afternoon browse walk

[Alice In TX/MO]

I finally tried taking the goat girls all the way
down the hill outside the pen to the edge of the
forest. I put a leash on Orange and Latte, figuring
they were the two dominant does. Orange was VERY
reluctant, watching the edges of the field anxiously.
When we finally got the group down the hill, she
didn't browse for a while. She had her back to the
group, facing up hill, watching. I broke off some
leafy branches, fed them to her, and she finally
turned to browse. The whole group was a little antsy
in this new place, and we didn't stay out as long as
usual. Also, the neighbor's paint pony came over by the
fence and brought horse flies, which drive Sophie
bonkers. She was first to head back up the hill. I
did have to keep Orange on leash the whole time, but
I turned Latte loose.

The next time will be easier.

One interesting side note is that the dogs went with
us. The goats are used to them now, and except for
Filene rearing and threatening to head butt Blossom (the Shepherd cross mutt),
there weren't any problems. Blossom stationed
herself uphill from where we were browsing, between
the goats and the body of the field. Her back was to
the goats, and she was obviously on guard duty. I
was very proud.

[Minelson]

Sounds like a fun adventure! And good for Blossom, she should get an extra treat

[nehimama]

I introduced my younger girls to the fall pasture the other day. They were reluctant to go to the new, unfamiliar place. All of them had the fur sticking up along their backs.

Goats sure don't like the unknown, do they?

NeHi

[Alice In TX/MO]

Any change in the routine is suspect.

[celadon]

Isn't it fun to take them on trips. LOL Everyday I take my three boys walking along the woods. They have been there many times since I got them. They still act like there are spooks. They come running to me when something scares them. I take my mastiff dog, he loves the goats and the goats tolerate him. But when he gives a warning bark all three boys are wrapped around my legs. I use to use collars and with a long rope tied to them but I do not have to use them anymore. They are my shadows everywhere I walk. They are 5 months now but I think they will always be my babies. I quess only goat lovers would understand this. Lol

[Wiste]

This is the thing about goat herding that I'm really looking forward to.

[Alice In TX/MO]