| This website is about the farm here at Hillside Gems, mainly focused on Pygmy Goats. We also offer information on Rabbits, Poultry (chickens & ducks), and Dairy Goats. We came to be in 1999 when we acquired a trio of ducks and a pair of bantam chickens. Ever since, we have grown. My name is Vicki and I am the main caretaker of the goats. I run the website as well. I am currently a 4-H member, and I have been a member since 1999. I have shown rabbits, poultry, cavies, pigeons, pygmy goats, and dairy goats at one time or another through-out my 4-H career. Currently, I show rabbits, poultry, dairy goats, and pygmy goats, with my main focus on the goats. I am a 4-H Ambassador for my county, as well as a teen leader for my 4-H club. My mom is the Goat Superintendant for the 4-H barn at our local county fair, and I help out with that as well. We are always busy in July! I have competed at the state level for 4-H since 2003 in my various projects. Showmanship is a big part of 4-H. This competition allows members from around the county and state to compete against one another with their knowledge, handling skills, and how they present themselves to the judge. I have some Showmanship Tips posted on my website to give you an idea of what to expect. My tips include rabbits, poultry, pygmy goats, and dairy goats. I consider Hillside Gems a small scale farm. We do sell animals, because we breed to improve our stock and not everyone gets to stay here. We do not put something down just because we don't know how it looks, and we will not sell anything for meat purposes, no exceptions. We try to find every animal a loving home. We provide our own health and vet care to our animals in minor situations, and we prevent major situations from happening. When you have animals, you need to know how to care for them, and that does not just include feeding time. I mentioned this website is mainly set up for Pygmy Goats. My main interest nowadays is in the Pygmy Goats. I have raised grade pygmies for 5 years and am currently starting a NPGA registered herd. I used to raise Netherland Dwarf rabbits for ARBA shows. However, I find being in high school gives you very little time for hobbies, and I could not hold up both the rabbits and the goats. I am selling my current herd of Netherland Dwarfs and keeping a select few rabbits for 4-H. Thank you for stopping by. I will have more informational pages up as time allows. Vicki, Hillside Gems |
