Our Menagerie
Quail Sitting by a Window
Coturnix Quails

Our Coturnix Quails come from strong parent stock that live and breed freely on the ranch. Our genetics have ALL colorations (except for silver) including Texas A&M (recessive full tuxedo gene), Giant Pharaoh (grow faster and bigger than their siblings) and many varieties of Tuxedo. They don't lay eggs in nests or boxes, and instead lay where ever they are when they happen to feel the need (daily for most of the year)

They are little fat birds that don't roost, but instead covey together at night they are social and prefer to stick together, but not necessarily where you want them like a chicken does. By roosting in a circle, each bird faces outward, keeping an eye (and ear) on all directions. This 360° alert system means they can detect approaching predators like owls, foxes, or snakes from any side. When one bird senses danger, it can signal the rest to flush (burst into flight) in an explosive, confusing burst that startles predators.
Sebastopol Geese

Terena Thomas, owner of River Quest Ranch states: "Of all my birds, my imprinted geese are by far my favorites. I chose them over ducks because geese are grazers — not dabblers — which means no rooting, no bank erosion, and no muddy mess. They trim the grass neatly, fertilize as they go, and keep the property alert to anything unusual. My gaggle doubles as a natural security system; if something moves, honks will follow!

My girls are gentle but fearless. I’ve seen them chase a full-grown man back onto his boat just for fun. Yet they also visit schools and nursing homes, proudly parading for crowds. They love the attention — as long as I’m the one holding them. Some prefer my husband’s arms, others don’t. Like people, each has their own personality."
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Nigerian Dwarf Goat Running in Grass
Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Nigerian Dwarf goat's milk is famous for its high butterfat content, often reaching 6–10%, giving it a naturally sweet, creamy flavor. It’s perfect for home dairy projects — from cheeses and yogurts to soaps and lotions. Because their milk is naturally homogenized and easier to digest, many people who are sensitive to cow’s milk find it a wonderful alternative.

Beyond their dairy qualities, Nigerian Dwarfs are known for their affectionate nature and playful curiosity. They’re intelligent, social animals that thrive on interaction — following you around the pasture, begging for treats, or hopping on a stump just to make you laugh. Their calm temperament also makes them excellent therapy animals and ideal for 4-H youth programs.

With their light hooves and browsing habits, Nigerian Dwarfs are easy on pastures and wonderful for fire mitigation and natural weed control. They’re low-maintenance, thrive on quality hay and browse, and adapt well to small acreage or large homesteads alike.

Every goat in the herd has its own distinct personality — from the bold explorer who scales every rock, to the sweet soul who leans in for a head scratch. Once you’ve had Nigerian Dwarfs, it’s hard to imagine farm life without them.

Local Visits

A group of dedicated volunteers share our therapy animals with local schools and senior centers during the Spring and Fall. We don’t offer these personal animal experiences in Winter or Summer. Traveling and working in the super cold and super hot is hard on the animals as well as the people we are visiting. These visits are always fun for everyone involved.

During fall and winter the animals are trained using operant conditioning (clicker training) to keep them mentally active. We have cattle that retrieve balls and chickens that run agility courses. Mostly, we teach them how to come when called, stand in place, accept equipment and gear, walk nicely with us and boundary training so they are easy to live with. Some are show animals and run the show circuit. We make treat treasure hunts and give them access to spaces that allow proper movements and forage behaviors.

Teaching cooperative care techniques allow us to manage the animals in a stress free manner as well. We also provide enrichment activities regularly to give them opportunities for positive challenges. The health and happiness of our animals is our top priority.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Running in Grass