Heritage and rare breed chickens at Tarcombe Farm
We breed two flocks of heritage and rare breed chickens on our family farm in Little River, Victoria — Appenzeller Spitzhauben and our Backyard Rainbow Layers. Both flocks are kept under the same simple promise: ethical breeding, calm handling, healthy birds, and clear honest information for the people taking them home.
Our chickens are raised in spacious runs with shelter, dust baths, perches and access to fresh forage. Hens are selected for temperament, type and laying ability, and our breeding pens are managed carefully so we know exactly which birds are going home with you.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben — rare-breed Swiss heritage hens
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a striking Swiss heritage breed with a forward-pointing crest, alert nature and reliable white-egg laying. They are active, lightweight foragers that suit free-range and semi-free-range setups, and they handle Victorian conditions beautifully when given shelter from heavy rain. We breed both Silver Spangled and Gold Spangled lines, and we are working to improve type and crest quality with each generation.
Read more about our Appenzeller Spitzhaubens →
Backyard Rainbow Layers — colourful eggs for the home flock
Our Backyard Rainbow Layers are a thoughtfully chosen mix of pure and crossbred hens that lay across the rainbow — soft blue, sage green, olive, deep terracotta, speckled brown and classic cream. The flock includes Cream Legbar, Araucana, Olive Egger and other heritage layers chosen for friendly temperament and steady laying. They are an ideal starter flock for families wanting a colourful egg basket without the fuss.
Read more about our Rainbow Layers →
How to buy chickens from Tarcombe Farm
Available chickens, current prices and age groups are always listed on our Animals For Sale page. Availability changes through the season, so we recommend checking that page first or getting in touch through our contact page. We sell point-of-lay pullets, started birds and, at certain times of year, fertilised eggs and day-olds. Pickup is from the farm by appointment.
Visiting our flock
Tarcombe Farm is open by appointment only. We love showing people the chickens, talking through breed differences, housing and biosecurity, and helping new keepers feel confident before they take birds home. Please reach out through our contact page to arrange a visit.