Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary

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Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary

🦆501(c)(3) nonprofit farm sanctuary
🐑All animals deserve protection!
🐄Donate to help the animals

08/01/2025

What does a snow day look like for waterfowl? Well, the winter storm didn't stop the Monday salad madness from happening – so there was a lot of waddling around bowls of lettuce, greens, and fruit, and then bedding down in the fresh straw we provide after snow so that nobody's feet get too cold. Ducks and geese also love to pick through fresh straw for seeds and other random tasty bits, so it is a little bit of extra enrichment too!

Our waterfowl live in extra large aviaries 24/7 that we built especially for them. There's about 5000 square feet of aviaries at the sanctuary, which includes their general living spaces as well as foraging gardens where we grow grass and other plants during warmer seasons. I talk about the necessity of protection a lot on our posts about abandoned duck rescues, but the level of safety that aviaries provide for the birds cannot be understated. This is a really tough time of year for all waterfowl, not only because bodies of water are frozen and food is hard to find, but also because predators are extra hungry and trying to make it, too. Aviaries are the best way to keep feathered friends protected from being attacked, preyed upon, or have disease spread to them from migrating birds. Farmed birds like chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese deserve the same protected and enriched lives that we give to cats and dogs. 🦆🦢

05/01/2025

Today has been all about prepping for the winter storm that will hit PA tomorrow, as well as the temperatures that will stay below freezing day and night for the next week. Sheep friends Merry, Phoebe, and Fudge are happy to have a de-icer in their water tank to get them through! It's crucial that everyone has clean bedding to snuggle in and hay to keep them warm through the winter weather, too.

Did you know that the stomachs of ruminant animals like cows and sheep are a big source of heat? When these guys have bellies full of hay, the bacteria breaking it down (and their own metabolism) generate heat to keep them warm. Having hay available through cold snaps is an extra thing we can do to keep them comfortable. But more than anything I imagine everyone will just be spending a lot of time safe and sound indoors, just like us. 🏠

31/12/2024

It has been a while since we checked in! The tail end of 2024 was such a challenge for so many reasons. In the late summer we discovered a serious transmissible disease in our resident sheep herd, resulting in us having to separate and quarantine three of them from the rest of the flock in their own pasture, our founding dog Sweetpea was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, we endured the tremendous loss of saying goodbye to her, we removed birds from a closing sanctuary in disrepair, we have done more duck abandonment cases than we honestly have posted about, and generally dealing with unpredictable climate and weather conditions has had us completely bushed.

But this isn't to say that I'm not incredibly lucky and grateful to be able to dedicate my time, energy, and passion to caring for animals who otherwise would have nobody. Through all unpredictable conditions, Sweet Peace will always be a home to those who need it. Among the 2024 chaos we were able to problem-solve, save many urgent lives (and end up on TV for the first time!), and bring newfound sanctuary to a number of ducks and one lucky pig.

I hope to start 2025 with a fresh start and a few incoming stories of some of the incredible non-humans whose lives have recently been changed for the better. Even when times are challenging, we can still be kind to one another *and* to animals. If you haven't done so yet, please consider leaving them off your plate in the new year! Every act of kindness towards animals makes the world a gentler place for all living beings. 💚

Thank you for supporting our sanctuary, and we will be in touch in 2025! 🎉

08/12/2024

We were on the news! Thank you to Maxine Rose with CBS 21 News for interviewing us (I'm on the right!) alongside Audrey of Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary about the duck rescue last week. In this clip we talk about the fact that duck abandonment has occurred twice now at the same pond, the condition of the ducks and their staph infection, and that signage about duck dumping is something that could help curb future abandonment cases at Bullfrog Valley Park. Not many people know about this issue, or understand that leaving domestic ducks in a pond with mallards will not end well for anybody, so coverage on this problem is such a huge win for both the ducks and rescuers like us.

