Breed Guide
Meet Our Flock
At Tournesol Farm, we raise heritage and specialty breeds chosen for their temperament, egg colors, and ability to thrive in our Maine climate. Each one brings something special to the farm. Here is a look at the breeds that call our homestead home.
Ayam Cemani
Eggs: Cream · Temperament: Calm, intelligent · Cold Hardy: Moderate
One of the rarest breeds in the world, entirely black from feathers to skin to bones. Their feathers shimmer with a stunning green and purple iridescence in the sunlight.
White Leghorn
Eggs: White · Temperament: Active, alert · Cold Hardy: Yes
The classic egg-laying champion, producing 280 to 320 large white eggs per year. Originally from Tuscany, these spirited birds are hardy, efficient, and full of personality.
Silkie
Eggs: Cream · Temperament: Extremely gentle · Cold Hardy: Moderate
With their soft, fur-like feathers and the sweetest disposition, Silkies are the teddy bears of the farm. They make exceptional mothers and are wonderful with children.
Orpington
Eggs: Light brown · Temperament: Calm, docile · Cold Hardy: Excellent
Big, fluffy, and impossibly friendly, Orpingtons are the gentle giants of the chicken world. Excellent layers of large brown eggs and perfect for families.
ISA Brown
Eggs: Brown · Temperament: Friendly, easy-going · Cold Hardy: Yes
One of the most productive layers on the farm, producing 300 or more large brown eggs per year. Sweet and sociable, they are wonderful for first-time chicken keepers.
Lavender Orpington
Eggs: Light brown to pink · Temperament: Calm, affectionate · Cold Hardy: Excellent
A stunning variety with soft silvery-blue plumage. They share the same sweet temperament as other Orpingtons and always steal the show when visitors come to the farm.
Bresse
Eggs: Cream · Temperament: Active, alert · Cold Hardy: Yes
Originally from France, the Bresse is considered one of the finest breeds in the world. Striking white plumage, blue legs, and a red comb. Excellent foragers.
Indio Gigante
Eggs: Cream to light brown · Temperament: Calm, curious · Cold Hardy: Moderate
One of the tallest chicken breeds in the world, standing over three feet. Originally from Brazil, these impressive birds are surprisingly gentle and docile despite their size.
Marans
Eggs: Dark chocolate brown · Temperament: Quiet, gentle · Cold Hardy: Yes
Famous for laying the darkest brown eggs of any breed. Their deep chocolate-colored eggs are prized by chefs and egg lovers, and the birds themselves are quiet and sweet-natured.
Cochin
Eggs: Brown · Temperament: Very calm, gentle · Cold Hardy: Excellent
Big, round, and covered in soft feathers all the way down to their toes. Cochins are incredibly calm and make wonderful pets. They are devoted mothers who will happily hatch eggs from other breeds.
Frizzle
Eggs: Cream to light brown · Temperament: Friendly, sociable · Cold Hardy: Moderate
With their curled, outward-facing feathers, Frizzles look like they have been caught in a windstorm. Eye-catching and friendly, they are always a favorite at farm visits.
Australorp
Eggs: Light brown · Temperament: Calm, dependable · Cold Hardy: Excellent
World record holders for egg production, with glossy black feathers that shimmer green and purple in the sunlight. Calm, reliable, and beautiful.
Barred Plymouth Rock
Eggs: Light brown to pink · Temperament: Friendly, curious · Cold Hardy: Excellent
A classic American heritage breed with distinctive black and white striped feathers. Dependable layers that handle Maine winters with ease. A farm favorite for over 150 years.
Easter Egger
Eggs: Blue, green, pink, or cream · Temperament: Friendly, fun · Cold Hardy: Yes
The rainbow makers of the flock. Every bird is unique and every egg is a surprise. If you love a colorful egg basket, Easter Eggers are the breed for you.