Farm Critter Haven
By Cindy Fertsch
Farm Critter Haven is a 3.2 acre oasis in Egg Harbor Township, tucked off Ivins Avenue, not far from the busy Black Horse Pike. It is a haven for rescued animals under the care of three generations.
Heather Reay and her three children, Kaiden (14), Icyss (11) and Wolf (8) returned to the home Heather had grown up in, to live with Heather’s mother after going through a difficult divorce. Heather found the farm and the rescued animals to be therapeutic and healing, to both her and her children.
Wolf led my tour of Farm Critter Haven. He proudly introduced me to Cookie, a bearded dragon lizard that was so malnourished it couldn’t walk when they had initially rescued it. Now it it is walking all about and climbing on Wolf’s arms as he describes to us how to properly care for a bearded dragon lizard.
Next we went outside to see the chickens and a big white Turkey named Pecky. As we walked on through meadows and patches of trees, we saw 6 ponies, pot bellied pigs, a lama and a cow named Betsy May. Two of the ponies were separated from the others in a corral. Heather explained they had Laminitis. If they ingested the sugars in grass they would develop inflammed, painful joints. On a restricted diet though they are fine.
Although Sandy, Heather’s mom has been rescuing animals for twenty plus years, they only recently registered Farm Critter Haven as a business. Just last month they received their non profit charity status.
Farm Critter Haven’s mission is to reach beyond their backyard and into a worldwide movement to help other humans understand the complexity and sensitivity of farm animals. Their core belief is to help others and if you cannot help them, at least do not hurt them.
Recently Girl Scout Troop #10520, led by Renee Lyn, came for a community project. The girls painted cinder blocks to go around the perimeter of the bird area. Farm Critter Haven also plans to add a community garden in the near future.
Currently Farm Critter Haven is only accepting visitors on Sundays by appointment. If you would like more information about Farm Critter Haven you can email farmcritterhaven@gmail.com or call 609 618 5109. Below is a “wish list” list of items needed at the the farm of you would like to make a donation:
Fresh produce (or even slightly brown, limp- they don’t mind)
Hay
All Flock Feed
Tractor repair service
Tree removal
