Meet the Animals

Pigs

Our pig herd comprises of six rare breeds that are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watch list: the Tamworth, Large Black, Middle White, Berkshire, Saddleback and Gloucestershire Old Spot. Each individual has their own unique personality making them all great characters. They farrow twice a year making it possible to see a newborn litter each month!

Horses

Our four Clydesdale horses are the gentle giants of the yard with equally big personalities. Finn is by far the cheekiest, with a fantastic sense of humour (it’s no surprise his birthday is on April Fools Day!), Blue is a real gentleman who is great with children of all ages and Blossom, our brood mare, excels at motherhood. Her latest foal, Tatton Grey Friar was born in May 2010 and is a really handsome boy.  Her first two foals Jester and Talisman are now flying the flag for the Clydesdales overseas but her third foal Tabitha has remained part of the Home Farm family in the hope she too will become a brood mare.

Donkeys

Meet Dotty and Frosty our loveable donkeys.   At 25 years old Dotty is the wise old lady of the farmyard.  She was joined by 3 year old Frosty in 2008 who has certainly brought out the innner foal in her!   We are hoping to breed from Frosty in 2011 when we find a suitable Jack for her - donkey foals are just adorable. Throughout the year we often have pampering days for the donkeys where children can join in and groom them.

Goats

A real favourite with the visitors due to their cheeky personalities! Often referred to as the missing link between farm animals and pets, Lewis, Binti, Jasmine and the rest of their four legged friends enjoy the attention of the visitors who are able to buy goat food from the shop to feed them.  We also acquired four Angora goats in 2009, 3 does and 1 buck.   They have been a fantastic addition to the ever expanding goat family!

Cows

Tatton Dale is famous for its Red Poll Cattle, brought here in the 1930s by Lord Egerton. Calves are born during Spring and early Summer so you might be fortunate enough to see them on your visit. Our herd also consists of Sugar the miniature Dexter, and Beauty and Pansy our newly acquired Gurnsey and Shorthorn.

Sheep

Our flock of 45 ewes lamb once a year in March/April which is one of our farming calendar highlights. It is certainly hard to beat the sight of a lamb full of the joys of Spring leaping and racing in the sunshine! Why not come and learn more about our sheep during our lambing week in April.

Kippy 

We couldn’t leave out one of our biggest characters at Home Farm. Meet Kippy, the hardworking (?) sheep dog… play ‘throw and fetch’ with her and you’ve made a friend for life!