Ducks, chickens, and other domestic birds are usually abandoned when people realize they did not sign up for animals with such intensive care needs. We typically see more males than females abandoned because they don't lay eggs, too. It's important to always responsibly plan for the lifespan of any animal you bring into your care, including ducks, who can live to be a decade or more. Many adoptable ducks are still waiting for homes at our sanctuary and at Good Sprout. Please send us a message if you are interested in adopting!

01/12/2024

We've been receiving many reports from local animal lovers around the Hummelstown area that domestic ducks were once again abandoned at Bullfrog Valley Park. We did a rescue of 8 individuals at this same location this time last year, and these two sweethearts have been struggling to survive since fall began. Why do people pick the cruelest, most dangerous time of year to abandon helpless birds?

As we've recently participated in other duck rescues, we have had to wait for our quarantine areas to become available before being able to help these poor souls. Unfortunately, the situation became urgent this morning when a caring local reported to our hotline that one of the ducks was stuck in the frozen pond. The Pekin (white duck) had cracked through the ice and was spinning helplessly while his lighter friend struggled to slip and slide on the surface. Working with our sister sanctuary Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary, we were able to figure out a way to rescue these ducks and provide proper biosecurity alongside other ducks currently waiting for homes. We need compassionate adopters. Please reach out to us if you are able to provide a predator-proofed home for ducks with access to an avian vet. If you are an interested beginner, we would love to help you and guide you throughout all of the joys and rewarding challenges of responsible duck caretaking!

Thank you to board member Audrey and volunteer Bird for conducting the rescue this afternoon, and we are very grateful to everyone who has been reporting these ducks to us. Please rest assured that they are now safe before deadly winter conditions set in on the park. We hope one day that there will be no more dumped ducks here or anywhere else!

13/11/2024

For the past month we have been dealing with a devastating diagnosis in our beloved co-founder Sweetpea. One scary morning in October resulted in an emergency surgery where a ruptured tumor was found on her spleen. Her entire spleen was removed, and a biopsy found that it contained a highly aggressive cancer known as hemangiosarcoma. Unfortunately, this is a very common and incurable form of cancer specific to dogs and few other animals.

Sweetpea is 12 years old, but anyone could see the years ahead of her from the miles we cover daily and her puppy-like bursts of energy that can only be quelled with tug and fetch. However, even with the chemotherapy treatments we elected for her, we really only have a few months left with her. Since this cancer originates in blood vessels, it spreads quickly and will eventually create more lethal tumors throughout her body that would be impossible to remove. Chemo can sadly only delay this from happening and give her a little more time to enjoy life with us before the sunset.

Sweetpea has been like a child to me for the past decade, and gave purpose to my life when I had none. Though her life was set to end at the shelter when she was just 8 months old, her explosion into my heart and my life saved my own more times than I can count. I hope to do everything I can to make her last months with me exciting, comfortable, and fulfilled by special meals and good times with people she loves. We have a lot of hiking and peanut butter sandwiches ahead of us. Please stay tuned for updates on the rest of the sanctuary family soon, and consider supporting us throughout this time. ❤️‍🕊️

08/10/2024

Last week we received a tip from a resident of Marietta, PA that someone had abandoned a white duck in their neighborhood pond. We have to prioritize Pekin abandonment cases because they are so slow, can barely make it a foot off the ground, and their bright plumage attracts predators like no other. When we arrived, as these cases often turn out, this beautiful girl had company. Segregated from the Canada geese, two male Khaki Campbells were glued to her side, as if it was blatantly obvious to all three of them that they did not belong. After setting up netting and doing some kayaking, these friends are now safe in our infirmary. 🦆

Somehow, these three ducks were able to survive for months on a pond with numerous signs advising the public not to feed waterfowl. They were desperate for food on the rescue date and are very skinny. As the weather cools, they certainly would not have lasted much longer. We hope to bring them up to health and then find a sanctuary home or compassionate family to give them the love and safety they've always deserved. If you are able to adopt more than one drake, please reach out to us! We provide long distance transport, guidance, and assistance in all forms for our adoptive families. 💗

05/10/2024

Let's check in on our disabled duck friend Scooter in his forever home!! Scooter now lives in North Carolina thanks to our volunteer driver Bird, and we couldn't have asked for a better situation. Not only did his new caretakers have the disabled duck experience we were looking for – AND they are wildlife rehabbers! – but it also means that he gets to enjoy the company of other ducks just like him!

