The Flock at Riverslea Farmstead
At Riverslea Farmstead, my flock is more than a source of eggs — it’s a daily reminder to move slowly and live attentively. Each hen is part of the patchwork of life here, raised with care on open pasture among native meadow plantings.
This is a small, intentional flock made up of heritage breeds selected for their calm temperament, beautiful appearance, and exceptional egg quality. The hens are pasture-raised, free to forage and explore, and as much a part of the land as the trees and fields that surround them.
Why Heritage Breeds?
I’ve chosen heritage breeds because they carry history in their feathers — traditional, time-tested lines known for strong shells, vibrant yolks, and hardiness on small farms. They don’t lay as often as commercial hybrids, but their eggs are well worth the wait: richly colored, full of flavor, and always gathered by hand.
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Note: This is a personal homestead project with no active sales at this time.
Meet the Ladies
These breeds were chosen with care—each one selected not only for beauty or egg color, but for the calm, grounded presence they bring to this land.
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With golden-flecked barring and a composed presence, Golden Cuckoo Marans bring quiet charm to the flock. Developed in France as a variation of the classic Marans, they were bred for both beauty and deep brown eggs.
Their eggs are a standout — richly colored, thick-shelled, and full of flavor. While not the highest producers, they’re reliable layers with a calm, observant temperament that makes them easy to keep and lovely to watch.
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These soft-hued hens with slate beaks and muffs were developed in the United States in the 1970s, stemming from the Araucana lines of South America. This lavender variety adds a silvery elegance to the flock.
Known for their pale blue eggs and friendly, curious nature, they make excellent companions in mixed flocks. Their eggs have a clean shell and a slightly thicker albumen, perfect for baking and special breakfasts alike.
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A celebratory English variety developed to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in the late 1800s, Jubilee Orpingtons are large, docile hens with a festive mix of mahogany, white, and black feathers.
Though they lay fewer eggs than their utility cousins, their light brown eggs are steady and well-formed. These hens are gentle giants — content, cuddly, and often found waddling peacefully through the pasture.
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Fluffy-footed and full of personality, Cochins are like feathered pillows with a pulse. Their origins trace back to 19th-century China and first gained popularity in England and America during the “hen fever” craze of the Victorian era.
While not the most prolific layers, they produce medium-sized brown eggs with a surprisingly strong shell and good consistency for a bird their size. They’re slow, peaceful, and beloved for their maternal instincts.
Raised the Right Way
The flock is managed with care, transparency, and intention. I do not hatch or sell chicks, and roosters are only kept if one slips in and proves himself a good fit for the flock. The hens are given access to pasture, natural forage, and supplemental nutrition as needed — no hormones, no overcrowding, no stress.
Their litter is composted for use in the gardens, and their presence shapes the land just as the land shapes them.