Our Animals
Sunnyside is home to a small herd of goats, as well as miniature donkeys and horses. Our goats, which are primarily Nigerian Dwarf and were acquired from The Naughty Little Goat Farm in Amissville, Virginia, play an important role in our land management efforts, helping to control invasive plant species across the property through targeted browsing.
In previous years, we’ve led the goats on walks to introduce them to different areas of the landscape. This season, we’re expanding those efforts by moving them along trails and into priority zones where they can browse on invasive vegetation. In addition to their role in vegetation management, the goats contribute to soil health by producing nutrient-rich manure, which we compost and return to our fields and hoop houses to support long-term soil fertility.
Ryan (3/3/2015)
Ryan—originally named Orion—is the largest member of the herd, a cross between Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf goats. His size and easygoing temperament make him a steady presence within the group. Ryan is generally tolerant of handling and often seeks out attention, especially when treats are involved. He is also the uncle of Hall and Oates and is frequently found alongside Carlyle, his longtime companion. Like most goats, he has a broad appetite and will sample just about anything available to him.
Carlyle (4/10/2015)
Carlyle is a calm and observant member of the herd, often keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings. Recognizable by his distinctive beard, he tends to move at a slower pace than some of the others and is comfortable in close proximity to people. Carlyle is known for his patience with the younger goats and is frequently seen resting or quietly interacting with both goats and other animals on the property, including the chickens that share their space. He has a particular fondness for walnuts and fresh leafy greens.
The Dude (12/16/2021)
The name says it all. The Dude is one of the more energetic and inquisitive goats in the herd. He is quick to explore new areas and is known for testing boundaries, occasionally finding his way out of enclosures before returning on his own. His agility and curiosity make him one of the more active goats to observe. He is highly social and often seeks out attention from visitors, sometimes interacting in unexpected ways—including a tendency to investigate (and occasionally remove) hats. During the winter months, he develops a notably thick coat that requires seasonal grooming. He readily accepts most treats, with a preference for apple slices and almonds.
Hall (3/10/2022)
Hall has grown significantly since arriving at Sunnyside as part of a set of quadruplets alongside his brother, Oates. Now one of the larger goats in the herd, he is strong, confident, and notably independent. He has a consistent tendency to remove his collar, making him somewhat more difficult to manage during movements across the property. Despite this, Hall remains an important part of the group and is an active browser, particularly favoring maple leaves and cashews. He is frequently seen exploring and climbing on structures throughout their enclosure.
Oates (3/10/2022)
Oates, Hall’s brother, is smaller in size but equally active. The two are rarely seen apart and often engage in play with each other and the rest of the herd. Oates is particularly energetic and can often be seen bounding around the enclosure and exploring elevated surfaces. Despite his size, he is assertive and holds his own within the herd’s social structure. He shows a strong interest in a variety of foods, including garden vegetables such as tomatoes, as well as leafy greens like kale.
Chrysanthemum and Buzz Lightyear
Chrysanthemum (Mumsy) and Buzz Lightyear are Sunnyside’s miniature donkeys and have been part of the farm for over a decade. They were originally brought here as companion animals for the horses that lived on the property at the time and now share the pasture with a new group of equine neighbors.
They spend much of their time grazing on hay and grass, though they occasionally attempt to make their way into the goat paddock. Mumsy is the more vocal of the two and is comfortable around people, especially when it comes to attention and face scratches. Buzz is more reserved and tends to keep his distance, though he may approach when food is involved.
Mara and Maple
Mara and Maple are the most recent additions to the farm and quickly became part of daily life at Sunnyside. These gentle horses can often be found grazing in their pasture or being ridden along the farm’s trail system.