July has been an exciting month for the Farm. We have welcomed more goats to the Animal Yard, and we have built a beautiful coop that our new chickens reside in.
Seven new Nigerian Dwarf Goats have joined our original five. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are small in stature, and are often used as dairy goats. Originating from Nigeria, they are very friendly with people and children, and ours are no exception. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are also known for their ability to jump over heights much taller than themselves. Fortunately we have not had any escapes from the Animal Yard…Yet. Scarlett, Neytiri, Hawkins, Patches and Inky are still getting used to their new roommates as the kids settle in.
Five of our new goats have been named; Darby, George, Guthrie, Bill Spaceman Lee and Apollo. One male and one female have yet to be named, and we have been relying on your input to help us. We are taking name submissions online and at the store through 8/1. Saturday, August 8th we are having our Goat Naming Party, and will reveal the names of the final two! Wayne from Maine will be performing to help us celebrate. Learn more and RSVP here.
New Hampshire Red Chickens were bred from Rhode Island Reds, for their hardiness and ability to stand up to tough New Hampshire weather. This makes them a popular choice for people looking to raise backyard chickens. They reach maturity early, and rapidly develop beautiful dark red feathers.
While New Hampshire Reds are used both for meat and eggs, we will only be using our chickens’ eggs. New Hampshire Reds lay brown eggs, up to 280 a year. The average commercial laying hens are confined to cage space less than an 8×11 sheet of paper. Our chickens are enjoying their spacious new home at Cluckingham Palace.
Our goats and chickens are from Tragos Trip Farm in Alfred Maine. Tragos Trip Farm does not use synthetic chemicals, GMOs, hormones, or routine antibiotics. Their animals are free range and pasture raised, grass-fed and grain supplemented. Make sure to visit our new friends at the Animal Yard during your next trip to the Farm.