THE ANIMALS

DONALD DUCK AND FRIENDS

We have lots of different ducks. They were originally given to us by the RSPCA. Although we now get our own ducklings born each year. They are funny to watch as some of them can't fly, some can't swim and some are very shy like the moorhens. They all have one thing in common. They are frightened of the goose that is ‘king' of the bottom pond. Those that can fly escape to the top pond because they know the goose can't follow. They eat feed wheat and grass but love it when we have cottage visitors who feed them cake and cornflakes.

MEGGY AND POPPET THE GOATS

We have had several goats come to live with us. Currently we have Meggy and Poppet. They are both pygmy goats that is why they are so small. Both goats eat anything especially trees and nice flowers. They have to have their feet trimmed regularly. They are fed goat mix and hay. People always ask how much bigger these little goats will grow because they don't realise that they are fully grown.

GOOSY AND FRIENDS

Goosy was given to us by the local ‘Animal Ambulance'. Goosy enjoys trying to drown any duck that gets in his way. Once a year we have wild Canada geese that come and stay with us until they raise their young. Only then is Goosy ‘put in his place' because they make it clear that they are ‘in charge'. He also eats feed wheat and grass. Visitors used to be frightened of him because he made a loud noise and ran at them. Now that he feels safe on the site he has become quite friendly.

THE CHICKENS AND GUINEA FOWL

Every year we hatch some chicks or guinea fowl in the incubator. We have lots of different breeds of chickens. These include Polands , Light Sussex, Wyanadottes, Warrens , Black Rocks, Columbian Black Tails, Silkies, Old English and Banties. We also have some strange looking guinea fowl. They all eat grass clippings, leaves and vegetable peelings. They are fed on a mix of feed wheat and layers mash. They used to be loose but some of the guests were frightened of them so they now have their own pen. The eggs we get from the chickens are very popular with the guests because everyone loves ‘free range eggs'.

BLOSSOM THE PONY

Blossom is a Welsh pony. She is about 17 years old. She came to us because she had been put in foal too often and as a result she was quite ill. She has recovered well but she still suffers from laminitis that affects her feet. As a result she has to be kept off of the ‘fresh' grass in the summer or she could die. She is very gentle and loves being fed on carrots and Polos – but only as a treat because if she gets too fat it makes her laminitis worse!

CHANCE AND DOTTY THE SHEEP

Chance and Dotty the sheep are due to lamb at Easter so if all goes according to plan we should have some little lambs on site for the summer. The farmer next door has lots of sheep so there should be no shortage of lambs in the fields. They are fed on sheep nuts but they also eat grass and help to keep down the nettles.

JUDY AND TYLER THE CATS

Both of these cats have been rehomed with us, from the North Devon Animal Ambulance. They were both very adventurous and love to "hunt" about. Tyler owners couldn't keep him because they lived in a flat. He is much lazier now and likes plenty of sleep. Whereas Judy's owners could no longer keep her in their new house, so she came to us. She is always full of life, and loves to jump about everywhere! So watch out cause you never know where she'll end up next! They are both very friendly and like lots of stroking!

NEW ARRIVALS

Look out for new arrivals to our site. As we mostly re-home ‘unwanted' or sick animals we never know what will come to Animal Ark Cottages so watch this space!!!

Speaking of new arrivals..come meet the latest our lovely new donkey Molly!

Lynn & Steve Marshall
Animal Ark Cottages

East Kerscott, Swimbridge,
Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 0QA