Brown Chinese geese are wonderful guards for the flock and keep an eye on things. They are considered a lightweight breed, males averaging 11 pounds, females 9 pounds, and they stand 2-3 feet tall. Also referred to as the swan goose, these beautiful birds have a long, slender neck, and a knob at the base of their beaks. This breed is also the most prolific of all domestic breeds, and average 30-50 eggs per season. Their season is typically April-July, but can vary depending on weather. Their diet consists mostly of grass in warm months, and grains in the winter months. Goslings are hardy, and can be off heat completely by 10 days old. Chinese geese are on the Canadian endangered species list. We love having them a part of our flock. For details check out our Geese page.
Our turkey flock has been such a fun addition to the farm. This rare heritage breed originating from the Canadian prairies, is considered a critically endangered species. These birds are tough. Made for harsh Canadian winters, they are very cold hardy, and love to forage. Our birds have never been worried about the cold, and will even venture out in 20 below to play and look for things to eat! As many Heritage breeds, these birds mature slower and are not ready to be processed until closer to 20 weeks of age. They are known for being prolific layers, excellent mothers, and have long lifespans. Like the geese, they are very good at protecting the flock from predators. They also provide nourishment for our family year-round, instead of just the holidays. Starting in 2024 we will be offering 2 varieties, Bronze and White Ridleys. Hatching egg pre-orders are now OPEN for 2024.
Our Golden Crele Breeding pen does not disappoint. From stock in Saskatchewan, Greendale Farms, and Lisronagh Farm, these birds are a stunning layer of sky blue eggs, and are most likely the pop of blue you see in my daily basket. They average 200-250 eggs per year. Golden Crele are one of the 3 varieties of legbars. Named by their rich colour variation, these birds are stunning! Their colour is the base for all 3 varieties. Hens have a golden/salmon chest, and brown body, with a crest and average 5lbs. Roosters appear barred with golden saddle and hackle feathers and a crest, and average 7lbs. These smart and quirky medium sized birds love to forage when there isn't much snow. Their feather patterns are eye catching, and the auto-sexing trait for hatching chicks is definitely convenient. Pre-Order available 2024!
The Black Copper Marans originated from France and are known as the darkest egg layers in the world. Their eggs are rated on a scale from 1-9 to compare shades and quality of genetics. Roosters have more ‘copper’ throughout their bodies than hens, who have copper around their necks. They are a dual-purpose breed that is also known for their delicious, flavourful meat. Although their eggs are dark and they are quite winter hardy, hens average 150-200 eggs per year but will lay for at least 5 years. Marans are a heritage breed and make excellent mothers. All our Marans hens went broody at least once this year! We have done a lot of work building up a breeding pen from Greendale Heritage, Hugging Rooster, and Thimbleberry Farms. Pre-order available for Spring 2024!
The Opal Legbar is a very new variety of poultry created in 2015 and are considered rare. Opals are a lavender variation of the legbar group. These birds still lay the beautiful blue of a legbar and maintain the auto-sexing trait! Hens will average 200-250 eggs per year. The Opals are a new addition to our farm and will be available again in Spring 2024. They are fun, quirky, and curious birds and we enjoy watching them free range around our farm. Pre-Order for Spring 2024 open!
Our Olive egger stock gives us our beautiful rainbow mix eggs. These girls are Ameraucana, Mars/Bars (maran x legbar) or Maraucanas (maran x ameraucana) or various mixes of these. They give us a variety of bluey/green eggs of many shades. These gals are not your average barnyard mix, and are quite popular as a backyard 'breed'. We offer F1, BC1, and BC2. Pre-orders for Spring 2024 are now open!
Did you know the New Zealand rabbit originated in California? They are known best for being a large meat variety. In addition to great taste, these rabbits also make amazing pets with their fun personalities and need for social interaction. New Zealand rabbits average 10-12lbs and have a lifespan of 5-8 years. We raise purebred New Zealands here on the homestead for meat, pelts, and pets. We strive for good quality buns with good growth, beautiful colours, and lovable personalities. We have bunnies available nearly year round! Contact us for what's available.
The Saanen breed originates from Switzerland. They were first introduced in Canada in 1904. Saanens are currently on the endangered species list in Canada. This dairy breed is most often referred as the "holstein" of goats. They are the largest dairy breed, with females averaging 30 inches tall and 130lbs. Billies often are 32 inches tall and 170lbs. They produce large quantities of milk; 1-2 gallons per day. They are pure white, or sometimes a soft creamy colour. Saanens are known for being very calm, docile, and personable, making them an excellent first milk goat for families with young children. We currently have 3 purebred does and 2 Saanen cross Nubian does in our herd. Cool Whip is our new purebred Saanen buckling from Givernay Farms and will be our new herd sire.
Last year we added a herd of meat goats. Our girls are all a variety, including Kiko, Boer, Nubian, and Alpine lines. Our herd sire is a beautiful purebred Kiko. 2024 is our first year with kids from our meat herd. Contact for availability.
