Author: Amber Chapman-Gray

  • Disbudding Adventures with the New Babies

    Disbudding Adventures with the New Babies

    Part of raising goats means making decisions that protect them long-term, even when those moments are not easy.

    Four of our babies, Halo, Clementine, Mace, and Stacey, were taken to Rancho de Lago where Farmer Mara carefully disbudded them. Disbudding is a common practice that prevents horns from growing. While horns are natural, they can sometimes lead to injuries between goats or accidental harm to people, especially in close farm settings. The goal is safety for everyone as they grow.

    The babies did exactly what babies do. They cried.

    Halo let the whole world know how he felt about it, while Mace and Stacey broke our hearts with their soft, lingering cries. Clementine, in her own quiet strength, surprised us all by barely making a sound.

    The first day was the hardest. By the second, something shifted. Little legs were bouncing again. Curiosity returned. Life resumed.

    Now, the only evidence of what they went through are two small, perfect silver circles on their heads, where silver sulfadiazine was applied to help them heal.

    Everything else about them feels the same.

    Sometimes care looks like making hard choices, and then watching resilience do what it does best.

  • The Chicksplosion at Rainbow Road Farm

    The Chicksplosion at Rainbow Road Farm

    Just when we thought the goats had finished their grand performance… the chicks said, “Hold our feed.”

    Welcome to the Chicksplosion.

    Nine tiny chicks hatched from fertilized eggs right from our own flock, thanks to Red Ryder, our very confident rooster and apparent overachiever. Only two eggs didn’t make it, leaving us with a lively crew of nine: Delilah, Dragon, Pipkins, Pebbles, Star, Peep, Tilly, Toffee, and Tater-Tot.

    From the moment they arrived, it was chaos.

    They don’t just peep. They cheep with purpose. They ninja-kick the brooder window like tiny feathered warriors, launch surprise attacks on each other, and turn feeding time into full-blown food fights. Four yellow, three black, and two gray fluff butts moving like a single, unstoppable storm.

    And then there’s Delilah.

    At one point, she grabbed a sibling’s leg and pulled until it stretched in a way that made us all freeze… and then, once we realized everyone was fine, we laugh and immediately label her “the problem child.”

    From window kicks to dramatic peeping protests, the chicks have brought a whole new level of madness to Rainbow Road.

    And honestly… we wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • Tessa’s Healing Season

    Tessa’s Healing Season

    Sometimes, care on the farm looks less like sunshine and more like quiet vigilance.

    Tessa underwent an emergency cesarean section after losing her babies, Jess and Tori. She was expertly cared for by Dr. Martin at Temecula Valley Vet. During the procedure, part of her uterus had to be removed after it was found to be damaged. It was a serious surgery, the kind that reminds you how fragile even the strongest animals can be.

    Since then, Tessa has been in recovery. She spent many days on antibiotics, pain relief, and steroids, and remains under close watch while her stitches heal. She moves on her own now, steady but careful, as if her body is still remembering what it went through.

    Recovery hasn’t been instant. There are moments when you can see the discomfort in her steps. But healing isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

    And then, one day, she started acting like herself again.

    That small shift mattered more than anything clinical. It meant her energy was returning. It meant she was no longer just surviving.

    I didn’t want to lose my goat.

    But Tessa, in her quiet strength, chose to stay.

  • When Friends Change: Tessa and Cutestyr

    When Friends Change: Tessa and Cutestyr

    Not all changes on the farm are loud. Some happen quietly, in the space between two animals who used to be inseparable.

    Tessa and Cutestyr were always together. They slept side by side, moved as a pair, and seemed to understand each other in that steady, familiar way goats sometimes do. But after the babies arrived, something shifted.

    It started small. Buttercup wandered over and tried to latch onto Tessa. Tessa moved her away with a firm nudge, followed by a quick headbutt. Cutestyr didn’t take kindly to that. She stepped in, and before long, the two of them were clashing, not playfully, but with intention. Headbutts landed harder. Space grew between them.

