Critters

We are proud of our developing herd of Dexter Cattle, an Irish heritage breed that is naturally small.  Docile, friendly, and always curious, cows truly are fascinating animals.  Come meet our “girls”, the cows and heifers: Leona (our boss cow), Shannon, Marie, Ronnie, Lori, Betsy, Bella, Almie, Gracie, and Jolene.  Help with feeding and learn that watching them eat is an amazingly relaxing activity.

We are hoping to have 10 calves born this summer, so a Farm Stay in June or July could include witnessing the birth of a calf.  Calves are up on wobbly legs in a few minutes after birth and quickly progress to chasing each other around just a few days later.  “Calf races” are one of the most entertaining sights on our farm.

We have four Shetland Sheep, a Scottish heritage breed that is naturally small:  Acey, Myrtie, Pearl, and Jammie.  We process and sell their fleeces to local fiber artists who are impressed with the colors (especially our black-and-white spotted fellow).

Perhaps our most social animal is Polly, a Pot-bellied Pig, also a naturally small breed.  She greets everyone who arrives at Hoehn Bend Farm with enthusiasm.  Smart, social, and clean, but the noisiest eater of all our critters.

Our farm is well-supervised by three Barn Cats who used to be city dwellers, but who have become farm cats at their core:  Mamma Kitty, Donnie, and Tacko.  Perching on tractor seats, sunning themselves on bales of hay, and watching over barn cleaning activities fill their days.

When we arrive at the farm each morning, we will be accompanied by our Collie puppy: Maggie.  She is just learning the ropes at Hoehn Bend Farm, but we hope that she has a great future as a herding dog!