Heartsong Hill was established in 1997 in Stephens City, VA, but the mini-farm started in 2017 with 7 chickens. The goats were born in 2019 and came to the farm in August of that year. There were now 30+ chickens (chicken math is real!), the 7 goats, and 6 dogs. All the dogs were rescues and either failed fosters or owner surrenders. In May, 2024 we relocated to Hixson, TN to be closer to family. Eight goats, 33 chickens, 4 dogs, and a parakeet made the move.

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My name is Deborah Phillips. I am a retired microbiologist/medical editor and an extreme animal lover. After seeing how efficient the goats were in clearing my woods, I decided it was time for the goats to earn their keep! I do not use chemicals on my land and the animals are fed organically, so it is only natural that I am offering a more natural, chemical-free way to clear land.

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Goats are browsers and much prefer brush over grass. But they don't just stand and and eat a whole bush or vine. They grab a bite here and another bite a few steps away. They taste different leaves to find their favorites, then eat those first. So it can take awhile before you see progress. Also, they are ruminants and have two stomachs, so they have to pause and chew their cud in between eating sessions. And, since goats are not beavers, they will not eat the branches and brambles, so these will still need to be cut down. Goats will not clear-cut an area. BUT, any seeds they eat are inactivated in their stomachs, so weeds will not reseed after they are pooped out. And goat poop can be used immediately as fertilizer, unlike many other types of manure. The goat hooves churn up the soil and aerate it, getting it ready for replanting. 

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My goats are very friendly and love attention. They also are trained to the electric netting, so even if you call them, they will come close, but not up to the fence. If I am present, I will turn off the fence and let you pet them. But please, never turn off the fence yourself and definitely do not go into the fence with them unless I am with you. Some of them can be overly friendly and, like dogs, may jump on you while searching for snacks.