Meet Maizie and Daisy, the angora goats

Today was shearing day at the farm and the goats had all their summer mohair taken off. Here is Daisy hiding in the dark barn -they don't like shearing day.

Sheep are shorn once a year in the spring but angora goats are shorn twice a year. In Texas, where all the big flocks are, shearing is done in August and February but in the north it's May and October. We have to make sure they aren't out in the rain for a few days prior to shearing and for a few weeks after because they are highly susceptible to hypothermia.

I am always surprised at how white their clean fleece is and how small they look. The goats butt heads a lot afterwards, probably because they don't recognize each other.

If you are considering raising livestock or are looking for a pet, goats are a good choice. They are as smart as dogs, can be trained and are very personable. You must get 2 or more as they do not like to be alone. Goats can be rambunctious but the angora goat is significantly calmer than other breeds. Contrary to popular belief, they do not eat cans. For more information about raising angora goats, read Angora Goats the Northern Way by Susan Black Drummond. This is the fourth addition and includes chapters on cashmere goats.

October 24, 2008

Meet Maizie and Daisy, the angora goats