Here on the farm, we have two types of goats...
fainting goats
and Nigerian dwarf goats.

The fainters are calm and gentle...
very peaceful goats who mind their manners 
and stay out of trouble.
After all, trouble makes them "faint", 
so they avoid it at all cost!


The Nigerians, on the other hand, are a rowdy lot.

They live for mealtime, and storm the gate 
when they know it's coming.



Perhaps the rowdiest of all is Spider.
Spider is a 2 1/2 year old wether (neutered male).
He was born to our Star Baby (pictured above)...
so adorable we just had to keep him
even though we could not breed him. 

You might notice while looking at Spider,
that he is a bit large fat obese "big-boned".
It seems like all of our Nigerians are a bit over weight.

"
"Who me?"

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why.
They are much more active than the Fainters.
They eat less feed and we limit their hay.
Still, they remain a bit portly.
For a while last year, I thought perhaps they were all pregnant.
Including Spider...yes, I know that makes no sense.
But, alas, no babies came.
So...
they 
are 
just
fat!

See what I mean?

It's hard to believe that Spider was this tiny...
just two years ago. 

Nigerian dwarf goats make good dairy goats,
if you breed them.
Which, we haven't.
They actually don't have a job on our farm as of yet...
except to be cute and funny and friendly to all of our guests.
Maybe someday.
But, first we need a buck.
A nice, handsome, slender buck.
We need some skinny genes!

PS......
Bobby is so happy that his Daddy built a salad table for him to sleep in! 
His own personal bed!

Have a wonderful autumn weekend!
Join us next week for more 
Tails From the Farm!

Comments

the, er, rear goat shot gave me my first chuckle of the morning...I must have some Nigerian Goat Genes myself :)
Anke said…
Your goats are adorable - fat or skinny.
Anonymous said…
Bev,
I am currently researching Dwarf Nigerians for our farm. I was told that they can jump a four foot fence. This surprised me, any credence to that? How high would you recommend the fence be?
Thanks,
Heather in PA
Bee Haven Bev said…
Heather,

We have our Nigerians in a yard with a four foot fence. they have never jumped it. I really don't think they could, even if they tried. They do jump up on their dog (goat) houses. But the fence.....no problems. We had what is called a "no climb" fence ....wire mesh on wood posts...installed. Our escapes have always been human error....leaving a gate open.
Unknown said…
Wonderful post, love the pictures! Super funny! I love Spider and his pals, I feel a connection...I mean we have something in common...big bones. I like it that there is a breed out there I can call my friends and not have to worry about being overweight when I am around them! Ha!
Anonymous said…
Bobby needs a Binky and a pillow..what a cat!!!
Junebug said…
I loved your post this morning! Big bones huh??? If you find the secret to big bones please pass it on so us humans can benefit from the findings. All your critters have such fun personalities!!! Thanks for sharing.
Margie said…
oh my goodness, they are so cute! the side shot of Spider eating ... oh, his belly looks as adorable as a puppy belly! hehehe! i LOVE puppy bellies! and the picture of him as a baby, oh my, oh my, makes me want to run out and get a baby goat!
Kaybe said…
AWWW...He's not fat...I prefer he's chunky but funky. He was the cutest little baby. I can see why you kept him.
Katmom said…
hahaha! your "Spider" looks (chucnky) like Meri's "HeeHaw" ...so is it P.C. to call them Chunky? lol!