the purple and blue for her fiber. We are hoping both will hold their fleeces long enough to get them to Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, OR. the end of Sept. Salina, Seneca's mom, won OFFF three years ago and we would dearly love to see Seneca follow in mom's footsteps.

I would offer a couple of tidbits of advice to anyone thinking of showing for the first time.
* Handle your goats often before you take them to show. They need to feel comfortable with you handling them in this strange environment. It will also make your job much easier.
* Be sure your goats are in good health, appropriately vaccinated and protected from parasites. Goats get stressed in new environments, do what you can for them to avoid getting their tummy upset.
* Lots of cool, fresh water is important. Consider taking some of your home water with you for their first drink. Water in different areas can smell and taste funny and that often means they won't drink it. That just sets them up for illness. We will sometimes start adding a bit of Gatorade or something like that to their water at home and then add it to water at a new location. It helps them taste something familiar and the electrolytes don't hurt either.
* Stay close to your animals. It only takes one unthinking person to traumatize an animal. You are putting them in this position, be there to protect them and make sure this is a good experience for them as well.
* And finally, remember that whatever the outcome in the show ring, it is only one person's opinion on that day. Enjoy yourself and have some fun!

What a Great Weekend!

2010-06-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it to the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene this weekend and what a great time! Reconnected with old friends, made some new friends, bought some gorgeous yarn (yes, I do spin but just couldn't resist it) and picked up a couple of new, fun projects and tons of ideas. Now - if I just had 12 more hours in each day . . . nope, I still wouldn't get to do everything I think I need to try. But, I am happy to keep trying, one project at a time; check some off the list as "doesn't totally thrill me but I tried it and can live without it", keep others in the "try it again sometime" pile and make a mental note of those I really enjoy. If you haven't been to this event, you should try to sometime. It is a Renaissance Fair, a street market, a fiber festival, an animal show and an educational opportunity wrapped up in color and tactile experiences that can totally overwhelm the novice and thrill the frequent flier at the same time - something for everyone who is into anything whether you need it or not.

It was great getting to see the Angora breeders and their new crop of kids after a long winter of relative seclusion. We bred for late birthing and sheared late (when we thought winter was done - NOT) so we supported the vendors and exhibitors and look forward to OFFF in Sept. to show our goats. However, Boyd Farms, Billy Goat Mountain and Coon Hollow all had stunning blacks (my favorite color you know). Sharon Chestnut and daughter Sadie of Cloudspun had a bevy of lovely and unique badgers and ran a good show. Ronan Country Fibers had a little silver reverse badger who, in my opinion, will bear close watching. And Dr. Speck, the judge, was his usual informative self, speaking to each entry no matter the size of the class. It is always a pleasure to hear him speak and watch him judge; so much knowledge and such a willing font. The breed has truly come a long way - we all have much to be proud of.

Back on the farm just before leaving for BSG our last doe finally kidded for the first time; a gorgeous little doe kid from Harper, a fancy AAGBA doe we got from Pat and Tracy Ross in Texas last year. What a nice addition to our herd she has become - and now she presents us with a doe - you rock Harper! I might have had to say she is all white, but as luck would have it she is not. In a month you won't be able to see it, but the little one, now dubbed June Bug, has a single black lock just at the top of her withers and a black spot next to her eye the size of a dime. I am ever hopeful there might be more black lurking in her genes! Watch for pictures of this precious little one when and if the weather ever clears again.

Our little silver enigma, J Duesy (Sole x Jet Li), is growing into quite the looker; 110% buck and a real fluff ball. He is a joy to behold! Lotus and Lexus (Katiedid x Sparks) are holding at gorgeous shades of red, two peas in a pod yet very much individuals. The lovely Makayla's black twins are not so much twins anymore. Jaguar has that lovely brown tipping to his stylish fleece and McClaren is pitch black, femine and full of super fine, dense tight curls with tons of character. Little Testarossa (Seneca x Thorn) is a character and being one of the youngest still hasn't shed that baby hair - however the promise of dense locks with hooks on the end has appeared and some of the golden highlights he was born with are holding fast. Tesla (Tabitha x Sparks), the blue-eyed red head can only be described as stunning. Not only is she a gorgeous color with tons of promise, she has such presence about her - she just screams "Look at me - aren't I special?" . . . and she is!

