December 2001 SilverWings Ranch Newsletter GOSLINGS, GOATS, AND OTHER FUN

Dasher, Prancer, Comet, Cupid & Vixen at 2 days old

~~~~~~~Thursday, December 6th at 3 AM, I happened to be cruising the barnyard in the freezing rain, when I heard the peeping of 5 newly-hatched goslings. Their mother. Lillyanne, a large white Embden goose was far more intent on continuing to sit on the 7 not-yet hatched eggs than on keeping her children from freezing. The babes were scared silly of the rest of the goose clan, in fact they seemed to have imprinted on a 4X4 fence post which had trapped the head of the smallest baby, soooo the job fell to me - Mother Goose. They are thriving in Chicken Rehab (my extra shower, equipped with straw bedding and heat lamp).

5 fuzzy angels at 5 days old

Comet at 5 days old

ARAPAWA GOATS SilverWings Ranch was chosen to be blessed and graced with 2 pair of nearly extinct Arapawa goats. Only 150 individuals exist on the planet. They were an ancient British breed and sustained many settlers as they journeyed to many lands, including New Zealand, where a small herd was discovered several years ago. In spite of unspeakable tragedies and hideous government intervention, the Betty Rowe family saved the breed and shipped 6 of the remaining goats from New Zealand to a breeding facility in Boston in 1991. Porter, Princess, Ken, and Pumpkin arrived here on December 8th, after a 5 day journey from Plimoth Plantation in Boston. God willing, my little corner of this vibrant, life-giving Oregon prairie will contribute to the survival and building of the breed for many years to come.

Porter and Princess

Ken and Pumpkin

Go to next page, please ~~~~>>>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~