52°
The latest additions, a pair of Kunekune piglets, were picked up and delivered by veterinary technician Teresa Delahanty on Monday.
The yet to be named piglets join the flock of chickens residing at the 199-acre county-owned property on Route 312 in Brewster. “The arrival of the piglets reaffirms Putnam County’s commitment to housing a variety of animals at Tilly Foster Farm for the public to enjoy,” said Deputy County Executive Bruce Walker. “As we move forward with plans to make the farm financially viable through public-private partnerships with organizations such as Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, we are cognizant that the farm is a local treasure that brings joy to our residents both young and old.” The Kunekune are considered a small heritage breed of pigs. While still rare in this country, they were a popular breed centuries ago.
Delahanty confirmed that kunekune (pronounced “Cooney- Cooney”) were chosen for Tilly Foster Farm because of their friendly dispositions, their mini-size and their non-rooting and non-roaming characteristics. Delahanty and her friend Lisa Walker, who raised the farm chicks until they were old enough to be placed at the farm, made the round trip drive to Bel Canto Farm just outside of Ithaca on Monday. “Kunekune are very friendly, easy to manage little pigs, and they will be able to feed mostly on pasture grass unlike other breeds," said Delahanty. "They won’t grow to be taller than 24 inches, very child-friendly.” The pair, both female, are only eight weeks old. They will be placed in the enclosed pen directly across from the hand-made chicken coop near the end of the farm’s entryway. To see the latest pictures of the chicks and piglets or find out about upcoming events, visit Tilly Foster Farm online at www.PutnamTillyFoster.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tillyfosterfarm.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Putnam and receive free news updates.
