Our Animals
Kune Kune Pig
Hamilton is a small breed of domestic pig. The breed originally came from New Zealand. They are very sociable and have a very good memory. They learn words by repetition. Hamilton has a long coat of hair. His snout is slightly upturned and black. Ears are semi lopped, or half up and halfway down. He has short legs and two wattles. Wattles are loose folds of skin hanging from the neck. Their eyesight is not great but their sense of smell is excellent. Hamilton will sit for apples. Hamilton is fed his grain twice a day and some Timothy alfalfa hay, but always ready to have some apples from visitors. He is also trained to walk with a halter on and a leash. Kune Kunes can live to 15-20 years.
Miniature Donkeys
Our donkeys are miniature Sicilian donkeys. The breed is originally from Italy. Their names are Newman and Lucy. Donkeys have been used as work animals, such as in agriculture, pack animals, guardians in the pastures over livestock, and even to transport people. The diet consists of grain twice a day and free choice hay. The domesticated miniature donkeys can live to 35-40 years. Our donkeys are here to meet and greet our visitors.
American Quarter Horse
Shamrock is our Quarter Horse. The Quarter Horse breed can excel at sprinting short distances. They have the ability to outrun other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less. The development of the Quarter Horse traces to the 1600’s. The Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to the United States. They have a refined head and well-muscled body. Their height can be 55.9-64.2 inches. An adult hand is considered 4” and you measure at the withers. They are well known as a racehorse but also for their “cow sense”. This means they are good for moving cattle, rodeos, horse shows and working as a ranch horse. Shamrock loves humans and always looks forward to having people out for a visit. We lead children as well as adults around for a ride on Shamrock. He eats grain twice a day as well as free choice hay. Quarter Horses can live between 25-35 years.
Indian Runner Duck
Creek and Quackers are our Indian Runner Ducks. We gave Creek her name because we live in Creek County. You will know why Quackers got her name when you meet her. Indian Runner Ducks are a breed of the domestic duck. They stand erect like penguins and they have a fast walk or run. The females lay about 300 eggs a year. Creek just recently started laying eggs for us. We did not know if she was a boy or girl until she laid her first egg. They have a very hard shell and their yolk is very dark. They are great for baking and also eating as part of a meal. They were found originally on Indonesian Islands where they were ‘walked’ to market and sold as egg-layers or for meat. Creek doesn’t fly, just does her fast walk. We put Creek in a crate with her feed and water every night because they are known for dropping their eggs wherever they happen to be. The females can weigh between 3.1-4.4 pounds. They can be 20 inches tall. Their egg color is greenish blue. The bill blends into the head smoothly and their head is more shallow than other breeds of ducks. The eyes are high on the head and they have long, slender necks. We have a kiddie pool for her to enjoy swimming and cleaning herself. She has a special duck food and we also put dried grub worms in her bowl. I don’t know how long Indian Runner ducks can live but I want it to be a very long time. She and Hamilton are very good friends, staying in the same area. They have been called the Odd Couple.
Llama
Our llama’s name is Dorito. The llama is a large, furry mammal that was domesticated in South America for meat, fur, and as a pack animal. They can also be used as guardians in the pastures over livestock. Although related to camels, llamas don’t have humps. Their adult size is approximately 5’7” – 5’11”. Their diet can consist of flowers, leaves, fruits and roots. Llamas re-chew their food and have a three-compartment stomach with a very long, large intestine. This allows them to digest rich plants and can also survive on much less water than most mammals. Dorito eats a grain twice a day and free choice hay. Llamas have cloven feet, short tail and long necks. Llamas are herd animals and only spit for dominance disputes. Because Dorito was born on our place in Beggs, he has grown up with all the other animals. He does get irritated with Shamrock, our Quarter Horse, periodically but he does not get irritated with humans. Dorito is intelligent and he was easily halter trained. He enjoys being sheared once a year. Llamas can live between 15-25 years.
Thoroughbred Horse
Rico is our Thoroughbred Horse. We purchased Rico from Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation where responsible owners and trainers send their retired horses after racing. Rico is our gentle giant of a horse. The Thoroughbred was developed for horse racing, flat racing, steeple chasing but also as saddle horses. They are considered one of the fastest animals in the world. They are called hot-blooded horses that are known for their agility, speed and spirit. They are originally from the Middle East and imported to England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They are a tall, slim, athletic horse. Their height ranges from 62-68 inches. Rico is considered a dark bay or brown for his color. Rico eats grain twice a day and free choice of hay. He would love to eat more but we don’t want any of our animals to become too heavy because it is hard on them. A Thoroughbred Horse can live between 25-30 years.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Hank and Holly are Nigerian dwarf goats. The Nigerian Dwarf Goat originated from west Africa. They were imported to the Americas in the 18th century. They can be 16.9-23.6 inches tall. They can weigh up to 75 pounds. A benefit of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat is their manure can be used as a natural compost for gardens. They have been used as small scale dairy production and for companionship. Hank and Holly are generally gentle and calm. They are very serious about their food and Hank being larger does chase Holly away at feeding time. They are very sociable. This breed is becoming more common to be seen in nursing homes, veteran facilities, and hospitals to help raise the spirits of the patients or residents. Hank and Holly eat alfalfa pellets and free choice of hay during the winter season. They will be corralled in areas during the spring, summer and fall to clear out the roughage. We use goat panels to keep them in. Nigerian Dwarf goats can live between 15-20 years.
Baby Doll Sheep
Chewy was born 5/5/24 and is a mixed breed of ¼ Baby Doll and ¾ Icelandic sheep. Originally from Iceland, they are generally short legged and stocky. Their fleece is double-coated and can be white or a variety of other colors. Harry was born 3/31/24 and is 100% Baby Doll breed. This breed is gentle, adorable and low maintenance. They originated in the late 1700s from the South Down hills of Sussex County England. They grow to be 18”-24” tall. Most are white or black. They have a permanent Teddy Bear smile.