Our Story
Welcome to Lemonweir River Farms. We are a small 31 acre family farm owned and operated by a husband wife team, Tim and Vicki. Our mission is to inspire and encourage others to become more self-sufficient in their homestead journey.
We specialize in Coturnix Quail and specialty ducks using an all natural approach where we utilize organic practices to achieve a more self-sustainable lifestyle. Our flocks are raised organically without hormones, growth stimulation, antibiotics or any other chemical products providing the best organic nutrients to ensure the production of the best quality eggs and meat. Our farm is also NPIP certified (National Poultry Improvement Plan), which means our flock meets specific health standards and are disease free.
Our specialty breeds are Coturnix Jumbo Wild and Celadon Quail, as well as Khaki Campbell and Welsh Harlequin ducks. We offer fertile hatching quail and duck eggs, chicks, ducklings, Balut eggs, quail meat and (fresh quail and duck eggs-local sales only).
Facts and Benefits about Coturnix Quail
Quail are ideal for small spaces or urban homesteaders. In fact, a stacking cage system allows you to raise them in very little space. They just need a place that has proper ventilation and adequate sunlight. Quail are much quieter than chickens, they make more of a whistling or singing sound.
Quail can also become a source of income, from selling fertile hatching eggs, quail chicks, fresh eggs and a meat source. Quail are utilized for a variety of purposes. Feathers are used in fishing lures and crafts. Live quail are used in training predatory birds or hunting dogs, and frozen quail or eggs are used as reptile feeders. We also provide hatching rental kits for school, home or 4-H projects.
Coturnix Quail take 18 days to incubate and hatch. By 6-8 weeks of age, your tiny birds will have grown into full size adult quail and will begin to start laying eggs. Our Jumbo Wild are ready to harvest for meat at 10 weeks old.
Jumbo Wild
Our Jumbo Wilds are the largest birds with an average weight of 14.3 oz at 10 weeks and are commonly raised for meat, but lay an average of 290 eggs per year (with supplemental light). Jumbo Wilds are feather sexable at three weeks old and become sexually mature at 6 weeks, meaning they will begin laying eggs at six weeks old. If using for meat, they are ready to harvest a 10 weeks old.
Celadons
Our Celadons are a Standard Coturnix quail that carry the celadon gene, which is responsible for the beautiful blue color of their eggs. The birds come in a variety of colors and are 9.8 oz at 10 weeks. Their egg production is 280 eggs per year (with supplemental light). These birds
are not feather sexable and will need to be vent sexed at 6-8 weeks.
Benefits of Quail Eggs
- Rich in protein: Excellent source of protein.
- Balance Cholesterol: High content of beneficial fatty acids. 60% of the fat in quail eggs is made up of “good” fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) fats and can help affect cholesterol levels positively.
- Boost Immunity: Large amounts of Vitamin A, which help neutralize free radicals and protect your health. Improve vision, help prevent cataracts and help heart, lungs, kidneys and other organ work properly.
- Treat Allergies: Eggs are rich in ovomucoid protein, which is known for its natural anti-allergenic properties. It helps the body fight off congestion, inflammation, and other symptoms caused by an allergic reaction.
- Boost Metabolism: Vitamin B12, selenium, riboflavin, choline and iron helps boost metabolism and support vital processes and organ functions.
Benefits of Quail Meat
- Calories: Approximately 123 calories per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
- Protein: Contains about 22 grams of protein per serving.
- Fat: Roughly 4.5 grams of total fat, with about 1 gram of saturated fat.
- Calories: Approximately 123 calories per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
- Protein: Contains about 22 grams of protein per serving.
- Vitamins: Good source of B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12.
- Minerals: Contains essential minerals like iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Carbohydrates: Very low in carbohydrates, typically less than 1 gram.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Provides a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sodium: Naturally low in sodium, but can vary based on preparation.
Facts and Benefits about Ducks
Ducks can also be a source of income, from selling fertile hatching eggs, ducklings, down feathers and fresh eggs.
Welsh Harlequins
These ducks were developed in Wales in 1949 and are a beautiful, lightweight breed known for their excellent egg production. They weigh between 4.5-5.5 lbs and are considered a dual-purpose bird raised for both lean meat and egg production (250-300) annually. They are considered one of the quieter duck breeds and are good foragers. Due to their exceptional laying ability to hatch their eggs, calm, docile temperament and excellent foraging ability, they are well-suited to homesteads and small farms. This breed can be sexed by bill color only within the first 48 hours of hatching.
Khaki Campbells
This breed is a British breed developed in England in the 1900’s from the Indian Runner, Rouen and Mallard. This bird is a used for a dual purpose, but mostly for egg production (275-320) annually. They weigh between 3.5-5.5 lbs. Their hardiness in cold weather, ability to forage well and laying ability makes them perfect for homesteads. These birds are more high-strung and energetic needing space to forage.
- Higher Nutrient Density: Duck eggs contain more vitamins and minerals compared to chicken eggs.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They provide a good source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Protein Content: Duck eggs are high in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamin B12: They are an excellent source of vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
- Choline Source: Duck eggs are rich in choline, important for brain health and development.
- Higher Fat Content: They contain more fat, which can provide a richer flavor and increased satiety.
- Antioxidants: Duck eggs have higher levels of certain antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress.
- Lower Allergenic Potential: Some people who are allergic to chicken eggs may tolerate duck eggs better.
- Versatile in cooking: Duck eggs can be used in various recipes from baking to gourmet dishes, due to their unique properties.