    Now, instead of standing together, they keep their distance. Where there was once closeness, there is now tension. Tessa moves a little more on her own. Cutestyr stays close to her babies.

    On a farm, relationships shift with seasons, births, and loss. Not everything can be explained in simple terms. Sometimes, it’s enough just to notice that something once shared is now… different.

  • The Goatsplosion at Rainbow Road Farm

    The Goatsplosion at Rainbow Road Farm

    They don’t tell you that when goats decide to have babies, they do it all at once.

    At Rainbow Road Farm, what started as “a few expected deliveries” quickly turned into a full-blown goatsplosion. Piper welcomed Mace and Stacey. Cutestyr followed with Buttercup, Dally, and Oreo. Cutie, with a little help from Farmer Tabby, brought Halo and Clementine into the world. Seven tiny lives, all within a whirlwind of straw, hooves, and barely controlled chaos.

    Farmer Eli took on the role of official baby coordinator, making sure everyone found the right mama. Farmer Tumbleweed Scout gently cleaned birth goo off newborns like it was sacred work. And everywhere you turned, there were soft little baas echoing through the farm.

    Not every moment was easy. Tessa lost her babies, Jess and Tori, and that kind of quiet grief settles deep. Stacey gave us a scare too, needing a rushed trip to Dr. Martin after a frightening accident. Halo came into the world small and uncertain, and we held our breath longer than we’d like to admit.

    But somehow, through all of it, life kept pushing forward.

    Now the fields are filled with bouncing legs, tiny voices, and a brand new generation of Rainbow Road kids. We’re still waiting to see what bundles of bouncy joy Sweetheart brings. Hopefully, soon, we’ll have more to report.

  • Cinnamon the Curious Silkie Escapes! A Feathered Adventure at Rainbow Road Farm

    Cinnamon the Curious Silkie Escapes! A Feathered Adventure at Rainbow Road Farm

    A Silkie Surprise

    Hello, young adventurers! Today we have a feathery little tale about our new Silkie chicken named Cinnamon. One sunny afternoon, as we drove our white pickup truck up to the farm to check on all the goats, we spotted something surprising. There was little Cinnamon—our new fluffy teenage Silkie—happily running around right inside the goat pen!

    Silkie Chicken in the corral yard with goats and a sign that says keep the gate closed no matter what the goats say

    We couldn’t believe our eyes. How did she escape the aviary? We had no idea how our tiny chicken had found her way out of the coop and into the big wide world of goats. But there she was, clucking proudly, her soft feathers bouncing as she darted between hay piles and curious goat noses.

    Silkie Chicken with goats in corral

    The Great Chicken Escape

    Cinnamon must have squeezed through a little gap near the coop door—her adventurous spirit simply couldn’t resist exploring. While the goats were fascinated by their new feathery friend, we quickly realized that Cinnamon wasn’t in any danger. In fact, she seemed to be having the time of her life!

    Proximo, our big, gentle goat, leaned down to sniff her, while Bumper and Cutestyr watched from a distance, wondering if she might share some of her grain. Cinnamon wasn’t scared at all—she fluffed up her feathers, gave a cheerful bakock, and strutted around like she owned the place.

    Silkie Chicken getting closer to the aviary after escaping into the goat yard

    Back to the Coop (Eventually)

    After a few minutes of laughter and photos, we gently scooped Cinnamon up to take her back to her cozy chicken coop. But before we could leave, she gave a happy squawk—as if to say, “That was fun! Let’s do it again sometime!”

    Back in her pen, she greeted her sisters with lots of chatter, probably telling them all about her daring adventure among the goats. We made sure to patch up her sneaky escape route, though we wouldn’t be surprised if Cinnamon is already plotting her next great farm escapade.

    What Makes Silkies So Special

    Silkies like Cinnamon are one of the most unique chicken breeds in the world. Their feathers are soft and fluffy like fur, and they’re known for their calm, friendly personalities. They make wonderful farm companions—and sometimes even decide to go exploring when curiosity strikes! A silkie chicken is small, which is often called a “bantam.” Many chickens have a regular sized chicken and a small chicken, or a bantam chicken. Silkie Chickens only come in the bantam size, which make them super cute and unique.

