(Bowdon, Ga.) – Cluster Flock Farm has announced that it has acquired ten critically endangered Black Java chickens. This rare breed of chickens was acquired from a farm in Fines Creek, North Carolina, where Joy Berry has propagated the critically endangered species for nearly twenty years. Critically endangered means there is a known population of less than 500 worldwide. Interesting to note is that Cluster Flock Farm owner, Cathy Hawkins, made the journey to Fines Creek, North Carolina just four days before Hurricane Helene devastated the region. To date, there is not yet confirmation that the farm itself or any of the other endangered Black Java chickens being cultivated there survived the storm, though Cluster Flock Farm has received word that Joy Berry and her family made it through.
Cathy Hawkins states: “We had no idea how critical this mission trip to western North Carolina would become. We had so much going on on our farm that I considered postponing our trip. But God encouraged us to keep our travel plans in place. Once we build up this flock, we will begin accepting applications for co-breeders to help repopulate this lovely breed.”
The Java is an ancient breed of chicken and, according to the Livestock Conservancy, the second oldest breed in the US. Originally from Java, they were introduced into early American settlements and the breed standard was accepted in 1883. Javas have two main varieties: Mottled and Black. This breed was used for meat production and was also used in the development of other popular American breeds like the Jersey Giant, Rhode Island Red, and Plymouth Barred Rock. They are a very amiable and calm breed.
Cluster Flock Farm is actively preserving endangered breeds of Heritage Turkeys, Ducks, Chickens, and Rabbits, as well as Heirloom crops and native plants. The farm’s activities include a project to propagate American Ginseng and Goldenseal in their woods. Fostering environments which enable different species to thrive is necessary to offset the diminishing organic ecosystems which have supported varied and vibrant flora and fauna and are becoming increasingly threatened.
Through active partnerships, our goal is to build a foundational platform to educate others on beneficial and sustainable methods of farming and propagation. Traditionally known as animal and land husbandry, we meld proven methods and innovation in order to encourage and maintain balance in the natural surroundings.
Donation, seed packet purchasing, event registration and information about Cluster Flock Farm is available at ClusterFlockFarm.org.
