Farmyard Corner

Pygmy Goat

Capra hircus

There are many breeds of domesticated goat, spread throughout the world, mainly in the poorer undeveloped countries. Pygmy goats originate from Africa. Goats are browsers and thrive in hilly, dry areas where other domestic livestock would be unable to find sufficient food. Their habit of eating shrubs and the bark from trees may easily turn the areas where they live into desert. The female goat, or nanny, gives birth to one or two young, or kids, after gestation of about 150 days. They are able to run and jump vigorously soon after birth. Male goats, or billy goats, produce a pungent smell, which is particularly strong during the breeding season.

Ring-necked Parakeets

Psittacula krameri

The ring-necked parakeet is the most widely distributed member of the parrot family and can be found in central Africa, Arabia and Asia east to China. They are found in woodland habitats, but also around agricultural land. Their diet includes seeds, fruit, berries, and nectar and it often invades orchards and plantations, decimating sunflower crops and rice paddies.

The female and male differ in plumage; the female bird does not have the distinctive pink collar and black facial markings that the male has and she has shorter central tail feathers.

A nest in a hollow tree is excavated or taken over from woodpeckers or barbets. The female lays between three and five eggs, which she incubates for 22 days.

Did you know?

The ring-necked Parakeet is now established in parts of southern England, and can be seen flying in Richmond Park!