About Us

It all began with a desire for better food choices and a passion for woodworking, farming was just the next logical step in our new chapter. As Thefowlpig, a small business located in Dalkeith, Ontario, Canada, we pride ourselves on our unique selling point: everything we use comes from our land. We give personal attention and dedication to every detail, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

Our inspiration stems from wanting better food choices. All our animals have names, no matter their size; they are family and are treated with respect and dignity, which we receive in return. With forests being cut down at lightning speed, we aim to preserve them, using only sick or fallen trees for our creations.

At The fowl pig, our mornings begin with a natural rhythm. Before the sun is up, our dogs are already at work, patrolling the perimeter and assessing the property to ensure the grounds are safe from any overnight visitors. Once the all clear is given, we first release the Fowl. Our flock shares a communal coop, but they spend their days with total freedom, foraging and enjoying the benefits of being truly free range. We add fresh bedding, change their water and give them their grains. To help them thrive during the cold days, we offer Cayenne pepper mixed into their feed to support healthy circulation and keep them warm.(Don't worry birds don't have the receptors to taste the heat) warm left overs and pork fat is supplemented to help maintain their body condition and comfort.( We don't heat the coop or supplement lighting to keep egg production, they get a rest during winter. Rosa our elder chicken, she is 6, she still gives us eggs.

After the birds are settled, we head over to the cows.Most of the times the guynea fowl and turkeys will follow us. Our barn is a piece of history, over 200 years old. Because it remains in its original state, we operate without modern plumbing or electricity. It's a labor intensive process, but it connects us directly to the heritage of the land. Hydration is our biggest task. Every day, we hand carry or use the tractor to bring 12 to 15 buckets (15 litres each) to the heard. In the freezing months, we mix hot water into their water bassin to melt the ice and provide a warm comfortable drink.(cows prefer tepid water over icy cold water)

We believe in letting our cows live as naturally as possible. Rather than staying inside the old barn, we built them 2 buildings that have 3 sides providing protection from the wind and snow while allowing them to enjoy the fresh air. Our cows have 24/7 access to hay. If we happen to fall behind on a refill, we have the best alarm system in the world: Bertha and Scribbles. They aren't shy about yelling to let us know exactly when the hay supply is running low.

Once the main herd is tended to, its time fo the calves. Raising healthy, happy calves is the most time consuming part of our day, but also the most rewarding. We believe in a gradual, healthy transition for our calves to ensure they grow strong. 0-3 months three bottle-feeding a day. Between 3 and 5 months we transition to two feeding a day. When they get to 5 months they are weened off slowly and in between all feeding from the time they get here, we supplement with starter feed.  Once completely weened, they are ready to join the herd in the fresh air and start a new journey.

Our lives revolve around the calves feeding schedule. This isn't a 9-5 job; it's a 24/7 commitment. Whether it's a holiday, a family Christmas lunch, or a dinner with friends, the animal's needs always come first. We made a conscious choice to prioritize their well being over our own social calendars. It's labour intensive and requires constant presence, but seeing them thrive in the pasture makes every missed meal so worth it.

After the calves are fed, we head over to see the Pigs, arguably the favorite part of the day! When I open the door of the barn, they are usually sleeping in a big happy pile of warmth. While they sleep in the barn, our pigs aren't confined. They have year round access to a massive electric-fenced area that includes a lush forest canopy. Trees keep them cool from the sun, they get to forage for apples and acorns. We take extra care with their hydration, especially in the winter. We mix water directly into their feed to ensure they stay hydrated, as water is essential for helping them regulate their body temperature. They also get to enjoy hay in the winter months as no greens are available to forage. Feeding time is pure joy. Once they had their fill and their water is topped off, I like to sit and enjoy the show. This is my time to connect with them. The star of the group is DIXIE a 4 year old pure Tamworth our eldest and the matriarch of the herd. She is a massive, gentle soul and incredible mother. Despite her size ( aprox 600lbs) she is remarkably friendly and always comes over to say hello and ask for scratches.

We then proceed with a walk through the forest to observe changes, dammages and growth. If we are lucky we will get to see a deer or two. We meet lots of wildlife in the forest, its always an adventure.

We do not mass-produce our products; they are all unique and perfectly imperfect, as the wood we use is natural. We custom build what our customers need, embracing the 'everything from our land' philosophy.