It seems we were blessed this year. It's the time to sit back and watch everyone grow, to speculate and dream about the lovely projects each of them (at least their fleeces) will be involved in. Sadly, some will have to be sold to keep our numbers where we want, but beautiful goats don't seem to have any problem finding good homes who recognize their potential. It's not time for that yet though - now, the kids untie my shoelaces and tug on my pant leg when I go out to visit, the young and the old check our pockets for corn chips, peanuts or grapes, and the big bucks are either pirouetting in an attempt to reach that one special leaf they simply must have or can be found lazily napping under the cover of the forbidden tree. It is spring, no, almost summer and this is that special time when we allow ourselves to just sit back and enjoy life and the simple pleasures of living it.

Finally - SPRING!

2010-04-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

It would seem that an abundance of rain followed by a week warmed with sunshine will help kids grow as well as green grass and daffodils. We are finally seeing evidence of Spring having arrived. The does and kids have been spending the better part of their days meandering through the pasture looking for those tender new grass shoots. The kids have been watching their elders and have discovered how to pick through the grain bunk to find the sweetest kernels and pull mouthfulls of hay from the feeder appearing bored with the whole thing. Katidid, an "older" doe, stays close to the group of kids while the other moms venture out to the end of the property to graze.

J Duesy, the black buck kid turning white, is actually turning silver. More and more we see the silver undercoat pushing through. It would seem this little guy is really something special!

The girls, Lotus,Lexus and Tesla, are really blossoming as well. We would love to think that the rich, dark reds will hold, but have been down that road way too many times. As the first growth of mohair begins to push through a lighter, more subtle shade will take it's place. What shade they will end up with is always a surprise. No matter what the shade the lovely colors will make a wonderful addition to the spinning pallet.

Tesla, the last doe born, is a joy to admire with those gorgeous, ice blue eyes.

Where Is Our "Black" Going?

2010-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

In all the years we have been raising goats, this is a first. Born solid, jet black, our little J Duesy is changing daily. At first we thought he was evolving into a patterned goat, but upon closer inspection we realized that the mohair he is beginning to grow beneath that black baby hair is white ... actually gray. It is the most unusual thing I have ever seen.

The smokey undercoat is consistent over his entire body. Will he end up being a "silver/white goat"?

This will warrant documenting so follow the J Duesy Evolution Chronicle on this one! If you have experienced a similar morphing, we would enjoy hearing about it ... and the eventual outcome!

Fiber, Fiber Everywhere!

2010-03-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was, what I consider to be, the opening of the 2010 Fiber season. The High Desert Wool Growers host the now annual Fiber Market Day in Prineville, Oregon. What started out years ago as a sparsely attended event put on by a group local wool growers is now a highly attended and much looked forward to market venue. There were vendors from near and far; wool fleeces, piles of colorful mohair locks, braids and balls of yummy roving, demonstrations, yarns, spinning equipment, pelts, hats, sweaters, socks, fiber artists of all kinds, spinning, felting, weaving and of course the wonderful animals themselves.

It was a sunny day and we were all anxious to get out of the barns and see what everyone had been doing all winter. As you walked down the isles friends engulfed each other in hugs as though they hadn't seen one another for decades. On or under every table and display was a potential project, a new toy, a bag of luscious fiber, a skein of intoxicating yarn we just had to have. Among the "Ooos" and "aaahs" all senses were called into play as people looked, touched, felt and smelled the wares. I was lucky enough to have both my girls home and with me for much of this day. It seemed to me that it was not only fun but profitable as a steady stream of fiber enthusiasts made their way through the two buildings and animal pens. It was good to be among fiber folk again - it was a good way to start the season!

