Animals on the Farm
Not only is our farm home to RJ's QTs, a Cluster of small spinner's Flocks that you can read about HERE but we are home to many other farm creatures. Including a few that might surprise you.
We will start our introductions with the most seen creatures on the farm. Our Guardian dogs. First is Jethro (A Great Pyrenees Mix) and Then there is Carl and Wilbur. (Burmese Mountain Dog Mixes) While Jethro knows his place on the farm, Carl and Wilbur are still learning. By night they protect the flock/herd and by day they work the cattle when it is needed. Most of the time though, they can be found sleeping off the night shift in the dog pen, barn or the house. Not only are they working dogs but we love them as our pets as well.
Like all good farms we not only have one barn cat but we have about a dozen. They are for keeping the mice away. They all work inside the house as well as the barns and out building. Like all things on the farm they are named. We have Sabastian, Peanut, Tilly, Toby, Trouble, Socks, Fats, Little Grey ... You get the picture.
On the farm we have three milk goats. Sweetie is an Alpine, Holly is a Lamacha and Leighton is an Angora/Lamacha Cross. While each goat can provide enough milk for our daily use, there is also some left over for things like Soap and cheese as well.
You will also find many sheep and goats that belong to RJ on the farm but Christy has a small spinner's flock of Merino Sheep. It started with Hersey. Then on Easter 2015 we took in 5 more Merino Sheep that had been attacked by a dog. 2 Rams and 3 Ewes. All in all we have a nicely rounded out Merino Flock.
A farm just wouldn't be much of a farm to us if we didn't have cows. While the farm is home to a small herd of Zebu and cattle, it is also home to a few very special Ones. First is a Cow named B'Day and she is an old show cow that RJ broke to ride. While most of the time she is either pregnant or with a baby by her side, she is just as happy to stand for hours and lets people sit up on her and take lots of pictures for the small price of a few treats. She does have a few friends like Mr. and Mrs. Zebu and Snap Dragon the Longhorn so she is never alone.
Another special Guy is Bear. He is a rather large Long horned Steer that calls the farm home. He is big and scary looking but a real sweetie. Due to his horns though he can't really get close to anyone. One swing of his head without him giving it a thought and someone could get hurt.
Another special Guy is Bear. He is a rather large Long horned Steer that calls the farm home. He is big and scary looking but a real sweetie. Due to his horns though he can't really get close to anyone. One swing of his head without him giving it a thought and someone could get hurt.
Horses are a must on any working farm and Cooper fits that bill around here. She is a Sorrel Quarterhorse Mare that came to live with us in Dec. 2009. She is used as a Calf Roping horse and to work the cattle ,here on the farm but she likes giving Pony Rides from time to time as well.
She is kept company by RJ's horses Ice and Whiskey and all are finished roping horses that can pretty much do it all.
She is kept company by RJ's horses Ice and Whiskey and all are finished roping horses that can pretty much do it all.
On June 8th 2016 the first of our Mustangs were added to the farm. Caballo Thunder came to us from the Deserts of Nevada. About 6 months later a second Mustang named Star, was added from the Wyoming range. Both Mustangs will call the prairie home as they learn their job of working ranch horses.
In the winter of 2017 a little Wild Burro from Arizona came to take her spot among the four legged residents of the Straw Family Farm. While she is Halter broke so that we can handle her, she can be found in the Pasture with the sheep and goats and Murphy the miniature Donkey to keep Coyotes away. She is super sweet and loves cookies but she too has a job to do.
And Finally, the farm seems to have an endless supply of Poultry. They provide eggs that make all the wonderful breakfasts as well as baked goods and dishes that are out of this world.
