GUERNSEY GOATS
About Guernseys
Guernsey goats are a rare breed in the United States, with few numbers and even fewer breeders. Actually, there are only 30 farms registered with the Guernsey Goat Breeders of America in the United States, and we are one of them, and the ONLY breeders in Alabama. The Guernsey dairy goat was developed using genetics from the rare Golden Guernsey Goats, an official dairy breed registered with the British Goat Society. The Guernsey dairy goat is medium in size. The ears are erect and often set slightly lower than Swiss breeds and carried horizontally, or forward in what is termed the “bonnet” position when viewed in profile. Ear tips can be slightly upturned. The ears must not be pendulous. The nose should be either straight or dished. See more about the breed at Guernsey Goat Breeders of America.
The reason we chose Guernseys for our homestead is because of their natural hardiness, and their tendencies to be parasite resistant and feed efficient, productive milkers, as well as extremely docile and quiet. The bucks are even less smelly than other standard breeds, if you can imagine that! That beautiful, long, golden coat is a bonus.
The reason we chose Guernseys for our homestead is because of their natural hardiness, and their tendencies to be parasite resistant and feed efficient, productive milkers, as well as extremely docile and quiet. The bucks are even less smelly than other standard breeds, if you can imagine that! That beautiful, long, golden coat is a bonus.
Our Standards
Just like the rest of our animals, our goats are raised holistically and fed non-GMO, soy/corn free feed as a supplement to forage and hay. And just as nature intended, the babies born here always keep their amazing horns to help with temperature regulation, among other things. Because of their docile nature, not ONE of them has ever used their horns against a person. We have bred these goats up from scratch with solid Swiss foundation does and Guernsey bucks in accordance with the British Goat Society standards and we are proud of the offspring every single year. Our focus is first and foremost on hardiness and parasite resistance as well as feed efficiency. Next is milk quality, correct udder structure and production (while still being feed efficient). Next is feet, which Guernseys often lack strength in. After all, these animals need strong feet to support them for the long term and for breeding and carrying babies (and heavy udders). Speaking of babies, we've had 2 sets of triplets born on the farm! Most of our goats give us twins every year and are still able to share milk with us humans. We do not separate the babies from the mamas like most dairy goat farmers, as we feel it is important to provide a stress free environment for the animals to aide in avoiding health issues.
Swiss Foundation Does
Lilly (Saanen) BGS Registered - RESERVED
Lilly is bred to Krem Brulay Percival, a British Guernsey (BG3) son of Golden Guernsey, Swind Peacock, for early March babies. She is available now (bred) for $375 or after her 2020 kids are weaned for $275. You may place a deposit to reserve her now.
Lilly is a well-seasoned pro at 6-years-old this year. She sports an excellent udder and a top line you could iron a shirt on, also with excellent feet and legs. She has had several sets of twins as well as triplets, all with unassisted ease in birthing. Milks 2.5gal a day, easily, while still feeding her babies. Lilly has been our herd queen for several years and was recently dethroned by her horned daughters, which she didn't take very well so she has since been moved to hang out with the bucks after her pregnancy to Perci was confirmed. She has served our program well, but it is time for her to move on.
Lilly is a well-seasoned pro at 6-years-old this year. She sports an excellent udder and a top line you could iron a shirt on, also with excellent feet and legs. She has had several sets of twins as well as triplets, all with unassisted ease in birthing. Milks 2.5gal a day, easily, while still feeding her babies. Lilly has been our herd queen for several years and was recently dethroned by her horned daughters, which she didn't take very well so she has since been moved to hang out with the bucks after her pregnancy to Perci was confirmed. She has served our program well, but it is time for her to move on.
Lulu (Toggenburg) ADGA & BGS Registered - RESERVED
Lulu is our long haired, lovable hippie, and is coming up on 4-years-old. She has a nice udder, good tasting milk, and is super chill. She has kidded twins and even triplets with ease, is an excellent mother and always has plenty of milk to go around. The gentlest of souls, and can be completely trusted with even the tiniest of milkers (like my daughter).
