Thursday August 27th, 2009

The goaties and other farmyard friends

Well, it took a little time, but Wonder has made fast friends with the goaties: Rastus, Sonyia, Remus and Amelia. As you can see, he is he is happy to share his hay when turned out with them—he even tolerates Traak the German Shepherd sneaking in to see what's on the menu.

When he is outside, Wonder is perfectly content to share. However, in his domain, (the stall and in-and-out), he likes to bully them a little and chase them off the hay before settling in to dine. Splitting it into several piles helps, but he enjoys establishing rank anyway and, to their annoyance, playfully chases them from pile to pile. The goats are a little perturbed at this odd behavior, especially since my two horses tolerate them pretty much anywhere...around them, under them, etc. But they all seem to work it out just a bit more every day.

Grain is always fed alone to eliminate the feeling of competition. Wonder has a great appetite. My only rule, is that he must stay out of my personal hulahoop until the grain is in the bucket and I have given him permission. Pushing me out of the way is a no no and he has caught on very quickly, now waiting like a gentleman.

In addition to the dogs and the goaties, Wonder has been busy getting used to my chickens, geese, turkeys, cats and even a big pig, Petunia. It is rare he gets startled by anyone anymore, even when the barn cats leap off the fence or the the chickens race underneath him. I will soon take more photos of him and all of his friends for you to see.

My own horses, Sassie and Fling. have also been adjusting to the newcomer. While he was an immediate hit with Sassie, Fling (my Hungarian), was not too thrilled with the perceived competition and spent the first few days giving Wonder dirty looks from a distance. Now, they all touch noses and nibble on each other over the fence line when turned out side by side.

Although, I think it is important for Wonder to have friends, he still seems small to me so I am not quite ready to turn him out with anyone but the goaties. When the time comes, Sassie (my Thoroughbred), is ready and eager to babysit. She has always seemed to have a soft spot for babies and is the more tolerant horse of the two with other animals. In the meantime, Wonder's turnout varies so he gets accustomed to different paddocks as well as being closer or further from each of the horses. He gets more and more comfortable by the day without the constant companionship of another baby, both in his stall and when turned out. He really is turning into an adaptable, adjustable foal.