Feeling faint?
The Miniature Silky Fainting goat, or Mini Silky, is just that-- a small fainting goat with long silky hair. Wait. Scratch that. They are wayyyyy more than just that. Bred to be beautiful, personable companions, we proudly think of our herd as the World’s Best Yard Candy! But don't let their demure expression and lustrous locks fool you. They are hardy, willing workers—earning their keep on the farm by eating weeds, improving pastures, and providing hours of entertainment. Seriously. They're like a comedy troop with hooves.
Our goats know their names, come when called, walk on leads, and follow us around the farm. So basically, have all of the best qualities of dogs with none of the bad ones. There is no housebreaking or dog walkers needed. You can go out for a night on the town, and not have to worry about rushing home to walk your Mini Silky. But, we guarantee they will be waiting by the fence to greet you when you do finally roll into the driveway. And when they see you, they'll probably attempt a cartwheel - and instead, topple over with excitement. They can't help it. Excitement overpowers them until they, well, faint.
RoundAbout mini silkies >
Breed Description
Bred to resemble a Silky Terrier, Mini Silkies should have long flowing body coats, bangs, muffs on their cheeks, beards, and abundant hair on their necks and chests that blends with the body coat. Coats should have high luster and a silky texture, sparking when they catch the sunlight. They seem to know this, by the way, based on how they strut around as if they're God's gift to the opposite sex. Confidence is never lacking with these buggars. Bucks typically have more body coat and heavier bangs than does, though does often seem more elegant as a result. Ideally, bucks measure 23.5 inches at the withers, with 22.5 inches being ideal for does.
History
The Mini Silky breed was developed in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s by crossing Tennessee Fainting Goats with long-haired Nigerian Dwarf stock. Because fainting goats figure heavily in their backgrounds, most Mini Silkies exhibit varying degrees of myotonia, a muscle condition that causes them to stiffen or fall over when startled or overly excited. However, not all faint, but carry a gene for myotonia that will likely express itself in future generations. Mini Silkies are not required to faint, since breeders are primarily focused on producing a certain physical appearance rather than fainting ability. However, though varying in level of myotonic ability, most in our herd do faint to some degree. And while yes, it is sort of hysterical to watch when they do faint, we never intentionally scare or startle our goats to make them faint. Besides, they do a pretty good job of startling or exciting each other at play while we sit back and witness their comical melodrama.
Our Breeding Program
We are very selective in placing RoundABout babies in homes where they will be treated with compassion, kindness, and respect. Now recognized as a distinct breed, Mini Silkies are registered with the Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Association (msfgaregisrty.org). The MSFGA sanctions Mini Silky shows throughout the United States— a great opportunity to show off your animals and meet other mini silky owners who are, for the most part, just as fun and entertaining as their Mini Silky companions.
At RoundAbout Farm, we aim to produce animals that stand out in your front yard and in the show ring. Committed to producing healthy, beautiful animals with outgoing, loving temperaments, our Mini Silkies are handled daily, groomed regularly, fed high-quality food, fenced safely, and loved to pieces. And it shows in our babies. They're fun-loving, well socialized, confident, and above all - healthy. You will never regret opening your home and heart to a RoundABout Mini Silky.
new arrivals
baby goat cuteness >
Lindy Hop's Baby Video
Lindy Hop came into the world dancing at 12:40 a.m. on April 24, 2013. She's been living up to her name ever since.
In these shoes??? >
In 2013, Pepsi was born at RoundAbout, just in time for Mother's Day! Watch her as she takes her first steps. Or in this case, her first dancing steps!
Want a mini silky of your own?
Of course you do. Who wouldn't? They are, after all, the best yard candy in the world! If you want a RoundAbout Mini Silky of your own, send us a message!
