Riverslea Farm

Monday, one of my weaving buddies invited me to feed and play with baby goats and lambs at Riverslea Farm in Epping, NH.


I couldn't resist the lure of all that cuteness!!


We spent most of our time with 9 orphaned baby goats and lambs. For one reason or another, these babies could not nurse from their mothers. They live together in this stall, and are fed warm milk from a milk bucket.

Our job was to sit in the stall with them and pat them, or let them sit on our laps. They reminded me a lot of dogs - even down to little wagging tails.

Have you ever visited goats in a petting zoo where they climb all over you and eat your clothes??? These goats are not like that. They're interested in you and friendly, but they didn't try to eat any part of me! (I was happy about that!) If I wanted one to sit on my lap, I had to pick it up.

When they're old enough and strong enough, they'll rejoin the rest of the herd and their moms.

This little lamb was only 12 hours old when we visited.

Rio is the resident guard llama. He lives with the herd and will run off any coyotes that threaten the herd.

Because Rio, like most llamas, is naturally curious, if he sees a coyote, he'll gallop across the field toward it. Coyotes flee from a galloping llama, which is much bigger than a coyote.

If Rio had to, he could fight off a coyote with his hooves.


We toured all three barns on the property, stopping to pat Stella. I was surprised by how friendly all the animals were.

Since lambs and goats are being born daily at Riverslea, if you're local and you'd like to help socialize the little ones, like I did, contact the farm. They'd be glad to have help!!! (If you do go, wear old clothes that can get dirty.)

I heard exciting news at the farm.

Not only is the Winter Fuzz Fest already being planned for January 2011, but a summer event (Summer Fuzz Fest?) is being planned, probably in August 2010 at the farm.

I'll definitely keep you posted!!