The ostrich, the world's largest bird, offers a surprising array of valuable products.

Ostrich Meat

Lean and healthy: Low in fat, cholesterol, and calories.   

Rich flavor: Similar to beef, but with a unique taste.   

Versatile: Can be used in various dishes, from steaks to ground meat.   

Ostrich Leather

Luxurious and durable: Known for its distinctive quill pattern.   

High-end fashion: Used in creating handbags, wallets, belts, and footwear.   

Sustainable: Produced without harming the bird.   

Ostrich Feathers

Elegant and decorative: Historically used in fashion and costumes.   

Practical applications: Used in cleaning and industrial processes.   

Ethically sourced: Harvested during the bird's natural molting cycle.   

Ostrich Oil

Skincare benefits: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.   

Moisturizing: Used in cosmetics and body care products.   

Natural alternative: Offers a sustainable and cruelty-free option.

Ostrich Eggs

Nutritional powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and minerals.   

Culinary delicacy: Can be cooked in various ways.

Decorative items: Shells can be carved or used for crafts.   

Ostrich products represent a sustainable and ethical industry, offering a range of high-quality and unique items.

Columbian Pekins are a variety of the Pekin Bantam, a breed of miniature chicken that is characterized by its round shape, abundant feathering, and a distinctive forward-tilting posture. This specific color variant features a pearl-white plumage with black markings, particularly a dense black stripe down the middle of each feather on the head and neck.

Characteristics

Columbian Pekins are known for their friendly disposition and make excellent pets, especially for families with children. They are relatively docile but can exhibit territorial behavior, particularly the males, once they reach maturity. The hens are often broody and are attentive mothers, though they are not prolific egg layers, typically producing small tinted eggs.

Breeding and Care

Care for Columbian Pekins includes maintaining the cleanliness of their foot feathers to prevent issues such as foot rot. When breeding, it may be necessary to trim vent feathers to enhance fertility. The breed is recognized for its variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and the Columbian variant, which is increasingly popular among breeders

Silver Barnevelders are characterized by their exquisite double-laced feathering, which features a stunning silver base with intricate black lacing. This breed was developed in the Netherlands and is appreciated for both its aesthetic appeal and productive capabilities.

Key Features

Egg Production: They are good layers, producing brown to tinted eggs, with an average of 5 eggs per week during the spring and summer. With proper care, they can lay year-round.

Temperament: These chickens are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them suitable for families and small flocks. They are lively, active, and curious, often coming to greet their owners.

Hardiness: Silver Barnevelders are hardy in both cold and hot climates, provided they have adequate shelter from drafts and shade.

Size: They come in both bantam and large fowl varieties, with the large fowl being slightly smaller than standard-sized hens.

Personality: They are extremely sweet and gentle, with roosters known to be protective of their hens.

The Rhode Island Red is a popular dual-purpose chicken breed known for its excellent egg production and hardy constitution. Originating in the late 1800s in Rhode Island, this breed has become a symbol of the state and is the official state bird.

Appearance

Rhode Island Reds have a distinctive rectangular, "bricky" body shape with tight, hard feathers inherited from their Malay ancestors. They typically have a rich, chestnut red plumage with some black feathers in the tail and wings. Their combs, wattles, and earlobes are bright red, and they have yellow skin, beaks, and legs. While single combs are most common, rose combed varieties also exist but are less prevalent.

Size

Standard Rhode Island Red hens weigh around 6.5 lbs, while roosters reach approximately 8.5 lbs. Bantam varieties are much smaller, with hens weighing just 1.9 lbs and roosters 2.1 lbs.

Egg Production and Use

Rhode Island Reds are excellent egg layers, producing around 150-200 large, brown eggs per year. They are considered one of the best egg-laying dual-purpose breeds. While they were initially bred for both meat and eggs, modern strains focus more on their exceptional egg production abilities.

Temperament and Hardiness

These chickens are known for their hardy, adaptable nature, thriving in a wide range of temperatures and housing conditions. They are relatively docile, making them a good choice for novice owners and small backyard flocks. However, some rooster lines may be more aggressive

The Barred Wyandotte is a visually striking chicken breed known for its unique feather pattern and excellent dual-purpose capabilities, making it a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts.

Appearance

Barred Wyandottes are characterized by their beautiful black and white barred plumage, which gives them a distinctive and attractive appearance. They have a robust, rounded body with a broad back and full breast, contributing to their overall well-balanced look. Their rose comb is a notable feature, which helps them withstand colder climates, as it is less susceptible to frostbite compared to single combs. They typically have yellow legs, bright red earlobes, and reddish bay eyes, adding to their charm.

Size

Standard Barred Wyandotte hens weigh approximately 6.5 lbs, while roosters can reach around 8.5 lbs. Bantam varieties are smaller, making them suitable for limited spaces while still providing the same delightful characteristics.

Egg Production

This breed is known for its reliable egg production, laying around 180 to 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually. They are considered good layers, especially during the spring and summer months.

Temperament

Barred Wyandottes are recognized for their friendly and docile nature, making them excellent choices for families and backyard flocks. They are generally good foragers and adapt well to various environments. Their calm demeanor allows them to coexist peacefully with other breeds, and they are often described as curious and social birds.

The Millefleur Pekin is a delightful variety of the Pekin Bantam chicken, known for its striking mottled plumage and friendly, docile temperament.

Appearance

Millefleur Pekins are characterized by their unique feather pattern, featuring a mix of reddish-brown, white, and black feathers. No two birds look exactly the same, adding to their charm. They have a distinctive round, fluffy appearance with feathered legs and feet, typical of the Pekin breed.

Size and Lifespan

As a bantam breed, Millefleur Pekins are relatively small, reaching heights of only 20-30cm. They have a compact, rounded body shape. With proper care, these birds can live up to 10 years.

Temperament and Suitability

Millefleur Pekins are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them excellent pets for children and families. They are easily tamed and enjoy human interaction. Their small size and gentle demeanor make them suitable for small-scale backyard setups, as they are less destructive to lawns and gardens compared to larger breeds.

Egg Production

While not prolific layers, Millefleur Pekins can produce around 100-120 small white or cream-colored eggs per year. Their eggs are considered a bonus when keeping these birds primarily as pets and companions.

The Welsummer is a distinctive breed of chicken known for its striking appearance and excellent egg-laying capabilities. Originating from the Netherlands, specifically the village of Welsum, this breed is cherished for both its beauty and productivity.

Appearance

Welsummers are medium to large-sized birds with a robust and upright posture. They have broad backs, full breasts, and large tails. Their plumage is typically a rich reddish-brown with black mottling, giving them a unique and attractive look. The hens feature a golden-brown head with darker hackle feathers, while the overall feathering can display a beautiful sheen in sunlight.

Egg Production

One of the standout features of Welsummers is their ability to lay dark reddish-brown eggs, which are often speckled. They are considered good layers, producing around 160 to 200 eggs per year. Their eggs are not only visually appealing but also sought after for their quality.

Temperament

Welsummers are known for their active and somewhat independent nature. While they can be friendly, they are not typically as people-oriented as some other breeds, making them suitable for flocks where interaction is less of a priority. They are generally good foragers and adapt well to free-range environments.

Hardiness

This breed is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. They are cold-hardy and can withstand harsher weather conditions, making them a versatile choice for many poultry keepers.