So we had our first session of pack goat training today which was walking on a lead. I took Sparrow out first but then quickly learned you need to have two goats. Sparrow was doing the “Shetland flop” before I got Bambi out there. Then they walked OK together. They had to stop and eat grass and blackberry leaves and were not about to do a water crossing or go up the scary hill. But all in all, not a bad outing. You can see the llamas watching- not sure if they are amused or just curious.
Since Sparrow is done with his quarantine, he was introduced to the herd. There was a lot of checking out to do but no butting, so that went well too.
Then it was Zeus and Lil’s turn to train. Zeus initially pulled very hard to lead the way and ended up starting to cough. He settled down after a bit and then Lil took over. They did absolutely wonderful, and I believe Zeus will be the star pack goat.
In other news, I forgot to mention that I had built and placed a barn own nest box on our hay barn last week. This is in hopes of attracting a barn owl to help preserve them and to not preserve the rodents.
Last but not least, as I was walking to the house after the training and chores I noticed something:
Maybe spring will come!?!
It looks like first lessons went VERY well! I do believe you’ve got yourself a bunch of PACK-goats! How fun!
Love the barn owl nest box. What a great idea…
We’ll see, but so far so good with the goats.
And hopefully an owl likes the box too.
We have made it a rule to leash train our goats as much as possible. It worked out great with Chip as we were able to take him out to parades. Our experience is that is doesn’t take too long with Nigerians, don’t know about any others.
We haven’t leashed trained our Nigerians. I have tried to halter trained some of our Shetlands with very limited success.
I love your owl box. I hope it works. I’ve never tried leading my goats, but if I walk in the pasture they are constantly by my side, so I can see that they would be great animals for packing.
Hopefully an owl will think it is the bomb. I tried before with a dog kennel inside the partially opened barn window before without success. We hear owls here but I am not sure they are barn owls. Maybe you should go on goats walks/hikes and they carry your lunch?
Maybe the llamas are jealous? I’m glad training went well. My brother and sister in law used pack goats. They worked out well. Love the barn owl box. The only owls we’ve seen in our area are the great horned.
Jackie
Maybe although they did not like their last trip. It is good to hear pack goats worked for your family. I am not sure what type of owls I am hearing.
Keep us updated on that barn owl box! Would love to hear if you have any success. 🙂
I will- thanks!