When we put Scooter in a wheelchair for the first time here at the sanctuary, it became very clear how much of a relief it was for his legs, and how much he enjoyed the physical support. So when his new mom Brandi said that she could offer him a loving forever home with other disabled duck friends, naturally we had to hook him up with some new wheels to keep riding in style down in NC! He is having a wonderful time there with new friends, enjoying the outdoors, and receiving the specialized care he always deserved. 💗

Scooter's new family would like us to mention Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, who have been hard at work for the animals since hurricane Helene devastated the Appalachian region. Please check out their page and consider supporting them as they provide vital care for wildlife that have been injured or displaced by the storm, ensuring their recovery and safe return to their natural habitats.

29/09/2024

Today marks a full year since we said goodbye to Huey, Baby Hazelnut's first best friend. I have so many complex emotions remembering this sweet little boy and how hard he fought to get to sanctuary. We were all so excited for Hazelnut to have another special needs friend to grow up with together.

We had Huey here for 27 days before his hospital visit revealed the extent of damage in his body that he would never heal from. Huey presented with mobility challenges that nobody knew were joint infections present in all four of his knees, shoulders, and hips until we got him radiographs. When it was clear that the bone loss from months of active infection would continue to make every day of his life filled with excruciating pain, we gave him a humane and dignified passing at the hospital and requested a necropsy to learn more about his condition. There it was found that his kidneys had been destroyed from months of pain medication overuse. Each moment that little Huey grazed outdoors with Hazelnut, that he struggled to take steps, that we had to help him stand when he got stuck on his side, it was love that kept him going despite being on borrowed time.

I only wish that we had gotten him sooner. We are so grateful to be able to work with a large animal hospital and get complex care procedures like radiographs done when they are needed. The painful reality of large animal medicine is that sometimes the quality of vet care can mean life or death. Huey was an important individual that deserved a chance. I will always remember little Huey's immediate bond with Hazelnut and his tenacity despite the pain he endured.

25/09/2024

There is little as pure as the bond between cows 🐂❤️🐂

At hoof trimming day, Mindy was the first in the chute (and behaved very well!) so she got to observe both Spud and Maple getting their pedicures afterwards. At Spud's turn, she made sure to stay close by and offer him comfort while he was distressed. Cows recognize the emotions of their herd mates, a clear sign of both intelligence and compassion.

In the field, Mindy and Spud are never far apart. They can often be seen running together or pressing their heads together in play. As the day progresses, Spud grooms Mindy and makes sure that her fluffy red fur is always immaculate. I think she enjoys not only the attention from her best friend, but that he helps her look her best!

Spud and Mindy togetha foeva 🐮

21/09/2024

Peony knows how to spend these last warm Pennsylvania days before the crisp air of Fall really starts hitting. Peony is a particularly dapper girl who found herself in our family after surviving numerous predator attacks at her previous home. Sadly, she was eventually the sole survivor, and her family contacted us to give her a better chance. We are so glad they did! Peony lives safe and sound with our group of Jumbo Pekins in their protected aviary, and is a beloved member of the flock. She has particularly strong bonds with the other female Pekins she lives with, like Sheila, who enjoys resting beside her in the shade.

Like Jumbo Pekins, Peony has a genetic disadvantage. The fancy hat she wears is actually a p**f of feathers that come out of a hole in her skull! Ducks should not have holes in their skulls, especially on the back of their head where they are often grabbed during courtship. Keeping her in a small flock overseen by just one male lets her enjoy all aspects of duck life while mitigating the risk of harm. Her special flock is a tight knit group of 6 ducks where we can closely monitor for physical changes and accommodate them as needed. ❤️

17/09/2024

These are just SOME of the happy faces at the sanctuary every produce donation day! Our local Giant knows that what they donate makes our animal family very happy, and the animals know when that special day of the week rolls around and it's time for a massive salad. By the afternoon, pretty much everyone is impatiently trotting or waddling around the fences calling out for the delivery!

