This post is our chance to introduce you to the breeds that call Andersen Acres home. Think of it as a farmyard roll call — part educational, part storytelling, and all heart.
Cayuga Ducks 🦆
If you’ve never seen a Cayuga egg before, you’re in for a treat. In the spring, these ducks lay eggs that look like they’ve been dipped in ink — deep gray, almost black, and unlike anything you’d expect from a duck. As the season rolls on, though, the “ink runs out.” Their eggs gradually lighten, shifting through shades of gray until, by the end of the season, they’re a pale creamy blue. It’s one of those farm quirks you have to see to believe.
Cayugas themselves are as striking as their eggs. With glossy black feathers that shine green and purple in the sunlight, they’re both practical egg layers and living yard ornaments. Around here, they’re steady, calm, and always a little bit magical.
Chickens 🐓
Silkies
Silkies are the “teeny boppers” of the chicken world. With fluffy plumage that looks more like fur than feathers, they bounce around the coop with a kind of goofy charm. They may not be the most productive egg layers, but they make up for it with personality. You can always count on a Silkie to keep the chicken yard lively.
The Layer Flock
Our main layer flock is a mix of breeds, mostly Easter Eggers, and they’re about as chill as chickens get. They don’t have the drama of the Silkies — instead, they’re dependable, easy-going, and quietly go about the business of laying eggs. They also bring us a rainbow of egg colors, which is always a joy to collect.
Goats 🐐
Goats are known for being playful, mischievous, and endlessly curious. But our Fainting Goats (also called Myotonic goats) add a special twist: when startled, their muscles temporarily seize up, and they tumble over in the funniest way. It never hurts them — in fact, they bounce right back up — but it’s hard not to laugh when it happens.
More than their comedy act, though, Fainting Goats are gentle souls. They’re friendly, easy to handle, and oh so affectionate. They bring laughter and love to the farm in equal measure.
Rabbits 🐇
Rex Rabbits
If you’ve ever felt Rex fur, you’ll know it’s unlike anything else. Velvety soft, almost like crushed velvet fabric, it’s a tactile delight. But their personalities are just as lovely. Our Rexes are sweet, nurturing, and calm — the perfect rabbits to work with when you want a gentle companion.
Holland Lops
On the other end of the spectrum are our Holland Lops. These little guys pack a lot of attitude into their small, floppy-eared bodies. They’re spunky, quirky, and always up to something. You can count on a Holland Lop to keep you entertained.
Flemish Giant
And then there’s the Flemish Giant. Towering over the others, our Flemish is as laid-back as they come. Despite his size, he’s the gentle giant of the rabbit barn, content to watch the world go by without a fuss.
Miniature Horse 🐴
Meet Shadowfax, our miniature horse. Minis may be small, but don’t let that fool you — they pack all the stubbornness and spirit of a full-size horse into a compact body. In fact, they’re often even quirkier. Shadowfax keeps us on our toes, whether he’s showing off his sass or reminding us that “miniature” doesn’t mean “less horse.”
Dogs 🐕
Great Pyrenees
The backbone of any good farm is a solid guardian, and our Great Pyrenees fill that role perfectly. Protective, watchful, and deeply bonded to the animals in their care, these dogs take their job seriously. They’re the quiet, steady protectors that keep the farm safe.
Goldendoodle
On the flip side, we have our Goldendoodle. Smart, well-behaved, and absolutely lovable — but if we’re honest, he’s a bit of a couch potato. While the Pyrenees are patrolling, he’s usually found lounging and supervising from the comfort of a shady spot. He’s fantastic in his own way, and we wouldn’t have him any other way.
Barn Cats 🐈
Our cats aren’t a breed so much as a necessity. They’re barn cats through and through — hardy, self-sufficient, and excellent at their jobs. Their main role? Rodent control. By keeping mice and rats out of the feed, they protect both our animals and our grain stores. They may not be pedigreed, but they’re every bit as important to farm life as the bigger animals.
Turkey 🦃
Our turkey is a Blue Slate, a heritage breed known for being calmer and easier to handle than the flighty commercial turkeys. He’s dignified, good with people, and generally a pleasure to keep. Heritage breeds like the Blue Slate remind us that farm animals don’t have to be high-strung to be productive. Sometimes, they can just be… nice.
Quail 🥚
Last but not least are our Coturnix quail. Small, charming, and endlessly fascinating to watch, quail are the perfect blend of fun and function. They lay a steady supply of speckled eggs, and they’re as cute as can be. Even though they’re little, they bring a lot of joy to the farmyard.
Conclusion
Every animal at Andersen Acres has its own role to play — and its own personality to share. From the inky eggs of the Cayuga ducks to the spunky antics of the Holland Lops, this farm isn’t just about chores and production. It’s about living alongside creatures that make every day richer, funnier, and more fulfilling.
This is just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, we’ll dive deeper into each species — exploring their histories, traits, and what it’s really like to raise them. For now, we hope you’ve enjoyed this first glimpse into the breeds that make up the heart of Andersen Acres.
