Farms

Chicken Farm:

We have an array of chickens which we permit to free range over the property. They will put themselves into the coop at night and we do lock the doors at night to protect them from predators. Currently we have Barred Rocks, Black Australorps, Golden Comets, and Buff Orpingtons. We have also had Black Jersey Giants in the past. Our chickens supply us with fresh eggs, meat, and feathers. Each year we purchase a number of new chicks to maintain a healthy, vigorous flock. We normally purchase straight run and then cull the roosters. Our current rooster is a Barred Rock named Old Boy. His brother was our first rooster, but he ending up having to be removed from his position due to inappropriate spurrings. Last year we had our first broody - a black australorp hen who hatched one chick which she abandoned. We tried to save the little one, but it was not meant to be. We had three hens who were broody this summer, but none of them ever hatched an egg, so we removed them from the nests. UPDATE: We now have Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, Silver Laced Wyandottes, Welsummers, Speckled Sussex, and Blue Silkie Bantams.

Duck Farm:

One of our newest addition to the homestead this year was six Blue Swedish Ducks. We had been interested in ducks for awhile and one of our daughters hatched eggs in school and was itching to raise ducklings, so when the opportunity presented itself this spring we obtained the ducklings. Our daughter has taken complete care of them since their arrival [with educational and opinions from us of course].  As fate would have it, we also rescued two White Pekins and her flock expanded! She is hoping once they start laying that she will be able to have them brood their own eggs to continue expanding her flock. One of her plans for the summer is to build a pond.

Pig Farm:

Last year's addition to the homestead was a pregnant gilt and a barrow. We had done extensive research for some time and were ready. Mama delivered six piglets, three boars and three gilts. All remained healthy and happy and are currently still with us. We did not castrate nor remove their 'wolf teeth' or any other unnecessary mutilations. We have had no health issues and maintain them in two separate herds now on sections of pasture, using pallet fencing. Currently we are attempting to breed two of the gilts [or crossing our fingers and hoping nature takes its course!]. We did cull the barrow this past spring and will continue to do so, processing them here on the homestead. They are also overwintered on the garden plots to aid in fertilizing the land. Our hope is to continue raising them each year as a steady supply of meat and as an aid in land management.

Rabbit Farm:

The newest addition this year has been rabbits. We currently have two bucks and are in search of suitable does to begin this endeavour. At the moment the two are happy to enjoy each other's company and help to educate the family on their actions, etc. Our son has taken a great interest in this aspect of the homestead and is looking forward to what may follow in the future. My grandfather raised rabbits as a means to survive during the Great Depression. He would barter them for other goods in order to feed his family. I have always  been interested in having a rabbitry and it appears it has begun. We will be raising the rabbits to breed, for meat and fur. UPDATE: We now have one buck. The other has passed.

Turkey Farm:
Currently our turkey farm is no longer present. In the past we raised two Royal Palm turkeys that both ended up being toms, so the chance for breeding never happened. Last year we were unable to obtain any poults due to financial matters. The good news is that it appears we may be obtaining some Bourbon Red and Blue Slate Turkey Poults very soon. We will raise them for meat and feathers, hoping to continue breeding as well. UPDATE: The poults are on their way and will be here in September!

Guinea Farm:
We have a new flock of keets that we are raising! They are Pearl Grays, White Africans, Royal Purples, and Lavenders. So far they are doing extremely well and are staying healthy. We are hoping that they will be able to deal with the less favorable insects and rodents that may find their way to our land. We will keep you posted on their development!

Goat Farm:
We currently have three goats that are new to the homestead this year. Two bucklings and a doeling. We are still looking to acquire another doe, as we are interested in milking them once they mature. So far they have adapted well and we are working on their role in the homestead.