When produce goes unsold at the store, we pick it up and sort it into pig dinners for the duration of the week. The rest becomes a fresh Monday salad for the sheep, cows, ducks, and geese. These donations are vital for giving our pigs the varied diet they need, but also to serve as an important form of enrichment that the rest of the hooved and feathered fam all look forward to. 💚🍇

13/09/2024

This handsome man is Beau! Beau was rescued last year after he was found wandering around an old farm property. He was skinny and weak when he first arrived here, but access to nutritious foods, medical care, and lots of love helped him to feel much better! Beau is an extremely friendly, outgoing, silly guy. He LOVES to play, but is always down to snuggle too! Beau loves nothing more than being with his humans, and will greet you every day with his loud, rumbly purr. He gets along with other cats, dogs, and humans of all ages and would be the perfect addition to a multi-cat home as he has yet to meet a cat he hasn’t adored! He is a very polite, well-behaved boy and always uses his litter box and scratching post. Just look at that face! Have you ever seen a more handsome guy?

Beau really is the perfect cat. He is charming, sweet, affectionate, and happy, but for some reason he has been with us for over a year now with no adoption interest. He is such an amazing boy and we know that he would be beyond overjoyed to finally find his forever family! He is estimated to be four years old, and undoubtedly his life before he was rescued was a difficult one – but it says volumes about Beau’s strength and capacity for love that he continues to be such a sweet, happy guy despite it all! If you are interested in giving this sweet boy the family he has been waiting so patiently for, please send us a message or fill out an application at https://forms.gle/QKj2eSwjYxVd3UJD7

We are located in Lincoln University, PA but we do offer transport services to qualified adopters!

27/07/2024

Sapling is a very large boy who has been disabled since he was a tiny duckling abandoned at a park. He has always had an impaired leg that needs extra attention, and this past week, that leg had been swelling more than usual. We took him to our avian vet and discovered that there is an infection in one of his joints and he needs antibiotics. We also discovered that he had conjunctivitis and some other general goopiness showing that his immune system isn't working too great. Ducks tend to need help staying healthy once they are disabled, so having a good relationship with an avian vet is crucial for any waterfowl family that has Pekins.

Sapling is a Jumbo Pekin, the largest breed of duck, prone to health problems early in life due to their size and poor genetics from being bred for meat. Ducks like Sapling have been welcomed, provided for, and naturally departed over the years at our sanctuary and there are very rare times that ducks of other breeds need veterinary attention the way that Pekins do.

At the vet, we got Sapling an exam, X-rays, an eye stain, a bacterial culture, and two different medications to make sure that he recovers and can return back outside to his family soon. The bill for his care was $663.50. Can you help us continue to provide necessary care for important individuals like Sapling? Even though he is disabled, he deserves to be happy and his life matters. Thank you ❤️🦆

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23/07/2024

Sheep are such fantastically gentle people and we have so much to learn from them. Though I generally don't provide accommodations for rodents, the only humane option was to help this fellow earthling when he fell into the sheep's water trough. Seeing him bob helplessly in the water drove me to act fast and grab the closest bin to fish him out. As I let him gather his bearings, the sheep family began to saunter over and sniff and watch him curiously. Sheep are a lot like children this way. Though rats are different from them, and maybe at times scary, there is always an effort to understand and consider peace before making any decisions.

Rats are no strangers to farms or sanctuaries. After his guy dried off, he was released in the woods to find his own way. I think the sheep would have done that too. 🕊️

17/07/2024

Let's check in on our disabled boy Dennis in his new forever home!! 🦆

Dennis has begun his new life in Wisconsin thanks to volunteer transporters Elana, Delton, Britt, Holly, and Gabbie! He is permanently unable to use one of his legs due to an injury before we accepted him into our adoption program, so we looked for a special home for him for quite some time. We received interest from many different folks, but the level of care required for Dennis could only be matched by one special adopter named Carla. ❤️ Carla is a mom to many disabled birds, and even had a lonely duck named Lola in need of a partner. In these pictures you can see how Dennis and Lola fell in love instantly, and enjoy spending time together snuggling and watching TV. Their mom even bought them a brand new TV since Dennis' arrival there!

