Animals

Animals are a big part of everyday life at Slide Ranch. Not only are they great companions, they also provide food and help us keep our farm healthy.

• Goats provide us with fresh milk and cheese. They are "browsers," helping us maintain the land by eating invasive plants such as thistle and fennel.
• Sheep provide us with great wool every spring, which is used for carding and spinning into yarn with program participants at Slide Ranch.
• Chickens provide tasty and nutritious eggs and meat, eat kitchen scraps and help control worm larvae.
• Ducks help us by eating weeds and slugs.

Meet some of our animals:

Name: Mia
Breed: La Mancha Goat
Distinguishing characteristic: Her most distinguishing feature is her really small ears which are typical for the La mancha breed. She gives the sweetest milk.
Favorite food: Thistle leaves and flowers.
Favorite activity: Climbing on rocks. She likes to have her chin scratched.
Personality: Very curious and smart. She likes to play and run around the barn.

Name: Xoia
Breed: Suffolk Cross Sheep
Distinguishing characteristic: The biggest ewe at Slide Ranch. Her wool is soft and warm.
Favorite food: Alfalfa and fresh green pasture.
Personality: The leader of the herd. She decides where to go for the sweetest pasture.