Guinea Lane Farm began as a dream...

The very first time I set eyes on a Shetland ram at the Oregon State Fair, the stage was set.
I had never seen such a remarkable little animal in all my days.
It was love at first sight.
To cement the relationship for all times, when I approached the wee thing it did not move off to the far side of its small pen.
It raised its majestic head and begged for a scratch under the chin.
Such is the nature of these animals.
More about Shetlands
I was hooked!

My darling husband, Steve, looked into my pleading eyes.
"Learn what to do with one and you can have one," he spoke matter-of-factly.
Now, you must understand, sewing and such lady's fare had never been a favorite pastime of mine.
Tedious chores to be completed at the end of a busy work day, well, they never held bond to my heart. He knew this all quite well.
But this was different, somehow.  He did not realize it then (nor did I).
But, in time, my love of animals would prevail.

We had raised many types of small livestock over the years but had yet to venture into fiber animals.    I was signed up for "spinning classes", an hour drive each way, within a month.
Once a week I diligently made the drive after work, my new 'used' spinning wheel in tow.
Years later I made the same sacrifice to learn the fine art of weaving.
I have yet to perfect this latest 'hobby' (weaving the tow of the flax and the wool of the sheep), but have high hopes.  I've recently even purchased a wonderful old floor loom.

It's been near ten years since my first view of these magical little bundles of wool.
Needless to say, I now have paddocks full of the delightful creatures contentedly grazing our 23 acres near the small community of Days Creek, OR.
And mountains of wool in every nook and cranny of our rustic old farm house.
A spinner's delight.

Now, it naturally evolved that we would need some protection for these hardy but small animals, for the woods here'bouts brim with cougar, bear and coyote.
I searched far and wide.
Looking into all types of guardian animals.
My patience and homework paid off.
I do believe that I have managed to get my hands on some of the finest X bred Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD's) that I could have hoped for.
Dedicated working dogs, yet people friendly.
This was my aim in the first place, and I believe with all my heart I have achieved just that.

More about Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD's)
Truly, they are a fine addition to the menagerie of animals that make up the heart of Guinea Lane Farm.

Other livestock and interests
Aside from the sheep and dogs we have a small flock of Angora goats.  I say "small flock" but I really mean eight.  A perfect marriage of fibers.  Shetland wool and mohair were meant to be together.

Dairy goats became a passion of mine a few years back and I am currently working at building up a fine flock of registered Alpine.
They help supplement our dogs' feed besides supplying Steve and I with fresh, creamy milk for our own use.
Butter making is the next skill I am planning on tackling.
Hmm, how about goat milk soap?
Why not.

PACK GOATS!
This really has me excited.
I am in the process of training my first wether.
And it promises to be a fun and entertaining adventure.

Animals abound on our small fenced acreage.
If you plan a visit to our farm you will most likely be escorted to the house by our ancient Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chelsea (aka 'The Ches-a-pest')
Pink toy ball firmly gripped in her jaws begging for a toss.
Cats meander amongst the dogs and their livestock.
Chickens contentedly scratch for bugs in their large yard.
(Now why, oh why, won't they stay in there?)
Ducks play upon the quiet pond that is nestled behind the house.
Always keeping a watchful eye upon the beautiful little creek that flows nearby.
We are fortunate enough to have 'Beals Creek' cut through the center and run the length of our property
(Aw, an escape route full of adventure for the ducks.)

And the guineas - you ask?  We will have pictures of our guineas soon enough for you - just hold tight.

A handful?
Yes.
Worth it?
Oh, yes!

My husband Steve and I invite you to browse through these, our website pages, packed full of pictures and stories.
Adventures abound here on Guinea Lane Farm.
Our star attraction and farm manager(?), Bonnie, (aka 'The Bon-ster') supplies me with a never ending supply of stories.
This small Shetland ewe was one of our first purchases and soon established herself as 'alpha' living creature here.
You are invited to check in regularly for the latest in her escapades. (See "Bonnie's Page")

Enjoy!! (and please, come visit often!  The coffee is always hot.)
Cis Hanson and Steve Egbert
Guinea Lane Farm
P.O. Box 1098
Canyonville, OR  97417
guinealn@pioneer-net.com

  (And we certainly thank our good friend, Stan Petrowski, of Singing Falls Designs for this website.  We think he's done a great job.)