Care for disabled birds is not for the faint of heart, and it requires patience, access to avian veterinary care, and lots of cleaning. But all animals deserve a chance at a good life, regardless of their ability — ducks included. When we find someone capable of providing this to a duck in our adoption program we really will cover hundreds of miles to make it happen. Thank you Carla for giving these birds their happily forever after 🦆❤️🦆

07/07/2024

Does Honeybee's expression encapsulate everything about dealing with this heat wave, or what?! 😅

Hope you had a wonderfully safe and restful weekend! Stay cool and hydrated! 💚🐽

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http://sweetpeacesanctuary.org/, https://www.chestercounty.com/2023/06/06/437614/sweet-peace-farm-sanctuary-saving-anima

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Videos

We were on CBS 21 News!

We were on the news! Thank you to Maxine Rose with CBS 21 News for interviewing us (I'm on the right!) alongside Audrey of Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary about the duck rescue last week. In this clip we talk about the fact that duck abandonment has occurred twice now at the same pond, the condition of the ducks and their staph infection, and that signage about duck dumping is something that could help curb future abandonment cases at Bullfrog Valley Park. Not many people know about this issue, or understand that leaving domestic ducks in a pond with mallards will not end well for anybody, so coverage on this problem is such a huge win for both the ducks and rescuers like us. Ducks, chickens, and other domestic birds are usually abandoned when people realize they did not sign up for animals with such intensive care needs. We typically see more males than females abandoned because they don't lay eggs, too. It's important to always responsibly plan for the lifespan of any animal you bring into your care, including ducks, who can live to be a decade or more. Many adoptable ducks are still waiting for homes at our sanctuary and at Good Sprout. Please send us a message if you are interested in adopting!

Fundraising results: $1,248/1,000!

As of now, across our social media and donation platforms we've raised $1,248! We also transported 3 more lambs to the loving arms of Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary last week. There are only 3 lambs left here who will stay until we finish up transport logistics. Thank you so much to everyone who has made this rescue a success and allowed us to help these lambs with your generosity. You make a difference. Thank you. 💗🐑

LAMB UPDATE!! 🐑

Time for an update! The eight lambs we rescued are such sweet little babies, and they are settling in to the new routine! Two girls have already headed off to their forever home at Briarwood Farm Sanctuary. We also got the boys neutered here at the sanctuary and talk about that in this video. So far we are over halfway to our donation goal, so please consider a contribution to help us cover all of the care that these little sweeties need! 🐑🐑 Thank you Claire and Revolution Philadelphia for your help with fundraising! 💚Venmo @SweetPeaceSanctuary 💚CashApp $SweetPeaceSanctuary 💚PayPal.me/SweetPeaceSanctuary

Grand Slam Update! 🐷

Grand Slam Update! 🐷 Slammy is settling into his new life after getting caught up on important aspects of care. In this video I talk about what we got done for him during quarantine, and his first few days out and about. Stay tuned for another update soon! We love this precious piggy 🐽💗 Thank you Four State Veterinary Services and Flip Side Hoof Care for the piggy services, and Liberation Design for help with filming!

What do ducks do in the rain?

🦆 + 🌧️ = ☮️

Solar Eclipse 2024 fun!

Today the sun and the earth's shadow will be as close as Baby Huck and Baby Hazelnut! The pasture is a little dark because we're out with the cow family experiencing the 2024 solar eclipse, but that doesn't stop baby moos from being curious and rambunctious. Here in southeast PA we don't get to see a full eclipse, just the earth blocking out all but a tiny crescent of the sun. 🌘

Ruby munching

How's your weekend going? Believe it or not there's no bubblegum in there, just baby Ruby loving her alfalfa cube treat. Enjoy your Sunday 🐄💗

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