Baby Pygmy goat adopted by mother who lost one

Blossom had her baby just less than a week ago, but unfortunately it was stillborn.

Alice went into labour with her offspring the next day and had two healthy babies, a boy, which has been called Elliot and a girl, called Fleur.

‘Blossom had a stillborn on the Wednesday night, so when Alice had her twins we wanted to see if Blossom would adopt one of them,’ said owner Becky Falla.

‘Elliot was the first-born, so by the time she had the second goat she was straight away cleaning him so didn’t take much notice of Fleur. We passed her straight over to be with Blossom and we squirted her with Blossom’s milk so she could smell her.

‘Mandy Girard told us to do it and it has really worked for us, they are so closely bonded. They sleep right up with their heads next to each other.’

As well as the two mothers and new babies, there are also two males at Belvoir Field. The four miniature goats were brought over to the island about 18 months ago, and are fairly rare for the island, given the dominance and status of the Golden Guernsey breed. Blossom and Alice’s offspring are believed to be the first Pygmy babies born locally for many years.

‘We brought them over in September 2022. It was a trial to get them over – the only way to get them here was on a private jet, and there are so may regulations with the Golden Guernseys being protected, but it was so worth it,’ Mrs Falla said.

‘There aren’t many Pygmy goats here. There was a herd in Sark years ago, but I think these are probably the only girls left.’

The next step for the baby goats now is to integrate them with the males at the field. They are currently separated with each of their mothers.

Belvoir Field off La Mazotte is a magnet for families and young children to watch farmyard animals close up. The goats are a particular attraction, given their jumping and skipping mannerisms.