Our herd is divided into several groups of pampered, healthy goats. All of their feed is free of antibiotics, preservatives and chemical additives, and we never use hormones to increase milk production. The goats at Skyhill Farms spend their days outside lounging in the fresh air and nibbling green grass on our wide-open farm. We bring them into their cozy barn in the evening to make sure they have a peaceful, protected night. Sasha, our trusty Border Collie, watches carefully over her goat family.
Milking Herd
Our prized milkers consist of Nubians, Swiss and French Alpines as well as Saanans. Each are chosen for their milk variety—from the creamy milk of Nubians to the lower fat milk of the Saanans. These sweet ladies are milked twice a day. Their udders are gently washed before each milking and we use the highest integrity with regard to sanitation. They are very smart and line up eagerly at the milking barn just before the appointed time. These wonderful creatures generously give us their milk in exchange for a special nine-grain snack they munch on while milking.
The Bucks
Testosterone rampant mature bucks seem ever ready to perform their duties to breed the new group of milkers (the teenage herd). These sturdy, proud animals are kept away from the milking herd so their pungent buck smell will not get into our sweet, delicious milk. During the breeding cycle, bucks put out a scent to attract the female, and trust us—this is not your next perfume.
Maternity Ward
These sweet mothers-to-be rest in their loafing area in the evening and graze outside during the day. We relieve them of their milking responsibility for three months so they can relax and grow stronger to have a healthy new kid. These new kids become part of our next herd.
Teenagers
Now this is a rambunctious group, with the girls coming into adulthood playing with the bucks and being promiscuous. They flirt, and strut and bat their eyelashes at their suitors until they are chosen for a brief fling. Once bred, they stay in their group with the other expectant mothers for five months, until they have their first kid. After they have done their motherly duties, they are welcomed into our milking herd.
Nursery
Newborn kids are a treat to visit. Housed inside their warm barn with cheerily painted white fences and beds of clean straw, they scamper about, jumping up on the hay bales kicking their heels. Their mothers watch protectively over these happy little creatures.