BGS Registered Guernsey Does
HigherGround Willow - SR (50%)
A three-year-old, SR Level third freshener this year. Willow is from Saanen foundation. Mind blowing milk capacity on this girl! She makes an excellent homestead milker and will need to be milked consistently, even with kids on her. Kidded two singletons and twins, unassisted, including Honey & Sunshine.
HigherGround Goldie - SR (50%)
A two-year-old, SR Level, second freshener this year, Goldie is from Saanen foundation and the best doe on the farm. She is the triplet sister to Limerick & Clover and also has fantastic (perfect, dare I say) udder conformation and capacity as well as excellent feet and legs. The picture is of her FF udder last year. If that isn't enough, she's a super hardy, parasite resistant, feed efficient, calm, easy milking girl. Kidded twins and triplets, unassisted.
HigherGround Buttercup - FB (75%)
Twin daughter of Goldie, Buttercup (pictured in the center) is a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year. Buttercup is a light gold colored, well put together girl. Buttercup gave birth to a beautiful doeling - Daffodil!
HigherGround Marigold - FB (75%)
Twin daughter of Goldie, Marigold is a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year. Marigold is a medium gold colored, well put together girl. I'm hoping to see her mother's udder upon kidding, making her an absolutely fabulous doe. Gave birth to a beautiful buckling, but unfortunately, he was born sleeping.
HigherGround Sunshine - FB (75%)
Daughter of Willow, Sunshine is a dark golden, long haired, fringed beauty. She's a one-year-old, FB Level first freshener this year as well. Her stature, color, personality and over all body conformation make this girl my favorite! Sunshine gave birth to a beautiful doeling - Rhea!
HigherGround Wish - SR (50%)
A one-year-old, SR Level, first freshener this year, Wish (pictured on the right) is from Toggenburg foundation. She is a petite girl who has the most adorable wattles and a pale golden color on a thick, long, wavy Guernsey coat. Has kidded a single buckling with wattles - Hiccup.
HigherGround Rose - FB (75%)
A one-year-old, FB Level, first freshener this year, Rose is from Toggenburg foundation. She is a petite girl who is very reserved with a pale golden, thick, long, wavy Guernsey coat. Her mother had great instincts and was a fabulous, protective, independent first-time mother.
HigherGround Luna - FB (75%) - RESERVED
Daughter of Limerick, Luna is an up and coming one-year-old, FB Level first freshener, currently expecting her first babies in mid-April. We anticipate that Luna will have her mother's excellent udder! Luna gave birth to a beautiful doeling - Stardust!
HigherGround Honey - FB (75%) RESERVED
Daughter of Willow, Honey is a two-year-old, FB Level second freshener this year. Honey is short and stout and gives excellent tasting, creamy milk! She produced the most beautiful buckling last year and excellent buck/doe (Buzzbee & Bea) twins this year.
BGS Registered Guernsey Bucks
BG1 Worth It Farms Whirlaway - RESERVED
Our original herd sire has blessed us with many, many daughters, granddaughters and even great-granddaughters, and it is time for him to serve someone else's breeding program. He is a magnificently horned, holistically raised, handsome young man who never disappoints during breeding season (seriously, his girl record is phenomenal)! Peaches is a BG1 level, long-haired, light golden colored playboy!
2020 American Guernsey Bucklings
|
AVAILABLE:
Higher Ground Buzzbee - $300 - a dark colored American Guernsey buckling with a very sweet disposition. Son of Higher Ground Honey & Krem Brulay Percival. |
We anticipate several bucklings to be born this Spring (starting early March through May), and if last year is any indication, there will likely be several nice looking breeding quality boys. Breeding quality American Guernsey bucklings will start at $300. If you would like to be put on our list, please contact us to reserve your pick.
Any male goats that are not breeding quality, for whatever reason, will remain on the farm, as we will no longer sell live bucklings as meat or brush animals due to the mistreatment they tend to suffer upon leaving our farm. They will live peacefully, be well loved, and cared for and then will be humanely harvested in Winter for meat for our family. |