We raise our heritage breed chickens on pasture whenever possible.
Their diet of greens and insects is supplemented with a quality, non-medicated ration.
In winter, the birds take over the greenhouse with unlimited outdoor access when weather permits.
They are thriving and lay consistently throughout winter.
Chicks and pullets are available spring to fall.
Tips for raising chicks:
Black Australorp
Standard Weight:
Cock 8.5 lbs, Hen 6.5 lbs, Skin colour: White Egg Shell colour: Brown
Origin: The Australorp was developed in Australia from Black Orpington stock.
Characteristics: A dual purpose breed, the Black Australorp has black plumage with a beetle-green sheen, dark eyes, large red comb and a proud upright stance. They are calm,hardy and active, well suited to free range and small farming operations. Good layers, the handsome hens will consistently provide large, brown eggs even in the coldest months.
Blue Australorp
Standard Weight:
Cock 8.5 lbs, Hen 6.5 lbs, Skin colour: White Egg Shell colour: Brown
Origin: The Blue Australorp is a rare occurrance from Black Australorp stock.
Characteristics: The Blue Australorp has the same characteristics as the Black Australorp. Their progeny may be blue or black.
Rhode Island Red
Standard Weight:
Cock 8.5 lbs, Hen 6.5 lbs, Skin colour: Yellow Egg Shell Colour: Brown
Origin: Developed in the New England states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, early flocks often had both single and rose combed individuals because of the influence of Malay blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode Island Red got its deep colour, strong constitution and relatively hard feathers.
Characteristics: Some consider the Rhode Island Red to be the best egg layers of the dual purpose breeds. A rich mahogany red feathering, medium red combs and a bright golden eye, the Rhode Island is quick and curious. They thrive in the Nova Scotia climate, and lay well throughtout winter.
The Rhode Island is on Rare Breeds Canada list of vulnerable breeds at risk.
Barred Rock
Standard Weight:
Cock 8.5 lbs, Hen 6.5 lbs, Skin colour: Yellow Egg Shell Colour: Brown
Origin:
Developed in the 19th century in America. The first Plymouth Rock was barred and other varieties developed later. The Breed became popular very rapidly, and was bred extensively. Its popularity came from its qualities as an outstanding farm chicken: hardiness, docility, broodiness, and excellent production of both eggs and meat.
Characteristics: Barred Rocks are an excellent dual purpose breed. They are docile, easily tamed, and show strong mothering instinct. They are hardy enough for the Nova Scotia climate, and are consistent layers. Their distinctive narrow grey and white stripes are a classic farmyard sight.
Americauna - green egg layers
Origin:
The Americana is derived from the Araucana of Chile. It is best know for it's blue-green shelled eggs.
Characteristics:
Prized mainly for it's unique coloured eggs, the Americana is an unusual looking bird. Both the hens and the roosters have distinctive "ear muff" feathers, and their plummage colours can include black, rich red, and white. They are a medium sized fowl, hardy and good layers.
Buff Orpington
Standard Weight:
Cock 10 lbs, Hen 8 lbs, Skin colour: White Egg Shell Colour: Brown
Origin:
Orpingtons were developed in England at the town of Orpington in County Kent during the 1880s. They were brought to America in the 1890s and gained popularity very rapidly, based on their excellence as a meat bird.
Characteristics:
One time years ago at a Hamilton County Fair the poultry judge was asked to describe the correct plumage colour for this variety. Taking out his gold watch he said, "That's the colour for Buff Orpingtons." And pure gold they are, symbolic of great value and high quality.
Orpingtons are heavily but loosely feathered.
They are large, stately birds of quiet disposition.
Their feathering allows them to endure cold temperatures better than some other breeds. Their heavy, full plumage makes them excellent winter layers, shelling out brown eggs right through cold weather.
Baby chicks are a soft light buff colour.
They are at home on free range or in relatively confined situations; and are docile. Hens exhibit broodiness and generally make good mothers.
Origin:
The Chanticler originated in Quebec, Canada and is a fine example of a dual-purpose breed.
Characteristics:
The breed is noted for having nearly no wattles and a small cushion comb – the comb appearing much like a small round button sitting low on the head. The small comb and wattles allow this breed to withstand the cold Canadian winters without worry of frostbite. Not surprisingly, the breed is noted for being very hardy, is an excellent layer of light brown eggs with a reputation as a good winter layer, and has a well-fleshed breast.
It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a productive fowl that will excel in a cold climate.
The Chantecler is listed as 'endangered' by Rare Breeds Canada.
