Sheep 

We originally chose Corriedale sheep for their thick fleeces which stand up well to wind driven rain – a common occurrence during the cold winter months on the island. Corriedales originated in New Zealand, from a Lincoln-Merino cross. They are medium sized, dual-purpose sheep bred for both their superior meat and wool.

Horses

Panama is a Chestnut Quarterhorse and is now in his teens, though he acts quite young for his age. He sometimes needs a jumpstart, but is a trustworthy guy once you get him moving. 

Donkey

Catherine, named after Clarissa’s mother, is often the favorite animal of the farm’s visitors, and is a burrough rescued almost 20 years ago along with her sister, Maude, who died of old age in 2021. 

Chickens

We have been hatching our own laying hens for the past decade, from the original breeds of Australorp, Buff Orpington, Americauna, and Barred Rock.

Ducks

We raise Cayuga, Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin, and Indian Runner ducks for both meat and eggs, though perhaps mostly just for their humor and joy they offer the farm. 

Mother Goose and Gander

Mother Goose is an Emden Goose, and was gifted to us a few years back. She is our protector, guiding the flock of ducks around the back of the farm, and frightening away the predators. She now has a friend, Gander, a Chinese Goose who we are hoping will help bring many more generations of geese to the farm.

Boli and Navai

Our 14 year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Boli, is a magical, gentle being, and is deeply loved by all. His main job on the farm is to chase away the red-tailed hawks and non-migratory geese. Navai is the farm puppy, a Corgi-mix who is learning the ropes from the old guy. 

Dobbin

A mix of Maine Coon and Rag Doll, Dobby is the most recent addition to the farm. He plays like a dog, sleeps like a cat, and has taken on the vital role of rodent control on the farm.

Rabbits

There are a few semi-domesticated black New Zealand rabbits that wander around the farm and can be hand-fed (and sometimes pet).

Wild Animals

On our old post from a wind turbine erected in the 1970’s we offered a structure for the osprey to build a nest. They have been returning each spring for several years now, nesting and hatching their babies, and flying off each winter.

On our Northside barn we have a barn owl box at the gable end, which has housed barn owls for decades. If you are on the farm at dusk you may hear their calls, and feel the current of wind above as they swoop across the fields to feed.

Mallards find their homes each spring in the vernal pools on both the north side and south side of the farm. Swans swim in Upper Chilmark Pond that lines our southern pastures. And once in a while, a bald eagle visits the farm, sitting atop the osprey nest, or feeding on the wild bunnies in the fields.