Farm Chickens & Turkeys
~ Speckled Sussex ~ Sulmtaler ~ Large Fowl Cochin ~
We find Speckled Sussex range well for pasture pest control, they really cover the country out there. The SS are higher energy, so are slightly more prone to getting into trouble as a "close up" yard chicken... whereas...
Large Fowl Cochins are unsurpassed for keeping bugs eradicated in the close yard right outside the door, and their gentle, slow demeanors interact well with the larger animals. (Dogs, cats, etc. these big birds are steady minded and do well in close quarters with things bigger than they are!)
We had the opportunity to try the ultra-rare Sulmtaler breed; from the Sulm area in Austria where they were developed as highly successful mothers, and as a meat breed commanding premium prices for fine dining. We looking forward to seeing how our first hatches grow out in 2021!
There are a good many videos online, take a look and enjoy!
"What a
doll. [Gypsy] really has adjusted well, and is full of love, licks and a
spirit of adventure. Amazingly, the first night went extremely well.
Thanks again for the wonderful care and foundation that you provided."
Dennis & Carol F., Long Beach, Cal.
We offer setting eggs from all our available breeds. (No ship, pick up at farm.) |
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Large Fowl Cochins are considered Recovering on The Livestock Conservancy's critical List. (Check out their definition of a Heritage Chicken!) These large, feather-footed birds are gentle, slow, and famously "broody"; the hens can sometimes hatch twice in the same year, & even roosters have been reported to "be motherly"! In our barnyard flock we're focusing on the Laced & Gold based colors, keeping back "setters" and selling off adult hens which merely lay. Though setting hasn't been prioritized in the modern eras, we value these strong maternal traits with the eventual aim of having a totally self-sustaining flock; (even if the electric goes out!) Our current rooster is Golden Laced, on Golden Laced, Buff, Partridge and Silver Laced hen flock. Our first "home raised" chicks hatched spring of 2020, so we're looking forward to establishing a really terrific homestead setting bird that does lay well. (We've been really impressed with the Golden Laced laying, and temperaments, all around!) Eggs: $25 per doz. /or/ $2.50 an egg. |
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The Speckled Sussex is an ancient breed, tracing their roots as far back as Roman invasion into England, where speckled chickens in the area of modern day Sussex, were reported as good to eat. We like their hearty work ethic and vigorous attitude toward ranging, they really get out and cover the pastures. Their color pattern may assist them in avoiding predation, we definitley don't loose many to day time predators. We have had a few SS go broody, (which we love and encourage, toward a self-sustaining population.) The Sussex are listed as Recovering on the The Livestock Conservancy's critical List. Eggs: $18 doz /or/ $1.80egg |
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The Sulmtaler (soolm-tall-er) This ultra-rare breed has been touted as having "the finest quality meat" and being a dual purpose breed. When we got the opportunity to give them a try, we jumped at the chance, and have enjoyed watching the first young stock grow into beautiful and unique birds. With a sophisticated, distinctive style to their look, and sporting a stylish "bonnet" of feathers off the back of their head, the hens look like movie starlets out to make a fashion statement. We have the two usual colors, a robust reddish buff, and a slivery, pale buff... the chicks are auto-sexing when fledging as this breed has distictive color/gender difference. Eggs: $30 per doz. /or/ $3.00 per egg.
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We'd heard how terrific the Midget White turkeys were, excelling in flavor, ease of raising, hardiness and health, and with great maternal instincts. We weren't sure such a perfect turkey could be true (having experienced several other heritage breeds previously). But... We gave them a go... and it IS True! We are SOLD on this breed, and they taste so delicious come harvest time... and because of their so much more compact bone structure, they actually fit in the roaster pan, and the lid goes on for the oven. Eggs: $50 doz /or/ $25 for 6 eggs. |
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Poultry are a huge part of any classic, old style farm, and the benefits of their free ranging ways only begin with their bug-eating prowess. They enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and fresh ground, grazing and nabbing at will as they wander about. Free ranging chickens are a known deterrent for snakes coming into their area, and they definitely 'go native' with their food bill if allowed to belly up to the wide open buffet. The challenges of letting the busy biddies go where they will, is that they are in danger of predation, and they'll certain sure get into your garden. We opt to combat these problems with dogs that are alert watch-keepers, (our Belgian Shepherd girls are very keen on protecting even our "air space" from invaders, and you've got to smell it to believe it on how many skunks are confronted out in the pastures before they make it near the chicken roosts.) We know that in spite of our best efforts, many of the birds are crossing the road and getting into teh neighbor's woods were they doubtlessly fall prey to varmint activity. But until we get a chicken tight perimeter fence, we have to accept those losses and just be content that while on our place, or roosting at night, the chickens are pretty much safe. |
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Please feel free to contact us about any questions. Because of the hustle and bustle, the best way to get a hold of us is to simply pick up the phone. There's almost always someone available to answer. (If everyone is out in the field, leave a message so we can get back with you!) We enjoy hearing from folks! We are available at 417-637-0225, any day but Thursday. We are located 45 mi. north west of Springfield, Missouri. |
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"Within 3 days of arriving [Reagan] knew Sit, down, stay, go lay down, and kennel commands. She is without a doubt the smartest Dog I have ever known.... I can say nothing but positive things. Double-K made my total experience of getting the dog of my dreams easy."
David S Roberts, New Albany, In
"I have one of the best puppies ever! Argus is such a joy. [...] He is so smart and quickly picks up on new commands. I can't wait to teach him fly ball."
Kim K. in S.C.
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Quality Belgian Shepherd and Tervuren Puppies, Black and Mahoganies, for Sale at Affordable Prices. Located in Nebraska. Champion Bloodlines. Our puppies have gone to Alaska, Texas, California, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, South Dakota, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Massachusettes, Missouri, Utah, Washington State, Puerto Rico and Canada.
"[Sandy] is very cute and lovely. On my way home she only was quiet and slept on my legs, She likes to play and nothing is safe right now. [...] I’m really proud of her..."
Frank S.; New Brunswick, Canada