Tregellys Fiber Farm Animals

The Animals

Royal Pinto Yaks

They are beautiful, surprisingly nimble animals with terrific bushy tails that stand out like flags when they run and play. They are mostly standoffish, but we have three that are fairly friendly and like their backs scratched.They have a soft down which must be brushed out and they also grow a long skirt of coarser shiny fiber which can be sheared, spun and woven into tents. The tails may also be used for high quality clown wigs and in other theatrical costumes.

Bactrian Camels

Bactrian, or two humped camels of central Asia, still exist as a true wild animal. Remnant populations of the pure wild camel (not interbred with domesticated animals) may be found today in Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert and in limited areas of Xinjiang (Sinkiang) Province in far northwestern China. Once suspected of being feral, scientists now know conclusively (based on genetic studies) that this wild Bactrian is indeed a true wild animal. Not only is it more slender appearing, with two smallish humps, but it is also genetically distinct from its domesticated relative. Today the true wild Bactrian camel is one of the rarest wild animals on earth.

Angora Goats

One of the fibers we produce is mohair from our Angora goats. The Angora goat is a small compact ruminant, both gentle and charming. They can be very friendly and make excellent pets and lawn mowers as well as fiber animals. They are less inclined than other goats to climb or jump fences and the Angora buck is a seasonal breeder and not strongly scented. The goat is named for Angora, the ancient name for Turkey’s capital, Ankara.

Mohair grows about an inch a month, so we shear twice a year as a rule, perhaps saving a few kids or does for longer growth for hand spinners and doll hair makers. The introduction of synthetic fibers has been a blow to the mohair and wool industries, but natural fibers are making a comeback for any number of aesthetic and ecological reasons. They are good for body and soul!

Baudet du Poitou

This particular breed is best known for its striking features which seem out of proportion for an animal of its kind. The Poitou sports an unusually large head with oversized ears which the animal is often unable to hold upright. The breed’s most extraordinary feature, however, is its heavy, tangled coat, which by adulthood can reach the ground. Breeding records for the Baudet du Poitou date as far back as 1700. Originating in the Poitou region of western France, the breed received unusual treatment for an animal usually considered a “beast of burden.” Breeders often brought their Poitous to donkey shows in carts instead of making them walk or pull the cart.

The Poitou is cherished by its French breeders for its superiority in mule production. Mules resulting from the cross between a Poitou and a Cheval Mulassier, a French horse breed, were considered the best work mules in the world.

Today the Poitou serves as a companion animal to breeders concerned for the survival of this unique donkey breed.

Llamas

Llamas are members of the camelid family. The Camel family first originated in North America; part of it migrated to Asia and Northern Africa, and gave the world Bactrian and Dromedary camels; the other half traveled to South America to become the llama related species of llamas, alpacas, vicunas and the guanaco. Llamas are a joy to know and watch. They are alert, curious and for the most part friendly without being cuddly. Among themselves they create a caring society and have even been observed in a remarkable farewell/funeral ritual. They may be wary but once trust is gained, they are easily trained and safe even for small children.

At Tregellys Farm we have a variety of llama types from short wooled, smaller animals to large heavily wooled animals and a number in between. Llama fiber may be dual coated - a soft underhair with a coarse, shiny guard hair on the surface. Llama hair has a hollow core, is warm and waterproof and is very lightweight. It makes lovely scarves, shawls, vests, blankets and it felts well. It is not durable enough for carpets. It takes awhile to accrue a larger amount of llama fiber. We offer llama hair to hand spinners.

Navajo Churro Sheep

The Churro is a rare breed. It was the first sheep domesticated in North America. The conquistadores brought over the Spanish Churra which eventually adapted beautifully to conditions in the Southwest and became the breed most beloved of the Native people. The Navajos say Sheep is Life.

At times there was a great deal of interbreeding in an attempt to make a softer wool, primarily for military uniforms. Later in our cultural history, the tribal flocks were often slaughtered as a form of political coercion. The Navajo-Churro almost died out but efforts have been made to breed strictly from old lines on older ranches and from old-type sheep found wild in the canyons. There are few registered Churros at this point, as they must conform to the old breed standards. They have a dual coat consisting of a softer undercoat and a coarse, longer outer coat. Churro is known as the fleece which spins itself. The wonderful Navajo carpets were primarily woven from Churro and now that the breed is being brought back there is a resurgence of the old ways and the vegetal dyed handwovens. The sheep are life; they are loved and revered for all that they give to the people. We are grateful to have our small flock and their fascinating fleeces.

Galloway Cattle

At this point we only have two white Galloway cows and offspring crossbred with yaks. The Galloway breed originated in the rugged hills country of Scotland. The native cattle of this region were consistently hardy and thrifty, though they varied in color,confirmation, and horn type. The Galloway is related to the Aberdeen Angus, which was developed in northeastern Scotland about the same time. A herdbook for the two black, polled beef breeds was established in 1862, with a separate Galloway herdbook opened in 1867. Since then the breeds have diverged, with the Angus selected for rapid growth on better feed and the Galloway for its ability to thrive on poor forage in cold, wet climate.

Icelandic Sheep

They have not been available in North America until recently They are small, hardy, also dual-coated and are a staple of life in Iceland for both their fiber and their meat. They have slender, alert faces and are excellent foragers. Their fleeces begin as soft and wavy fiber which coarsens as the animals grow older. But the yarn makes wonderful warm, tough, waterproof sweaters and outerwear. Icelanders and New Englanders are grateful for those qualities.