About Rhos Ddu

"And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, 'I need a caretaker.' So God Made a Farmer.” — Paul Harvey

Rhos Ddu (pronounced ross-day) translates from Welsh to mean "Black Meadow," a name chosen to honor a family farm in Wales that dates back over a century. Our history in Central New York began in 1912 when our founder traded a ticket on the Titanic for an earlier March crossing to ensure his first crops were planted in time for a fall harvest. That determination to work in harmony with the seasons has defined our family’s work ethic for three generations. From the era of horse-drawn milk wagons to the modern day, we have maintained a deep reverence for the land. We believe there is something remarkable to be found in the taste of a vine-ripened tomato, the delicate architecture of a flower, or the innocence of hatching eggs from our heritage breed chickens. To us, farming is more than a profession; it is a calling to act as caretakers of God's wonders. Our mission is to share this passion with you—whether through the farm fresh eggs on your plate, the flowers on your table, or the feathered friends, including our peacocks, in your backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at rlongi@rhosddu.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can peafowl be free ranged?

While peafowl can be successfully free-ranged on large acreages, they are prone to wandering and require a significant "settling-in" period in a secure pen to imprint on their new home. Because they are vulnerable to local predators and can be difficult to recover once they fly off-property, free-ranging should only be attempted in areas with adequate space and minimal neighbor proximity.

Can peafowl survive in the Northeastern US?

Yes, peafowl thrive here with proper winter management. While they are remarkably cold-hardy, we take specific precautions to navigate the Northeastern climate:

Frostbite Prevention: We utilize 6-inch wide perches, which allow the birds to fully cover their feet with their feathers while roosting.
Ground Insulation: To protect their feet from frozen ground, we layer straw or pine boughs over the snow in their outdoor areas.
Shelter: The birds have constant access to dry, draft-free shelter. During extreme weather events, they are moved to indoor quarters; however, supplemental heat is generally unnecessary as long as they remain dry and shielded from the wind.

Do you ship live birds?

No, we do not ship live birds. We believe the shipping process causes unnecessary stress and can lead to extended transit times that compromise the birds' well-being. To ensure our peafowl remain in peak health, we require all transitions to be handled via local pickup.