    At Rainbow Road Farm, we love all our animals for their personalities and quirks. Cinnamon reminds us that a little curiosity can lead to big adventures, and that exploring the world around us—safely, of course—is one of the best ways to learn and grow.

    A Lesson from Cinnamon

    Cinnamon’s story teaches us to look at life with wonder and bravery. Sometimes the world outside our comfort zone is full of surprises—and a few friendly goats! Whether it’s a new hobby, a new friend, or a new experience, it’s always worth spreading your wings and giving it a try.

    So, next time you visit Rainbow Road Farm, keep an eye out for a fluffy little Silkie with a sparkle in her eye—that’s Cinnamon, our brave explorer of the barnyard!

  • Tessa and Cutestyr: The New American Nigerian Dwarf Goats at Rainbow Road Farm

    Tessa and Cutestyr: The New American Nigerian Dwarf Goats at Rainbow Road Farm

    Welcome to the Farm, Little Dwarves!

    Hello, farm friends! Gather around for a fun new tale about two of our newest and tiniest goat arrivals: Tessa and Cutestyr! These two adorable new Nigerian Dwarf goats have just joined us from a petting zoo, and they’ve been on quite the little adventure. Although these dwarves spent their last few weeks with thousands of kids petting them, their prior home and steward was at Snow Pony Rides & Farms where they enjoyed time with many wonderful petting zoo animals.

    It took a bit of time for the dwarves to arrive because they had to finish their duties at the local petting zoo—making children laugh, posing for selfies, and spreading joy to everyone who met them. Once their time there came to an end, Tessa and Cutestyr hopped onto the trailer and made their way to their forever home here at Rainbow Road Farm!

    First Steps into Their New Home

    When they first stepped out into the corral, the new dwarf goats eyes went wide with curiosity. The warm sunshine, and the gentle bleats of the other goats made them stop and take it all in. Tessa, with her little heart-shaped spot on her nose, was the first to start exploring. Cutestyr, true to her name, followed close behind, her tiny hooves clicking against the ground as she sniffed every inch of the area.

    We kept a close watch on them for the first few days to make sure they were settling in comfortably. At first, they stayed close together—like two peas in a pod—but before long, they were racing around the corral, leaping over hay bales, and introducing themselves to the rest of the herd.

    Meeting the Other Goats

    One of the first goats to greet them was Proximo, our farm’s proud and fluffy herd leader. He gave them a gentle nudge as if to say, “Welcome, little ones. You’re part of the family now.” Piper and Sweetheart were curious too, sniffing and bleating softly to make the newcomers feel at home.

    Tessa and Cutestyr quickly learned that Rainbow Road Farm is a happy, busy place where there’s always something going on—feeding time, playtime, and of course, visitors who love to say hello. They’ve even found a favorite napping spot under the shade, where they like to rest after their morning adventures.

    Playtime and Personalities

    Of the two new Nigerian Dwarf goats, Tessa is the brave explorer—she loves climbing on top of anything she can find, whether it’s a hay bale, a feeding trough, or even the barn steps! She’s curious about everything and often leads the way when the pair goes on little “expeditions.”

    White Pgymy goat with black collar

    Cutestyr, on the other hand, is gentle and a little shy, but she’s the cuddliest of the two Nigerian Dwarves you’ll ever meet. She loves back scratches and will nuzzle your hand for attention. When the two of them start playing together, it’s pure joy—tiny hops, silly spins, and happy bleats that can make anyone smile.

    Black and white pgymy goat with pink collar

    Learning the Farm Routine

    Every morning, Tessa and Cutestyr join the rest of the goats for breakfast. They’ve learned to line up politely (well, almost politely) when the grain buckets come out. After a good meal, it’s time for exploring the pastures, climbing the playground structures, and practicing their little goat jumps.

    In the evenings, the new Nigerian Dwarf goats like to curl up together in the cozy goat corral, where they listen to the crickets chirping and the soft rustle of hay. Life on the farm has turned out to be everything they dreamed of—and more!

