Goat Hollow

Goat Hollow An experiment in slow foods, homesteading and education. We began with some chickens and one silly goat that we got for free at a Wellness Fair.

Six years ago, Jen and I became convinced that learning to grow and produce our own food was the most radical and rewarding thing that we could do. We fell in love with goats and have built a healthy herd of Oberhasli dairy goats. In addition to goat cheese, milk ice cream, caramel, and yogurt, we also experiment with many other aspects of food production and preservation. Our greatest hope is to

be able to share with school age children the many skills and concepts involved with homesteading and food justice.

05/13/2024

I wish I could write that things have settled down here (because for a week, they had). After adding the noise makers and light sensors, after countless walks to the Channel ringing a dang bell, after yelling and shouting and burning pile of leaves, we STILL didn't stop the bear from coming back. This morning, I found Yoda in the middle of the goat yard like her mother a week prior.

Yoda had been injured after Wickett's traumatic passing. She had shut down emotionally, staring into the side of the hutch refusing to make any contact with anyone. It was clear she was injured and needed care but refused to let anyone near her - including myself. With time and patience, she was able to let me near her, began drinking water, and even eating grain and hay. Yesterday (Sunday), she began refusing all food and water again. She hadn't moved in a few days and there was an odor to her (again, she still wouldn't let me examine her of give her a good once over. She was rotting and we knew it. Stuart and I began prepping for what we knew we would need to do and would be horrible for everyone involved. In a way, coming out this morning to find the scene was a blessing.

The bear was not interested in eating much of her - another sign she was not healthy or tasty. We're hopeful that will keep our rather large beast at bay.

We've now set up an electric line around the goat yard. This will hopefully give the bear a nice shock, letting it know it needs to leave. The next steps are ones we don't have to take, but are prepared if necessary. Thanks to friends and neighbors who responded to my post on Front Porch Forum.

I've added a video to this post (I was trying to find a picture of Yoda but found none - she wasn't a girl who really enjoyed humans and hid from sight most of the time). Skiddish Yoda, I'm glad you are able to run and do all the goat things. **In the video you'll see De La Rey, Wickett, Yoda (she's gray and brown), and Comet. Winter was just loosening its grip on us and spring was on it's way.

TAKE IN YOUR TRASH. MAKE NOISE IN YOUR YARD. HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS.

Hi there folks! It's been a while but we're still here! Things on the homestead have taken a back seat while work took o...
05/05/2024

Hi there folks! It's been a while but we're still here! Things on the homestead have taken a back seat while work took over. But that's for another time. This post is for another sad loss. A very bizarre and terrifying one at that.

On Thursday night, a bear climbed into our goat pen. In all of our years of having goats, this has NEVER happened. Black bears do not do this - it is not normal behavior. With the climate getting warmer, bears are waking from hibernation earlier than usual and having a hard time finding food. This was a bear in distress - one who will make more bad choice. This bear killed one of my girls. My dearest Wickett. We can only imagine the horror scene that must have played out (we know this because of the reaction our goats have had ever since - one has completely emotionally shut down). The bear left as smoothly as it arrived. When I called neighbors to warn them, I was told they thought we were outside yelling and screaming about something.

But to go down that road means nightmares and I've spent enough time holding a little blame. I'd like to think she was getting older and harder to keep healthy so this was an easy way out without the suffering. Either way, it sucks. I'm thankful Stuart found her and not me. I had been taking a step back from my part with the goats simply because of work. But this weekend, I knew the other girls needed me. And boy was I right. I've been calming Woolley and Padmé. Stella is now on high alert - seeming to take the role as herd queen. The goat who was seeming to be queen, Yoda, is not doing nearly as well as the others. Yoda was also clearly attacked and had a rough encounter with the bear. She has some scratches, but will not allow anyone near her to see the full damage. I worry about internal injuries as she hasn't eaten. But she let me touch her today which is a huge step forward (she saw me as a threat when it first happened.

I'm sad for my girl. I should have been with her more and I have guilt. I'm trying to make up for it now.
This is how I'll always remember her. World's best goat mom. She lived to be a mom. Her nurturing way created some pretty interesting kids. She'll live on in my heart for sure. The little girl who chose me.

My sweet Wickett girl.

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Tinmouth, VT
05773

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