Barred Plymouth Rock: black and grey: These chickens originated in the eastern United States in the mid-19th century. The Barred Plymouth Rock was the predominant breed in Canada between 1900-1940 and are famous around the world.

Brown Leghorn: all brown: This strain of chickens was developed in Italy at the turn of the century in "Livorno" which is Italian for "leghorn". These animals are now extremely rare throughout Canada.

Other heirloom chicken varieties include: Aracana, Rhode Island Reds and Bar Rock. These chickens lay brown, white and green eggs!

Craigflower Farm accounts list 'Southdown', 'Cheviots' and 'Leicester' sheep. Other heirloom varieties which may be seen on B.C. Farms include:

Cotswald Sheep: white with loosely curled fleece, mid-sized, originating in England this breed is 2000 years old. They arrived in Canada about 1832 and by the latter part of the century were the second most common breed in the country, being raised for their fine meat and fleece. Today fewer than 75 breeding ewes remain.

New Mexico Karakul: small head and dark muzzle, long floppy ears and fat tail which is used to store fluid like a camels hump the New Mexico Karakul sheep originated in the high altitude desert regions of Asiatic Russia and were first imported to Canada in 1914, being shown in the Pacific National Exhibition that same year. Both "persian lamb" pelts and "afghan coats" are derived from the Karakul. Today there are only about 100 Karakul left in Canada.

Dorset Horned Sheep: the ram with the tight fleece.

The Dorset Horned Sheep originated in England and were imported to Canada in the late 19th century. They were raised for fleece and meat. Through selective breeding, a "polled" or hornless variety now predominates but the original Dorset Horned, once very plentiful, has now dwindled to a mere one hundred animals here in Canada.

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Content provided by B.C. Heritage Branch
Last updated January 30, 1998
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