Animals of Muscoot Farm

During the 1900’s Muscoot farm was a working dairy farm with over a hundred cows grazing these pastures.  But cows were not the only animals that contributed to the production of the farm.  In its prime Muscoot farm would have also been home to sheep, goats, poultry, pigs and beef cattle.  Today, we still have a variety of animals historic to the farm including some minor breeds. 

Cows

Holsteins Cow

Meet Roxanne, a Holstein dairy cow.  Holsteins are quickly recognized by their distinctive black and white markings.  Holsteins are also the largest of the dairy cows and produce the most milk of all the breeds.   

Jersey Cow

Meet Jersey Girl, a Jersey dairy cow. Jersey cows are not named after the State of New Jersey, but the Island of Jersey, located between England and France.  Jersey cows have been bred for nearly six centuries which makes them one of the oldest dairy breeds.  Today Jersey cows are found in a wide range of climatic and geographical areas, from Europe to Australia, from North America to Asia.  These cows are also known for their gentle nature, early maturity, and intelligence. 

Ayrshire

Originally from the County of Ayr in Scotland, the first Ayrshires arrived in the United States  around 1822 by Henry W. Hills, of Windsor, Connecticut. Since then the Ayrshire has been a favorite of farmers in New England because they can graze the pastures of their rough, rocky farms and tolerate the cold winters. Ayeshires, like Gracie, are red and white with the red varying from light to mahogany.

Brown Swiss

Brown Swiss, like Mouse, are one of the oldest dairy breeds in the world.  These animals originated from the valleys and mountains of Switzerland. Today because of their tolerance to all weather conditions they can be found throughout the world.  They are also known for their immense size, large furry ears and stubborn temperament.  

Milking Devon Cow

These Milking Devons, nicknamed “red rubies” because of their deep rich red color, are dual purpose cows.  Traditionally they were bred for their strength, endurance and meat, but they can also produce high quality milk. 

Sheep

Jacob Sheep

Meet Sparkie and his ewes, our herd of Jacob sheep at Muscoot Farm.  Jacob Sheep are believed to be a very ancient breed of sheep, dating back 3000 years. These animals are very unique looking with both males and females having two, four and occasionally six horns. The Jacob’s fleece is also unique and properly described as white with black spots. Jacob sheep are listed as a rare or minor breed, meaning they exist only in small numbers. 

Horned Dorset Sheep

Sheep were domesticated by man approximately 8,000 years ago and were originally raised for their meat.  Later, they became valuable for their wool.  The horns on the Horned Dorset sheep are long, curving downward in a circular pattern and then upwards, creating almost a full circle.  Dorset Horn sheep can produce 5 to 9 pounds of wool each year. They are listed as a minor breed, meaning they exist today only in small numbers.

South Down Sheep

Meet George and his ewes.  The Southdown sheep are a compact, hardy breed of domestic sheep. The Southdowns obtained their name from the hills, or downs, of Sussex, England where it originated. This breed of sheep makes a great show animal because it is docile and easy to handle. They are also listed as a minor breed, meaning they exist today only in small numbers.

Goats

Dairy Goats

Meet Sky, Elizabeth, and Mayabelle, our dairy goats. Goats were one of the earliest domesticated animals and today are still very prominent in world agriculture.  In fact more of the world’s population drinks goat’s milk than cow’s milk. Muscoot Farm has three breeds of dairy goats the Alpine, the Saanen and the Oberhaslis. 

Pygmy Goats

Pygmy Goats are smaller versions of the dairy goat weighing only 50 lbs. This breed originated in western Africa and was originally named the Cameroon Dwarf Goat.  These animals are animated, gregarious, good-natured and love to play and explore.  They also make great and interesting pets.  Today only a few thousand of these animals remain and they are listed as a minor breed.

Poultry

Domestic Bronze Turkey

Meet our bronze turkey, Tom.  The Bronze turkey is named for its shimmering green-bronze color which appears when it shakes its feathers. The turkey is native to North America and was domesticated by the Aztecs. Tom is the largest breed of turkey with males weighing about 40 lbs.  It is also considered a minor breed because they exist only in small numbers. 

Chickens

Chickens are domestic birds. There are many different types of chicken, but all chickens descended from the Red Jungle Fowl.  Muscoot Farm has several breeds of chickens including Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpington, Cochins and White Crested Black Polish.

Ducks

Ducks are the smallest of the waterfowl. Domestic ducks, like those found at Muscoot, are all ancestors of the Mallard.  Today many breeds of ducks live at Muscoot farm including the Rouen and Khaki Campbell. 

Pigs

Tamworth Pig

Muscoot Farm has three female Tamworth Pigs, Big Mama, Susanne and Runt.  The leader of the group, though, is Ron, the boar.  Tamworth pigs are one of the oldest breed of pigs.  Tamworths are ginger red in color and known as gentle giants because of their affectionate disposition.  One way to tell if pigs are happy is to look at the tail.  Pigs with curly tails are happy pigs; pigs with straight tails are upset or angry.  Tamworth pigs are listed as a minor breed because they exist only in small numbers.

Horses

Pony

Standard and Miniature Donkey

Meet Felix, our miniature donkey, and Oscar, our standard donkey.  Donkeys by nature are one of the friendliest and most affectionate animals.  They are also extremely intelligent, docile and easily trained. Donkeys are not as strong and powerful as horses, but they do have a greater sense of survival.

Quarter Horse

Meet Bonnie, our quarter horse. The Quarter horse gets its name from its ability to sprint short distances, usually about a quarter of a mile.  Because of its heavily-muscled physique, even disposition, and athletic ability it is known as both a race horse and as a working ranch horse. This combination makes it the most popular breed in the United States. 

Contact us | View site map