07599 111898
We keep a large flock of free-ranging hens which supply our demand for eggs. They are kept within a fenced area to protect them from predators, but they have plenty of space to scratch, hunt for insects, and squabble.
Ex-Battery birds
Many of these birds are ex-battery hens, that have spent the first year to eighteen months of their existence in restricted indoor cages, so this is a new lease of life for them. We get most of our birds from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust, and we would encourage you to contact them if you live in the UK and are thinking of keeping hens. It takes the girls a while to settle down and start laying properly - they need to get their own health back on track first - but they continue to lay quite well for some time to come despite their unfortunate start. Some of our birds have been with us since early '08 and are still going strong.
Rare breed pigs
We continually keep a small herd of rare breed pigs, which are for meat purposes. Our breakfast sausages and bacon are generally from our own animals, so we know exactly what goes into them.
The pigs are generally Gloucester Old Spot and Tamworths, and we source them as weaners from Adam Henson's farm (of the BBC's Countrywide fame) which is near us.
We also have a Hampshire / Duroc cross boar for breeding purposes.
The pigs live in a very large paddock area, which they keep close to devoid of vegetation through much of the year.
Ducks
Our small flock of ducks is
a mix of Khaki Campbells and
Cherry Valleys, both bred as
good egg layers. Ducks are
very good natured with each
other, trailing a leader all
round the run, but less sure
with visitors than are the
hens. Their eggs are
slightly larger than a
hen's egg and beautifully
creamy, perfect for baking,
poaching or frying. We can
therefore generally offer
guests the option of duck
eggs on the breakfast menu
as well, and many guests
find they're quickly
converted.
Goats and Sheep
Our small flock of goats has
not proved very effective
for milk production and are
now kept more as pets.
They are good natured,
inquisitive and greedy
creatures who like visitors.
We also have a small flock
of sheep which are breeding ewes
and their lambs.
Crops
We don't plant crops on the
farm, but keep the main
field for grazing or for
hay.
Or CALL (01386) 858273
SELF-CATERING COTTAGE
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Lovely cottage available in Broadway.
