Ayam Cemani – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

Allegedly, it all began with the Coronation Sussex – a chicken variety developed to celebrate the coronation of King George.  In 2007 Florida Attorney, Paul Bradshaw noticed a demand for Coronation Sussex Chickens in the United States.  Though Coronation Sussex chickens have been in existence for approximately two centuries, this native English breed was essentially unavailable in North America at that time. Bradshaw recognized a rare opportunity and imported some hatching eggs of this rare breed from Australia.  Bradshaw’s gamble paid off when he sold his first pair of Coronation Sussex in the U.S. through an on-line auction for $4,500!  Ever since then, Bradshaw’s 12 acre Florida farm, called Greenfire Farms, has specialized in importing, raising and arguably saving rare and unusual birds. 

Jenny Taylor & Shamo Chicken – photo courtesy of Jenny Taylor

Greenfire Farms distinguishes itself as a “farm” and not a “hatchery.”  When asked about this distinction, Greenfire Farms’ manager, Jenny Taylor explained that unlike a typical, large-scale hatchery, all of the chickens sold through Greenfire Farms are breed, cared for and raised at the farm.  Greenfire Farms focuses on breeding for hardiness, rather than relying on the heavy use of vaccinations.  Its staff has close, hands-on experience with all of its birds – nothing here is sub-contracted out, unlike many hatcheries which do not raise and keep their own breeding flocks.

Greenfire Farms searches out rare, unusual and beautiful chicken breeds that are generally not available in the United States.  Through the use of in-country translators and veterinarians – Bradshaw and Taylor spend countless hours researching the histories

Hedemora Chickens (Snow Hardy!) – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

(which are sometimes convoluted and difficult to find) of any chicken breed they consider importing.  Once satisfied with a breed’s history, Bradshaw and Taylor work with breeders overseas to find the best, truest, healthiest specimens of that breed to import into Greenfire Farms.  Bradshaw never relies on just one source for the imported breeds, but instead, dedicates himself to finding 2 or 3 completely different sources in order to have the strongest breeding stock possible.

Swedish Flower Hen – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

It is certainly no simple or inexpensive task to organize the importation of poultry into the United States.  Taylor noted to the UCP, that Greenfire Farms prides itself on being very careful and conscientious about the importation process.  There are many poultry diseases found overseas (e.g. Egg Drop Syndrome, which affects a hen’s ability to lay) which are not present in North America.  Many of these diseases, if brought into the United States, could have devastating effect on the entire poultry industry here.  This is a real concern with some individuals who would try to circumvent U.S. customs by purchasing hatching eggs off the internet and having them mailed into America disguised in their packages as other items (e.g. sometimes they will be mailed inside boxes of cereal or other food items.)  Taylor stated that because of Greenfire Farms dedication to properly and safely importing hatching eggs, and their adherence to bio-safety measures on the farm, they have never had a problem with disease within their flocks.

Olansk Dwarf – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms (pinterest)

It is not an exaggeration to credit Greenfire Farms as a key figure to the protection and preservation of some endangered chicken breeds.  One such breed that has made a comeback from the precipice of extinction is the Olansk Dwarf.  The Olansk dwarf is a small, hardy, foraging chicken native to the Olands island in Sweden.  When Greenfire Farms first imported this breed diminutive breed there were only 54 birds known to be in existence.  Through Greenfire Farms’ importation and breeding efforts of the Olansk Dwarf, there are now a few hundred birds of this breed now in existence and they are available for sale from several breeders in North America.

Ayam Cemani’s All Black Mouth – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

Aesthetics are an important factor, when considering which chickens are added to Greenfire Farms’ breeding program.  The current centerpiece/headliner chicken on Greenfire Farms is the Ayam Cemani.  This all black bird is remarkably striking as it is literally – ALL BLACK.  It sports black feathers, black comb and waddles, black eyes, black legs and a black mouth.  In fact, its skin, flesh, bones and organs are also all black!  Traditionally a breed native to Indonesia, Greenfire Farms was able to acquire its breeding stock of Ayam Cemani from flocks in the United Kingdom.  Aside from being the strangest looking bird available at Greenfire Farms – it is also the most expensive chicken for sale.  A breeding pair of Ayam Cemanis will cost you $5,000!  Jenny Taylor explained that the price of all of the chickens for sale at Greenfire Farms reflects the true costs of importation, breeding and maintenance of the chickens and the farm.  Showy rare breeds, such as the Ayam Cemani, help finance other breeds that are in less demand, but no less lovely and desired of protection and promulgation.

Cream Legbar Rooster – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms

Greenfire Farms truly is a unique chicken business that is fulfilling an important task in the poultry world – making available otherwise out of reach chickens in North America.  This worthy task not only protects the often rare and possibly endangered birds, but also diversifies the chicken stocks accessible to American and Canadian chicken keepers and breeders.  As the Texan says, “sometimes more is more,” so it seems to be with Greenfire Farms and the magnificent chickens they bring to America.

MAIN SEGMENT:

• Greenfire Farms website LINK
• Facebook – Greenfire Farms Facebook page LINK
• Twitter – Greenfire Farms Twitter account (keep up with their tweets) LINK
• Pinterest – Greenfire Farms’ Pins (see lots of pics of gorgeous chickens) LINK
• YouTube – Greenfire Farms’ channel (check out their birds recorded) VIDEO
• Modern Farmer – Greenfire Farms saves nearly lost chicken breeds ARTICLE
• Business Insider – Greenfire Farms’ $2500 chicken ARTICLE
• NY Times – Hatching Your Own Batch of Eggs (Bradshaw interviewed) ARTICLE
• Tampa Bay Times – Short Article about Bradshaw & NY Times write up ARTICLE 
• Seattle Times – When Keeping Chickens:keeping up w/ Eggs ARTICLE
• Florida Trends – Greenfire Farms in Bio (photo of Paul Bradshaw) ARTICLE
• BYC Forum – Forum Discussion on Greenfire Farms (Pro and Con) THREAD
• Natural Ark – Blog on the Augsburger breed imported by Greenfire Farms POST

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