Back on the farm, we look forward to a week or so of preparing for the next wave of kidding. We have 3 does due about the same time; around the 8th. Until then, I begin packing for the next fun event. The Central Oregon Goat Association will be hosting the 9th Annual Goat Jamboree in Bend on April 17th and I am leading a couple of classes. For a nominal fee you get to participate in as many classes as you can register for covering all things "goaty". As we have Angora goats, for years we have been welcomed and included by this goat group (which used to focus exclusively on dairy goats). This year topics will include basic maintenance, kidding, nutrition, cheese making, weaving, felting and many more. For information contact COGA2010@aol.com . It is always a fun and educational event.

A Week To Enjoy

2010-03-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

We have a little break before the next kidding "wave" comes in early April and we are taking full advantage. Resetting the kidding pens, cleaning out transitional areas and watching the little ones. The weather has cooperated giving us warm sunny days with frosty nights. The kids have joined the band/herd and are learning that quick is smart and smart stays close to mom.

The re-introduction of a new family unit can be difficult and stressful; both to doe and kids as well as those of us having to watch. I am often tempted to turn them out and leave for the day so my heart doesn't stop every time someone gets butted, bitten or stomped on while innocently suckling the wrong teat or getting too close to a yet-to-be-mom's space. Eventually, they figure it all out. They learn to spin and run when they hear the grunt or growl and with very few exceptions, everyone finds a way to coexist harmoniously.

As the green grass begins to peek above the dead brown leavings of winter, the older girls start venturing back out into the pasture in search of that sweet tidbit they know must be out there. There is usually one doe that hangs back close to the group of kids lounging in the sun-warmed dirt or playing on the kid condos and ramps. We find ourselves leaning on our rake or pitchfork, taking a moment to enjoy to frolicking; king of the mountain, follow the leader, mock fighting. It is the way they begin to find their place among their peers. Jaguar, a black buck kid has awakened from his nap and wants sister, McLaren, to play. So, he paws at her head until she reluctantly gives up her spot in the sun to chase him around the stump. Lotus and Lexus, the twin red does tag team the much larger J Duesy, a singleton black buck kid, who easily knocks them both off the kid condo. Aston and Martin, the white brother and sister, seem to always be pushed off of everything having not quite found their legs yet. Well, maybe they've found them but still lack a bit of control. After all, they are the youngest. Their time will come soon - then they too can experience being king of the mountain - for a moment anyway!

From the distance, a mom calls and everyone freezes, listens and suddenly go scampering off. It must be good to fill your days sleeping, eating and playing. I think that will be my goal for this coming week. It is Spring Break and playing with kids and fiber is good for the soul!

The Illusive Black . . . Is Back!

2010-03-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Years ago we decided we wanted to breed lovely, deep red goats. We were lucky enough to have access to some great genetics and proved to be quite successful at it. So successful in fact that it became difficult for us to get anything but shades of reds and brown. Year after year we worked at getting black into the band with only occasional success. We used bucks who "always bred black" and got red. We used black bucks - and got red/brown, light red or white. Now, I think I have a pretty good handle on the genetic theory behind colored angora goats, but black made only a cameo appearance on our farm. That is ... until now. So far this year we have kidded 4 does, have 7 kids on the ground and 3 are black. All were sired by a black buck, a wonderful character, named Jet Li.

This evening, a light red (actually almond colored) doe named Makayla gave birth. Makayla's mom was a dark mahogany colored doe bred to a light red buck named Whado. Makayla's fleece has always been a favorite whether in locks, roving or yarn. Fine, lustrous and full of character, it is a joy to work with. Today she proved her worth, again, by presenting us with not only twins, but black twins! Covered in tight little black pin curls these were two big kids; with long ears and legs that go on forever. They were up and chasing mom almost immediately looking for supper. First born was a big buck quickly followed by the even larger doe. Matching bookends and I don't mind admitting that I am almost giddy with joy.
Thanks Makayla, you made our day!

