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Our Sanctuary

We offer a welcoming sanctuary and safe haven for chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese, as well as wildlife.

Sanctuary

Our Sanctuary area is made up of 9.5 acres of land and two large lakes that usually provides a home to a variety of domestic fowl and wildfowl. Sadly, due to avian flu restrictions we have had to take the necessary measures as required by the Government and move all our ducks and geese away from the water.

We care for a variety of hens, cockerels, turkeys, ducks and geese. At present, all our birds are under cover to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds. We do not have the virus at Raystede and we are taking all precautions to keep our birds safe from this deadly and highly contagious disease.

Regretfully, part of the lakes area is also closed but it is possible to walk through the rest of the Sanctuary area and enjoy views of the lake, the shade from the many trees and the wildlife in the hedgerows. Dogs on leads are very welcome on the designated dog walking path in this area.

Chickens

The chickens we care for are usually ex-commercial hens that were kept in confined spaces and used for egg production. Had we not rescued them, they would have been sent for slaughter around the age of 18 months old. Many of them are very scared and missing feathers when they arrive at Raystede but we care for them and make sure they become happy and healthy hens again. They still lay eggs and do a great job of trimming back the weeds! All our hens and cockerels are available for rehoming.

Chickens

The chickens we care for are usually ex-commercial hens that were kept in confined spaces and used for egg production. Had we not rescued them, they would have been sent for slaughter around the age of 18 months old. Many of them are very scared and missing feathers when they arrive at Raystede but we care for them and make sure they become happy and healthy hens again. They still lay eggs and do a great job of trimming back the weeds! All our hens and cockerels are available for rehoming.

Turkeys

We have one male turkey, Gregory Peck here at Raystede. Gregory is a very proud and protective turkey who is not particularly keen on strangers and patrols the fence to keep his territory safe. Once you get to know him you'll realise he's a very gentle boy at heart. Did you know that you can sponsor Gregory Peck?

Geese

We have many geese at Raystede, all of which are seeking a new home. If you are interested or thinking about adopting geese, we are more than happy to talk to you. Please do get in touch.

Geese

We have many geese at Raystede, all of which are seeking a new home. If you are interested or thinking about adopting geese, we are more than happy to talk to you. Please do get in touch.

Project Terrapin

New for 2024, Project Terrain consists of intake and isolation units, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and a basking beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there will be a beach for them to bask on.

Visitors are able to view these fascinating creatures aa wells learn more in our educational facility - the ‘Shell-ter’ - nearby with all the facts and figures you need to find out more about the terrapins in Raystede’s care and why they do not make simple or easy pets.
Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. We will not be putting them up for adoption.

Help keep our animals warm and safe this winter

As the cold weather sets in, our animals need your help more than ever. Winter is a challenging time for our animals who have often been mistreated, neglected or abandoned.

But, with your help they will spend Christmas in the care of our amazing animal welfare team.

Donate