The most important thing to us at Fern Tor is our rescued animals. They have been unwanted, neglected and often abused, but we aim to give them the best home possible. We do not run a zoo, so we ask our guests to respect their dignity and privacy.
Our latest arrivals are 2 Scotish pot-bellied pigs, so they naturally were named Robbie and Bobbie! We got involved in the rescue of some 20 pigs at Loch Lomond, and when it became too difficult for us to arrange transport directly to us, our pair joined the others and were transpoted down to Fiona Oakes' Tower Hill Sanctuary in Essex, where we picked them up. Upon arrival, they went bananas, running around in and eating the grass. They soon got involved in some serious rooting and wallow making.
World renowned health expert, Robbie Sus, christens Fern Tor's new Health Spa
He can also expound extensively on the theraputic properties of Fern Tor Mud.
Excavating for the new Hot Tub
We have given a home to 2 ex-racing greyhounds, thanks to the The Greyhound Trust. Chester and Chuckles are a delight, being 90% couch potato and 10% lunatic.
Sadly, we lost our dear fried Chuckles in August 2009, after 7 years with us. We sorely miss her. Recently, we have given a home to Martha, picture to follow.
Tens of thousands of greyhounds are discarded every year in this country alone. As Greyhound Action points out,
There are more greyhound organisations on our links page.
At last count, we also have 25 rabbits,
2 guinea pigs, 6 goats, 5 sheep and 14 chickens, as well as numerous
pheasants and other birds
who visit us. They are all characters in their own right, and we love
them all.
Peggy Benjy
Sadly, shortly after this picture was taken we lost Gertie. Newer additions who missed the picture, are our aptly named sheep, Barge, and goats Annie, Blondie and William.
Vinnie, our Golden Guernsey-Unicorn cross.
Peggy on the roof, so we've re-named her Pegasus!
Most web sites on pot-bellied pigs are of the Hollywood pet variety, but a good site to visit is the sanctuary PIGS , which has over 200 rescued pot-bellied pigs.
Our Late Friend Treacle
Waiting for lunch ( with
friends)
Tucked up for the night.
The best site on the web for rabbits is Rabbit References . It indexes almost every important source of information available on the web. The RSPCA has some good concise advice. However, until recently they used to state that rabbits do not make good pets for young children and that they should be homed in pairs. Guess it no longer fits in with the cute cuddly image they present with Rolf Harris and Pet Rescue. One of the best sources of information on rabbits is the book The Problem With Rabbits , compiled by Pat Rees, along with other sanctuary workers. Current price for the 3rd edition is £3.99, available from Hillside Animal Sanctuary. Click on the title for details.
This book should be required reading for anyone who looks after rabbits, or is thinking of doing so. It is best summarized by the following poem by our good friend -
A rabbit's needs are manyfold,
NOT just a hutch as you've been told.
We need space to run and grass to eat
That's big enough to stretch our feet.
We like the company of one another,
Whether it be a sister or a brother.
We really like to be in twos;
Being on our own just will not do.
We need branches to chew of hazel or apple,
To keep our teeth short and in fine fettle.
Clip our claws to look after our feet.
And rabbit food is what we eat.
Carrot, apple and greens we like,
but lettuce is something that is not right.
If YOU were a rabbit for just one day,
You wouldn't want to be shut away.
You'd want to hop and run around,
With another rabbit to share the ground.
The poem arrived on the morning after we lost out second rabbit in two weeks. We cried.
If you would like to learn to speak bunny, try looking at the Language of Lagomorphs , or perhaps you would like to visit The Carrot Museum.
Our 4 ladies say "Don't use L'Oreal, because we're worth it!"
There is a good site with advice on guinea pigs; have a
look at Guinea Lynx.
We would welcome some help with the animals at certain times of the year (eg cleaning rabbit houses, goat barn etc) If this would interest you at all, we would be happy to offer a discount/free meals in return .
Yours
You are welcome to bring your pets with you, as long as you make arrangements ahead of time, and keep to a few simple guidelines.
Firstly, because of our rescued animals, your pet must be under control at all times. Our river meadow is available for you to exercise your dog there off the lead. Also, there is usually a field near the house where you can exerise your dor.
Please bring your own bedding, litter trays, etc.
Chester and Chuckles, with the able assisitance of regular visitor Poppy, have compiled a dog-friendly visitors guide to the area.
R.I.P. Ho, Murphy, Boris, Sam, Duki, Treacle, Chuckles and all our dear departed friends. We miss you terribly.
Updated
on 29th January 2010