    What’s Next for Tessa and Cutestyr, our First Nigerian Dwarves

    As they grow, we can’t wait to see how their personalities blossom even more. Maybe Tessa will become a matriarch of the Nigerian Dwarf goats, or perhaps Cutestyr will raise a family of her own someday. One thing’s for sure—they’ve already captured everyone’s hearts at Rainbow Road Farm.

    We’ll be sharing more updates about these two Nigerian Dwarves on our Goat Page, where you can follow their journey, see new photos, and learn fun facts about the new Dwarf goats.

    A Happy Ending (and a New Beginning!)

    Tessa and Cutestyr remind us that every new beginning can be exciting, even if it’s a little scary at first. With kindness, patience, and friendship, every animal finds its place in the herd—and every day becomes an adventure worth sharing.

    So next time you visit Rainbow Road Farm, keep an eye out for two tiny Nigerian Dwarf goats bouncing around together. That’s Tessa and Cutestyr—our newest little stars!

  • The Journey of Proximo: From Bottle Baby to Herd Head

    The Journey of Proximo: From Bottle Baby to Herd Head

    Hello, friends! Today, let’s take a little journey back in time to hear about one of our most magnificent goats: Proximo! When Proximo first arrived at Rainbow Road Farm, all the way from Hippie Dippie Mini Nubian Farms, he was just a tiny baby buckling with a lot of big feelings and an even bigger appetite for adventure.

    Back then, the only goat friends he had were Abby and her baby, Bumper. Proximo really wanted to be close to Abby and even tried to drink her goat milk, but Abby had to save it for little Bumper. So, we gave Proximo his very own baby bottle to make sure he got all the milk he needed to grow big and strong. So thence-forth he was known as a bottle baby.

    Growing Up on the Farm

    And guess what? He did just that! With every baby bottle, Proximo grew taller, fluffier, and more confident. Before long, he was bounding through the green pastures and leaping over fence posts like a true champion. His favorite time of day was always morning feeding. The baby buckling would greet us with happy bleats and a playful hop or two, just to make sure we noticed him first!

    Proximo as a kid goat, smelling the wood of his enclosure

    Now Proximo is one of the most handsome goats on the farm, with a big fluffy mane and a beautiful spotted coat that makes him stand out in the herd. He’s even a proud goat dad to many of the little goats you see hopping around drinking their mamas goat milk on Rainbow Road Farm today.

    Proximo’s Life Today

    These days, Proximo, who is no longer a baby buckling but a full grown buck, spends most of his time exploring the fields, napping in the sunshine, and showing off his fancy horns. During mating season, he struts his stuff to impress the lady goats—head held high, tail wagging, and full of confidence. It’s his way of saying, “Look how magnificent I am!”

    If you visit our Goat Page, you can find out which baby goats are part of Proximo’s growing family. You might even recognize some of his adorable spots or fluffy mane in their coats! While none of his offspring were bottle babies, there’s always a chance any kids that are born will need that special way of delivering them goat milk because as with any living being, “fed is best”.

    The Gentle Leader of the Herd

    Picture of buck goat with moon spots standing to the side

    Anyway, after a long day of showing off, Proximo loves to relax under his favorite shady spot. That’s usually where you’ll find him, lazily chewing cud and watching over the little ones as they bounce and play nearby. Even though he’s strong and proud, Proximo has a gentle side—especially when the younger goats need guidance or comfort.

    He’s become a true leader on the farm, always the first to greet new goats and show them around. His calm, friendly nature helps everyone feel right at home.

    A Lesson from Proximo

    It’s amazing to think how much love and personality can come from one little bottle baby buckling. Proximo’s story reminds us that every animal has its own journey—and with care, patience, and kindness, they all grow into something truly special.

    We’re so proud of how far Proximo has come, from his baby bottle days to being one of the most beloved goats at Rainbow Road Farm. Next time you visit, be sure to give him a wave—he’ll probably bleat back to say hello!