Poultry
The Chickens
Like most people I started our with hybrids. I still have them and they make up the basis of the laying flock. Free range chickens with access to the scrub land next to the yard. They have a large stable they call home at night and produce lovely large eggs in a range of colours.
Alongside the main layer I have 3 rare breeds that traverse the farm in large chicken tractors, Buff Sussex, Ixworth and Dorking. All three are incredible duel purpose breeds that were the backbone of the meat chicken industry before the intensification of the industry, while still maintaining good laying numbers.
“Chicken how it use to taste”
The Quail
Jumbo quail, more meat bigger eggs.
In this sense bigger is only relative
My quail live in coveys of 40 across the farm in smaller versions of the chicken tractors, access to fresh grass 24 hours a day producing lovely bite sized eggs and very flavoursome meat.
Buff Sussex
The Sussex is a priority breed listed with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. It is a docile, gentle, friendly and alert breed and makes a good broody. It is a good choice for the beginner.
The breed we know today is around 150 years old but the base of the birds genetics are ancient, formally recognised in 1902. In the early 20th century it was one of the most important breeds in commercial production.
A Large placid golden bird with green-black hackles, They Lay 200-250 large pale brown / cream eggs a year and produce a superb table bird.
As with all my poultry breeding I have two maternal lines. Hatching eggs and birds will be available as of spring 2027, please get in touch to order.
Ixworth
The Ixworth is a priority breed listed with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. It is a hardy breed with a quiet temperament that actively forages.
The breed was created in 1931 by R Appleyard named after the Suffolk village of his birth. The aim was to produce a top quality table bird. Nearly extinct in 1950 there are now about 25 breeders in the country.
A medium to large white bird with white legs and a red pea comb. They Lay 150-180 medium white / cream eggs a year and produce a white flesh meat that is possibly the highest quality of any pure bred chicken.
As with all my poultry breeding I have two maternal lines. Hatching eggs and birds will be available as of spring 2027, please get in touch to order.
Dorking
The Dorking is a priority breed listed with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. It is a calm docile bird with great fertility. They make good pets.
An ancient breed dating back to the Romans. Named after the town of Dorking in Surry, the choice bird in London meat markets until it was replaced but the Sussex.
A short legged, rectangular bird with 5 toes, 150 medium white eggs and a slow maturing rich tasty meat.
As with all my poultry breeding I have two maternal lines. Hatching eggs and birds will be available as of spring 2027, please get in touch to order.