“My husband and I are both disabled combat veterans and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Jennifer Woolwine, the founder of Little Mountain Ark Farm in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Woolwine and her husband originally considered moving to Florida when her brother-in-law persuaded them to check out a horse farm for sale in Virginia surrounded by 6,000 acres of national forest.
“The farm had gorgeous green rolling pastures and hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” recalls Woolwine. “There were apple, cherry and pear trees with a large riding ring for horses.”
Overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and serenity, Woolwine says the two veterans “knew right away that the farm was where we were meant to be.” Since embracing farming life, Woolwine has also taken to documenting the daily operations of Little Mountain Ark Farm on her Instagram account.
We spoke to Woolwine about living with peafowl and caring for donkeys. We also heard the inside story on the farm’s herd protector named Rocky.
Healing From War Wounds
Woolwine says that Little Mountain Ark Farm has become a “sanctuary.” She credits moving to the farm with playing “a pivotal role in healing from invisible wounds of war.”
She adds that, one day, they hope to share the Little Mountain Ark Farm experience with other disabled veterans.
Read more: Combat veterans play an important role in restoring heritage chicken breeds.
Getting To Know Peafowl
If you check out Little Mountain Ark Farm’s social media accounts, you’ll notice that the venture involves raising some particularly vibrant looking peafowl. The birds live in their own coop that features various roosting spots and a spacious amount of room to roam.
Woolwine calls the animals “easy keepers” to care for, and feeds them a mix of all-flock pellet food, sunflower seeds, scratch feed, black oil sunflower seeds, cat food and wild bird food.
When Peafowl Mix With Other Animals
“Our peafowl get along great with our chickens and ducks except when the peahen was laying,” says Woolwine, when asked about how the birds integrate with the other animals on the farm. “She became very protective of her nesting area and would chase the other animals out.”
Introducing The Farm’s Donkeys
Alongside peafowl, Little Mountain Ark Farm also hosts a drove of donkeys. “I had zero experience with equines,” recalls Woowline. “However, I was fascinated by donkeys’ big ears and their charismatic personalities.”
Woolwine characterizes her donkeys as “companion pets,” but mentions that they also take on a role as “guardians against predators such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons and possums.”
Read more: Animal breeds can play an important therapeutic role in mental health.
Living With Social Donkeys
When it comes to the personality of Little Mountain Ark Farm’s donkeys, Woolwine calls them “very social animals” and says that they get along well with other equines.
“They love to roll in the sand and play and they form extraordinarily strong bonds with other donkeys and other animals,” she explains. “Once you gain your donkey’s trust, it will strengthen your bond even more. Donkeys have hilarious personalities, and we really enjoy having them on the farm.”
Let’s Meet Rocky
Rocky is a donkey who’s become the herd protector at Little Mountain Ark Farm. “He takes his job very seriously,” says Woolwine. “His trust took the longest to gain, but it was so worth it. He is a big old softie and loves butt scratches and will smile for the camera.”
If you were wondering, Rocky’s favorite treats include iced oatmeal cookies.
Follow Little Mountain Ark Farm at Instagram.
