Small Animal Farm

Our small animal farm is adjacent to the greenhouse, strategically placed to allow the animals plenty of sunshine as well as shade from the trees on those hotter days. It's home to our flock of chickens and ducks, as well as our well-loved rabbits. This beautiful, fenced-in area boasts a duck pond, chicken and duck coops, and hutches for our rabbits. 

Silver Appleyard Ducks

Part of the mission of our Micro-Farm is to aid in the conservation of rare breeds of animals. The Silver Appleyard duck breed was introduced to the United States in the 1960's and remains extremely rare in the US; only 128 breeding Silver Appleyard ducks were reported in a 2000 census of domestic waterfowl in North America. At that time, there were no more than 5 breeders of Silver Appleyards recorded in the US and Canada combined.

Silver Appleyard ducks are highly valued for their outstanding laying ability, wide and deep breasts, and stunning plumage. The females of this breed have snowy-white heads, necks and breasts. The males sport gorgeous green and black heads with brown necks and breasts. Standard-sized Silver Appleyards typically weigh six to eight pounds, while the miniature breed is normally two to four pounds.

Classroom Hatching

Our ducks are hatched by AGCS second and third grade students in their classrooms. Each year, some of the hatched ducks are banded so that students can easily identify the birds they personally hatched and brooded, as they wander around our small animal farm.

Rabbits

We currently have one Mini Lop, one Rex, and two Lion's Mane rabbits. They live two cozy hutches in the small animal farm enclosure. 

Our rabbits are great for teaching responsibility and animal husbandry. They're naturally gentle creatures that are easy to care for. Did you know they make great house pets? They can be litter-box trained and are much less smelly than cats or hamsters!

Chickens

Today's children are far removed from the process of food production. Studies show that up to 80% of children don't know where eggs or milk come from. Our students learn about eggs and the lifecycle of chickens. They also learn to take care of creatures and anticipate their needs, which is a valuable life lesson. Chickens are relatively low maintenance; they require daily feed, water, and an occasional treat.