TimberYork Myotonic Goats

Myotonia is the condition that causes Fainting goats to stiffen
and/or fall over when startled. This condition is caused by a
combination of recessive genes. Fainting goats can show varying
degrees of myotonia. When startled some will fall to the ground with
their entire bodies perfectly stiff and rigid. Others will only stiffen in
their limbs and not fall to the ground. The condition lasts for ten to
fifteen seconds after which time the animal will rise and walk off stiff,
still showing a noticeable degree of stiffness in their back limbs.
After a short time this stiffness will disappear and they will walk and
act like any other goat. This condition only affects their external
muscles so while in a myotonic state the animal is fully conscious and
aware of its surroundings. In no way does this condition affect their
life span and with proper care they will live just as long as any other
breed of goat.

We had talked about getting Fainting Goats a number of years
back when we first bought the farm. After initial searching for
myotonic goats came up empty handed we put off the idea until
early winter 2009 when we began our search again.
We added ourselves to a couple of waiting lists and then the fun
began, choosing our first goats and then waiting for them to come
home!
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Nathalie Keurentjes of
FlevoHill Acres and also Cheryl McKay of Riding Mountain
Treasures for our start into this wonderful breed.
More recently we have been able to acquire a small herd of mature
does and 2 bucks from Kelsey Kaban of Moonstar Fainting
Goats. We plan on having our first kids born on the farm in spring
2010!
We are members of the Myotonic Goat Registry and the
International Fainting Goat Association.