the Mini Farm & Misfit Sanctuary

quick summary of what's below: What started as a decision to take in a single rooster has, over the course of two years, turned into a menagerie of 30+ rescue animals. The word has slowly gotten out that this little mini farm is a safe haven for animals, and our connection to the wider rescue & adoption community has grown. As more & more misfit creatures have arrived, what began as a personal initiative has taken on a greater momentum and meaning - and as such, I've decided to transform this little misfit farm fam into an animal sanctuary, and launched this GoFundMe in support of that effort. Read on for more context, and thank you!

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Hi friends! Some of you may know I adopted a rooster two years ago. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing: my partner's neighbor sold his house faster than expected, and the buyers would be keeping all of his backyard hens and two roosters - but not this third rooster, who wasn't accepted by the flock. The neighbor feared he'd have to drop the rooster at an animal shelter, where roosters often flounder, or worse. As he was relaying this story to us in his backyard, I found myself blurting out - I'll take him!

The next thing I knew we were cleaning out an old horse barn on the property where I live, and my friend was helping me build a coop inside one of the stalls. The rooster - whom we named Tom, after the neighbor - soon moved in. A short time thereafter (and strange as it sounds), my mechanic and I were talking about goats. He has goat farmers in his family who raise goats for meat; but often, they take in and bottle-feed the baby goats that the mama goats reject. These babies not only win their affection, but they also don't tend to make good sales at the livestock auction. The farmers can't keep them all, however, so they instead try to find forever homes for them if they're able.

Soon I found myself visiting this farm, falling in love with bottle-baby goats & arranging to adopt two of them - Georgie & Kenny. In the process, the farmers mentioned a hen of theirs who was rejected by her flock and in isolation - another misfit chicken. She came home with us that day as well, and Tom met Molly.

I share these anecdotes to help illustrate how one rooster gradually grew into a flock/herd of now 33 misfit animals. Since then, through chance encounters, outreach from friends, and a burgeoning partnership with a large local sanctuary, we now have 12 goats, 8 chickens, 3 turkeys, 3 ducks (two of them blind), 2 alpacas, 3 cats & two adopted pups that were already part of the family - not to mention the new hive of several thousand bees we are stewarding, who are thriving!

None of this was planned, and yet the mini farm & sanctuary have continually, organically grown. In the process, I've realized the immense joy and contentment that comes from providing a safe space for these surrendered, rescued & misfit creatures. I've seen their unique personalities and character traits emerge, and been given the chance to observe and wonder at their quirks, habits and fascinating social hierarchies. I've experienced their silliness, affection and love, and feel humbled to find myself responsible for trying to offer them the peaceful life they deserve. It has been a tremendous learning process, and I'm indebted to incredible mentors and caregivers for helping me fumble forward.

It takes a fair amount of work to care for them, and the projects to improve and secure their space are constant. But that connection and joy that this accidental farm sanctuary has brought to me, my friends & the wider community are an immeasurable reward. I've been contemplating the idea of transforming this accidental rescue operation into a formal animal sanctuary. Although I set out along this path accidentally, I want to be clear that it has been a very intentional journey. I've consciously taken on the responsibility for these animals as an individual, with no expectation of outside support in any form. At this juncture, however, it feels like turning to the community is a good next step to take, to help transform into a formal sanctuary, open our doors to more animals in need of care and a safe home, & invite more community interaction and connection with the animals & the space. And that is why I am now reaching out to you all with this fundraiser.

The funds donated here will help go toward barn improvements, additional outbuildings, fencing and gates for additional pasture, and animal feed and veterinary care. The target fundraiser amount is very much a stretch goal; any funds raised will provide tremendous support in the journey toward becoming a formal sanctuary, and the general response to this fundraiser will help gauge the viability of this entire endeavor. Please feel free to post or message me with your feedback or questions, and I'll continue to update this page with answers and more information - as well as photos & introductions of the silly animals who share this little mini farm with me. I'm so grateful for all of the love and support so many of you have shown the farm & its creatures already, and the direct or tacit encouragement it’s given me for this next step in the journey. Thank you! Christi Bear Moose Juniper Oliver Hazel Kenny Georgie Frankie Henry Peggy Sue Hunter Delilah Scout Fawn Bug Rufus Alfred Merry Holly Ivy Callum Fern Olive Molly Ruthie Scarlett Wilma ...and Tom. Frankie ❤️ sweet Bearcub Georgie Scout Delilah Fawn lil’ Bug Callum Molly Hunter Merry Scarlett Henry Rufus Alfred Moose Tom Ruthie Fern & Olive Wilma Holly & Ivy Peggy Sue Kenny

suggested donation levels:

$20 // food for one chicken, turkey or duck for one month

$40 // food for one goat or one alpaca for one month

$60 // contribute to ongoing fencing upgrades ($60 is cost of one welded wire fence panel)

$100 // contribute toward ongoing & emergency veterinary care

$300 // food for all birds (14 total) for one month

$500 // food for all goats & alpacas (14 total) for one month