Record Time

2010-03-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, late afternoon, in a remote corner of the goat pasture, Monroe, a white color factor doe found an out-of-the-way spot to give birth. Hubby commented as she walked away from the group (as they often due just before giving birth) and not 10 minutes later we went out to check and there they were; two kids, rolling in dirt while mom watched over them. Why do they always pick the yuckiest spot to kid?

Although we try not to intervene at this stage, temperatures were dropping fast and we thought it prudent to get them into the barn where she could clean them up and all would be safe. Newborn kids have little tolerance for icy winds and temps in the 30s. Half an hour later, we checked the barn finding her diligently cleaning and softly muttering, encouraging them to nurse. One kid was sitting like a puppy, still pretty slimy and clearly chilled. We immediately saw that his back feet were a bit curled "backward" and decided to take him in and check him out. We cleaned off the sack remnants and blew him dry. He was quite vocal and very willing to seek out something, anything, to suck on. His little back feet were definitely pulled back and needed to be stretched out. So, I went to the barn to get some "groceries", hubby massaged the kid's feet while curled up in front of the heater and soon after the little guy got a Bo-Se shot. He gladly took the warm milk and within about 15 minutes of walking on an area rug had pulled one foot forward and the other was almost there. So, back to the barn, to mom and sister he went for his first night of life.

Now, the real surprise was that this doe gave birth to two white kids. Her sire is was a registered white buck and her dam a deep mahogany red from the red/black/brown gene pool. She should have thrown color based on our past experience. But, for the second time, bred to different bucks, she threw white. I suspect that she is homozygous white.

A quick check on everyone this morning revealed all to be content and well. Both kids have beautiful, solid blue eyes. We are hopeful they will hold. One more doe due this weekend and then a break until early April. This will give us some time to enjoy the new families and get the barn ready for the next wave. You know Spring has arrived when you look out your window to see kids of all colors bouncing around and vaulting off blocks and rocks placed for their entertainment (and ours!)

New Kids On The Blog/Block

2010-03-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have been raising Colored Angora Goats since 1993. We have had upwards of 45 goats at the most and as few as 3 when we started. We have settled on 15 being a good and manageable number and do our best to keep it there. Over the years we have focused on different traits to improve on; color, size, fiber quality, conformation and production levels. We occasionally attend and participate in breed shows, fiber market day events, conferences and seminars. We have learned to shear, birth, spin and weave the mohair fiber our wonderful goats produce and even a bit about genetic heritability (we think of it more as a study of "best guess" outcomes). We get great satisfaction in taking our product full circle.

After several years of out crossing our colored does to quality registered white bucks to improve lock style and character while reducing micron, we had a pretty "vanilla" band of goats. (band is the official terminology for a group of goats - herd is just as acceptable in today's vocab). We were most certainly ready to get some of our rich color back; black, brown, mahogany, silver and taupe. Kidding time has arrived and we enter the barn each day holding our breath.

This has been a good week. Right on schedule our oldest doe, Katidid, presented us with gorgeous, red twin does. Although it is difficult to judge what color they will actually grow up to be at this point - what we see today is kid hair and will eventually shed out - we remain forever hopeful. Mom and babies are doing well and looking forward to sunshine and Spring - soon, please!

Two days later our second doe brought an unbelievable, curly, black buck into our world. He was a singleton, a big boy and 110% buck. Mom, Sole, is a blond first-timer with incredible, fine fleece who did a great job getting him on the ground all on her own and is proving to have stellar mothering instincts. This is a trait we insist all of our breeding does have.

So far, so good. Two down and seven to go! Every day is an adventure on a goat farm. Each goat is an individual, a character in their own right.