About Shady Hill

We are a small chicken santuary devoted to raising rare heritage breeds and modern hybrids. Every flock we raise is purposefully selected and maintained so we can give each bird the attention, space, and wellness-focused environment it deserves.

We believe that healthy, happy chickens and quail come from thoughtful stewardship. That’s why we rely on all‑natural practices, hands‑on care, and a deep respect for the unique traits of every breed we raise. From the rare and remarkable to the hardy and modern, our pampered birds thrive in a setting designed around their well‑being.

Our mission is simple: nurture exceptional flocks through sustainable, humane, and mindful practices and share the joy of raising extraordinary birds.

Our Story

Our farm began with a simple wish: to slow down, reconnect with nature, and return to the kind of honest, hands‑on living that nourishes both body and spirit. We created small, boutique operation, which allows us to treat our animals with the best all-natural diet and individualized attention.

Raised on a farm, I spent her childhood caring for horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Starting with university, life carried me to the city where I spent a few decades, but the pull of the land never left me. When the opportunity arose to settle on a beautiful wooded hillside, my husband and I embraced it wholeheartedly. What started as a small flock of chickens — just enough to enjoy fresh, all‑natural eggs — quickly became something much more meaningful.

Those first hens rekindled a lifelong passion. A handful of chickens grew into a diverse flock of many breeds, joined by quail and a steady parade of newly hatched chicks. Before long, we had more eggs than we could use, so I began bringing the extras to work. My colleagues loved the rich, organic eggs so much that they started asking to buy them regularly. As demand grew, so did our flock.

Along the way, I discovered a fascination not just with egg colors but with the charm and character of unusual and rare breeds. I enjoy nurturing animals for specific traits and selectively breeding to bring out key genes.

My mother, keeping chickens in Texas, shares stories and trends from the vibrant U.S. chicken community and our conversations sparked further inspiration — why not create some of these hybrid breeds in Europe? Today, our farm is the result of that spark: a place where heritage and hybrid breeds thrive and a forum to share those breeds.

Photo right: Phoebe on the farm in the 1980's

blending farm heritage and modern animal husbandry