OUR ANIMALS
BRONZE TURKEY
The bronze turkey is a breed of domestic turkey. The name refers to its plumage, which bares an iridescent bronze-like sheen. These birds are slower growing than the commercial hybrid and are suited to the free range system we use.
Our turkeys are very inquisitive and like to know everything that is going on around the farm. They roam their paddock during the day and are housed at night in a barn with a comfortable straw bed.
We have won prizes with our turkeys at the Ashford market Christmas show. Including Reserve Champion and Champion turkey.
RARE BREED PIGS
The UK has 11 native pig breeds, All 11 are considered rare and at risk of extinction. We aim to support the rarest breeds of pigs in the UK, by purchasing weaners in the spring. Some of these breeds such as the Middle White (photo) are listed as category 1 (endangered) by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, equating to only 100 - 200 sows remaining in the UK.
MANX LOAGHTAN SHEEP
The Manx Loaghtan sheep, is a primitive breed originating from the Isle of Man. This breed roamed the hills until the 18th century but by the 1950s numbers had declined to a handful. Through the dedication of enthusiasts both on the Isle of Man and in England numbers have steadily increased and this breed is classified by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as category 4 (at risk) meaning there are less than 1500 breeding ewes remaining.
We absolutely love this breed they are full of character and extremely hardy. The lambs are a beautiful chocolate brown when they are born and as they grow the sun bleaches their fleece to paler brown.
DEXTER CATTLE
The Dexter originates from South West Ireland and is a traditional breed of cattle. The Dexter is the smallest breed of British cattle, standing between 96 and 111 cms at the rump. There are three colours of Dexter - Black, Red and Dun. They are a thrifty and hardy dual purpose breed. They produce excellent quality beef at 15 - 24 months and can also provide quality milk with high levels of butterfat, making excellent cheese and yoghurt. They can fatten traditionally on grass and hay only.
KUNE KUNE PIG
The Kune Kune pig pronounced Cooney Cooney, was found in New Zealand but it is believed it did not originate from there. Kune Kune means fat and round in Maori. This breed first arrived in Britain in 1992 and are one of the smallest breeds in the world. The Kune Kune are a delightful, placid, friendly pig and make ideal pets as they thrive on human company. They are very hairy and their coats can be straight or wavy and are found in many colours including black, cream, ginger and spotty. They often have tassels called piri piri under their chin.
