Homestead Gardens Barnyard in Davidsonville, MD
Our Spring Kickoff will be the debut of new animal friends at Homestead Gardens. This spring we are unveiling our Homestead Barnyard–home to Craig, Cinnamon, and Charlotte and many more friends. Children of all ages will be able to get up close to see the sights and smells and hear the voices that make up a real-live barnyard.
Meet Our Barnyard Friends Below:
Maremma Sheep Dog
The Maremma Sheepdog breed is a livestock guardian dog. They originated in Italy where they have been protecting flocks from predators for thousands of years. They are friendly and loyal, and large and white in color. They have a double coat that is water-resistant with a coarse outer coat and a thick, dense under coat. According to the breed standard, males should weigh 35–45 kg and stand 65–73 cm at the shoulder, and females weigh 30–40 kg and stand 60–68 cm.
Miniature Scottish Highland Cattle
Dating back to 1885, the Highland is a Scottish breed of cattle. They are known for their long horns and long shaggy coat. Throughout decades of continued selective breeding, the miniature Highland has been developed. They are known for their friendly temperament and are perfect for smaller farms and homesteading. Miniature Highlands are between 36-42 inches tall and will weigh anywhere from 600-1000lbs.
Goats
A Nigerian Dwarf goat is a breed of miniature domestic goats. This breed is quite hardy - an asset in a wide variety of settings - and can adapt to virtually all climates. They tend to be kept as pets primarily, though also work well as milk producers and working animals. The Nubian goat was bred in Great Britain in the 19th century but has origins that extend to the Middle East and North Africa. Brought to the U.S. by settlers from England, the Nubian goat was originally used as a source of milk and meat but in recent times has become a popular dairy goat.
Miniature Donkeys
Miniature donkeys originate from the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. They are one of the friendliest and most affectionate animals. They are extremely intelligent and docile. They can be several different colors: spotted (more unusual), white, sorrel, “Chocolate” dark brown, black, or gray dun (most popular). They are no taller than 36 inches at the withers.
Alpacas
Originating from the Andes Mountains, alpacas are members of the camelid family and closely related to vicunas, llamas and camels. While they have adapted very well to the United States, alpacas are rare enough to be considered exotic livestock! The fiber of the suri alpaca grows in long, lustrous locks parting at the spine of the animal. The fiber of the huacaya alpaca is more like that of a teddy bear, soft and more uniform in length. An alpaca stands about 3 feet tall and weighs around 150 lbs.
Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs
Vietnamese Potbellied pigs are a dwarf swine breed developed in the 1960’s. They average about 3ft long and 15in tall and they will not be fully grown until about 5 years of age. All of our pigs are referred to as Gilts, meaning they are female and have not given birth. A female that has given birth is referred to as a sow.
Chickens
Poultry have been on the earth for over 150 million years, dating back to the original wild jungle fowl. Poultry provides humans with companionship, food and fiber in the form of eggs, meat and feathers. Many people love to raise and show chickens and other poultry species at fairs and other poultry shows. Others just love to raise them for backyard pets and for fresh eggs every day. There is a large commercial chicken industry that provides us with eggs and meat. The interest in poultry and poultry products has grown tremendously in the last 20 years. Almost every country in the world has a poultry industry of some kind.
Want to know when you can meet our friends?
Check out the Spring Kick-Off schedule below
