Breeder of Heritage Chickens and Turkeys and Border Cheviot cross lambs.
BELTSVILLE SMALL WHITE TURKEYS: ***THREE DIFFERENT LINES AS OF 2015***
The Beltsville Small White was developed to fill a clearly identified consumer need in the early 1930s .The U.S. Department of Agriculture research center at Beltsville, Maryland, therefore, began a breeding program between 1934 and 1941 to create a bird that would answer the consumer demand for a bird that would fit apartment sized refrigerators, small ovens, and small families.
Beltsvilles had good reproductive qualities, including the ability to mate naturally, and so could be selected, bred, and maintained by small-scale producers. In contrast, Broad Breasted White turkeys generally required artificial insemination for reproduction.
Young Beltsville turkey hens weigh 10 pounds and young toms weigh 17 pounds. The plumage is white, with the head red to bluish white. The beard is black, the beak is horn colored, and the eyes are dark brown. Shanks and toes are pinkish white.
There are two gentic strains known, so far, in Canada - The Aimes and the Guelph.
The latest lines to be introduces will be from Quebec, Canada. A wonderful infusion of lineage and new bloodlines of show quality! Arriving late spring of 2015.
Status: Critical.
White Chantecler ***THREE DIFFERENT LINES AS OF 2015***
Prior to 1907, there had been no established breed of Chicken in Canada. A monk, Brother Wilfred Chantelain set out to change this at the agricultural school at his abbey which was affiliated with the Universite de Montreal.
What he produced was a practical chicken that would be suited to Canada’s climate and production needs. To this day, the Chantecler is one of only two breeds of poultry by a member of a monastic order.
In 1979, the extinction of the Chantecler was publicized with what was thought to be the last rooster of it’s breed dying at the University of Saskachewan’s Department of Animal and poultry Science. However, this was false as the breed was still maintained by a few small farms.
A distinct feature of the Chantecler is it’s exceptionally small cushion comb and plumage that lies tight against the body but has a good deal of fluff for cold winters. They possess yellow skin and beaks and lay large brown eggs. They are gentle birds, amenable to taming, but can be temperamental.
Status: Critical
True Ameraucanas
As of the beginning year of 2015, I am pleased to be adding to the Coop, new additions of White and Blue, Black True Ameraucaunas. Not only will these birds add to a colourful egg assortment for table egg sales, but in 2016, I will be offering young stock as well.
In the breeding area:
As of 2016 there will be hens from Ontario and F2 and F3 of my own breeding projects. The rooster accompanying these hens is from a wonderful showline out of Quebec (Rejean Girard's) Hopefully these birds will be showing in 2016 and carry on this great lineage.
** Please contact me for information or availability of call ducks or ducklings **
Belgian Cou Cou de Malines
As of 2015, 4 different lines of the Malines have been aquired for the breeding pen. Going back to Greenfire and Bulbs of Fire original stock imported are now lines from Alberta, BC and Ontario. All roosters and hens are unrelated to ensure healthy, robust and less problematic breeding stock.
The Cou Cou de Malines was the most desired meat bird in France and has the ability to reproduce naturally for such a large bird. Males can be up to 13lbs and hens up to 9lbs. They are a dual purpose bird that lays large to jumbo size eggs all year round. Wonderful foragers. Calm, not flighty and very freindly. A great bird for the backyard prospect as they do not fly, but quietly forage on grass and bugs. Shown here is Sarge! My main rooster - HUGE and super friendly
