Goat Roping

In addition to our alpacas we have four goats; three pygoras and one angora. We have two ditches that run through the middle of our property; we fenced them in and the the goats keep them mowed which is a huge help to Rocky since he always runs the risk of getting the tractor stuck or flipped when mowing close to steep ditches.

Right now the goats are in the ditch closest to our house, even though the other ditch is getting over grown I am trying to wait until the rainy season starts before moving them back there. I can stretch a hose across the driveway to fill their water bucket right now, but the other ditch is quite a little hike from the barn so it is easier to have them down there when mother nature can help keep the buckets full. Well, I should say that the goats are supposed to be in the ditch by our house.

For the past week or so they've figured out an escape route. Rocky fixed it a few days ago, but that has only managed to keep the angora from getting out, the pygoras (which are triplets) are smaller and have horns that grow backward rather than outward were still able to escape. Fortunately, when they get out there is so much green grass, blackberry vines, and wind fallen apples for them to eat that they haven't gone anywhere. Getting them back in their pen has proven pretty easy so far. I cut up some apples or squash, open the gate, and throw the pieces far enough inside that they clear the gate, but not so far that they can't see where it falls. This technique works like a charm, but now I'm afraid I just taught them that escape means treats. So last night after work Rocky did a better repair to the fence and this morning when we got up they were still in the fence. That lasted just until Rocky pulled out of the driveway to go to work. The triplets are still escaping. I guess it is time to move them to the other ditch and I am just going to get more exercise packing water out to them.