Some may know that we graduated from our suburban Itty Bitty Farm a few years ago to our rural homestead property, Little Bigger Farm, where we are able to produce more- still on a small scale. We happily raise some of our own fruits, berries, and vegetables, as well as ducks, geese, American Guinea Hogs, a small flock of Dorper-Katahdin sheep and a few dairy goats. My mother resides on the property with us and she cheerfully raises chickens. We are learning and loving more everyday.
Being in this position has given me an excellent opportunity to study the behavior of both sheep and goats, to become aware of their commonalities and to note where they are truly unique. I easily appreciate these wonderful animals and find each species a joy to raise, however there are stark differences. I thought some of you, particularly those of you who are practicing Christians, would be interested in my careful and sincere observations; as Christ so often contrasted the goat with the sheep, and while never stating a dislike for goats, claimed the sheep as analogous to his own brothers and sisters. These are my discoveries thus far:
Goats are excessively curious about the world. Sheep are mildly inquisitive regarding the world.
Goats are usually flamboyant. Sheep are generally reserved.
Goats are bold and quickly into everyone’s business. Sheep are wary and hesitant to involve themselves in the affairs of others.
Goats crave attention and prefer to be the center of it. Sheep prefer to be inconspicuous.
Goats are particular and express a great variety of preference. Sheep are easily satisfied.
Goats are flirtatious and often without appropriate boundaries. Sheep are carefully friendly.
Goats are boisterous partiers. Sheep are pleasant.
Goats will stand on their heads any time to make you laugh. Sheep will wonder at your easy frivolity.
Goats are chatty and sometimes carry-on unduly. Sheep are quiet until it is absolutely fitting to raise a voice.
Goats will interrupt peasant or King and possibly trample him, no matter the solemnity of the occasion. Sheep stay near and maintain a respectable stance.
Goats are affectionate and indulgent with their off-spring. Sheep are tender toward their young, yet command their respect.
Goats appreciate it when their humans occasionally help out by kidsitting, and are completely trusting that they will have the best interest of their little ones at heart. Sheep are pleased to take care of their own little ones ninety percent of the time, and when the situation demands it, care only to pass them off to another sheep.
Goats are quite happy to include any merry-maker and appear to be open to accepting all as family. Sheep are kind to others and spend time with all, but remain truly interested in flocking and maintaining relationship with one another on a separate and primary level, which on occasion annoys the goats.
Goats are rowdy. Sheep are gentle.
Goats are clever. Sheep are thoughtful.
Goats are immediately attractive. Sheep will grow on you.
As I continue to care for both goats and sheep, I hope to remain astute and to capture further information of a similar nature to impart to you, my dear readers. Perhaps the next entry will offer a comparison of the two species.
Copyright 2022. L. L. Shelton.
