FAQs
Old Kentucky Animal Farm
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Old Kentucky proudly supports the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia, actively promoting heritage livestock species that are currently under threat of extinction including traditional Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and Galloway Cattle breeds.
Old Kentucky also holds membership with the Australasian Llama Association, Australian Galloway Association, NSW Donkey Association and the Fell Pony Society of the United Kingdom.
Animals displayed include:
Alpacas and llamas (lama pacos – part of the camelid family which include camels and vicuna)
originally brought into Australia from Peru in South America during the 1850’s by Charles Ledger, but through drought and dispersal the breeds virtually disappeared.
Alpacas were re-introduced to Australia in the 1980’s and now are thriving, so after annual shearing provide wonderful hypoallergenic products.
Nicholas is our wonderful llama sire and his progeny live here on the farm. Mark Twain and Mr. McGregor the alpaca dads live here with their families too.
Camel (camelus dromedarius)
– came from India and the Middle east during the 1840’s and because of their natural ability and endurance were used by the explorers on their journeys often instead of packhorses and bullock teams. These days camel milk products have become popular – at Kyabram (300 kilometres from here) is the very productive Camel Milk Australia enterprise.
Cherry-Jane is our resident camel
Cattle (bos taurus)
(lama pacos – part of the camelid family which include camels and vicuna)
arrived in Australia on the First Fleet in 1788 with Captain Arthur Philip – they were Shorthorn and a bull calf Zebu was purchased at Cape Town, South Africa on the voyage. In India the Zebu is regarded as a sacred cow by the Hindus. During the 1840’s Angus cattle came from Scotland. In 1905 an Angus bull was mated to a roan Shorthorn cow thus commencing the Murray Grey dynasty. MG’s are synonymous with quick growth, compact, pretty, adapt to all climates, can produce beautiful milk and beef and may live up to 15 years. Scottish Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed in the world, with the first herd book established in 1884. Even though they have horns they are very friendly, they are well equipped for winter with their heavy coats, which they shed in summer.
Muriel (Scottish Highland), Maisie (MG) and Nadia (Zebu) live at Old Kentucky.
Chicken (gallus gallus)
also arrived in Australia in 1788. Mostly used in egg production we have a variety of Polish, Belgian, Silkies, Japanese Bantams, Frizzles, Leghorns and others at the farm.
Deer (family cervidae)
– fallow deer (dama dama) originated in Europe and Asia and came to Australia in the 1830’s mainly for hunting.
Santa's Bambi Sparkle is our much loved Christmas deer.
Donkeys (equus asinus)
were first imported to Australia in 1866 by Sir Thomas Elder to be used as pack animals. One of the most famous donkeys was Duffy used by John Simpson Kirkpatrick transporting injured soldiers to safety at Gallipoli during the First World War.
Beasley, our magnificent white donkey survived the catastrophic “Black Saturday” fires in Victoria in 2009 when all around him was destroyed and Little Antonio was the smallest donkey to arrive in NSW when acquired from Tasmania in 2006.
Donkeys (equus asinus)
were first imported to Australia in 1866 by Sir Thomas Elder to be used as pack animals. One of the most famous donkeys was Duffy used by John Simpson Kirkpatrick transporting injured soldiers to safety at Gallipoli during the First World War.
Beasley, our magnificent white donkey survived the catastrophic “Black Saturday” fires in Victoria in 2009 when all around him was destroyed and Little Antonio was the smallest donkey to arrive in NSW when acquired from Tasmania in 2006.
Ducks (anus platyrhynchos)
were part of the poultry selection on the First Fleet – along with chickens, geese and turkeys. Varieties including Mallard and Muscovy.
There are Mallard ducks and Indian Runners at Old Kentucky.
Geese (branta canadensis)
as above travelled to Australia on the First Fleet in 1788. There are many ‘hissing’ Sebastopol geese at the farm.
Goats (capra hircus)
provided much milk on the journey to Australia in 1788. Today goat milk is popular, particularly for lactose intolerant people, who are unable to consume cow’s milk. Our Nigerian Dwarf goats led by Texas are great entertainers and will ‘pop up’ anywhere at the farm.
Horses/ponies (equus caballus)
were also on board in 1788. Horses were vital for transport, whether with a carriage, for police to use or for normal conveyance and horse racing. Sydney’s first horse race was on the 15th October, 1810. Many Australians purchase small acreages just so they may have a horse or pony. Because horses adapted well to the conditions in Australia they bred well and sometimes strayed away from home – consequently the ‘brumby’ was born. Little Ted and Tinmarn are our Shetland riding ponies. Our registered Miniature Horse is Dusty- Dusted In Gold
The Fell Pony originally lived in the Fells at Cumbria in the northwest of England. The name “Fell” comes from the Norse word for ‘hills’ and these ponies ancestors lived in the area long before the Romans came to England in the First Century AD. They are beautifully moving horses with a ground covering trot, handsome, strong – Queen Elizabeth 11 rides one of these magnificent creatures even today in 2021. These horses are also great for packing, trekking, jumping, pony club and carting.
The splendid Sherwood parades wonderfully at Old Kentucky.
The splendid Sherwood parades wonderfully at Old Kentucky.
Rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus)
came to Australia in 1788 mainly for food and wild rabbits were introduced for hunting in 1859. Due to the rampant population myxoma virus was introduced to reduce population. Rabbits were used for food during the Depression and wartime.
Rabbits live at the farm as pets.
Sheep (ovus aries)
came to Australia on the 2nd Fleet with John Macarthur in 1796 – used for wool and meat. Elizabeth Farm was established at Parramatta on 100 acres where our fabulous wool industry was initiated. Heritage breeds, such as Southdown, Border Leicester,
Cheviots and Persians are presented at Old Kentucky. Persian sheep emerged with early man in Persia (now Iran & Iraq) hundreds of years ago. These sheep grow hair instead of wool, so are not prone to fly strike. They also store fat in their tails. Cheviots originated in the 14th Century in England and Scotland. These sheep have ‘clean faces’, wonderful vision, pricked ears for great hearing and thrive in harsh conditions. We have a wide variety of sheep at Old Kentucky, including Chalky the famous Opera House sheep.
Cheviots and Persians are presented at Old Kentucky. Persian sheep emerged with early man in Persia (now Iran & Iraq) hundreds of years ago. These sheep grow hair instead of wool, so are not prone to fly strike. They also store fat in their tails. Cheviots originated in the 14th Century in England and Scotland. These sheep have ‘clean faces’, wonderful vision, pricked ears for great hearing and thrive in harsh conditions. We have a wide variety of sheep at Old Kentucky, including Chalky the famous Opera House sheep.