The animals at
Oaksedge Sanctuary
The animals at Oaksedge Sanctuary each have their own personalities, routines and individual needs.
Some arrive needing rehabilitation and medical support, while others simply need time, patience and the opportunity to feel safe again. From rescued pigs, sheep and Dartmoor ponies to chickens, ducks, rabbits and parrots, every animal here is cared for as an individual rather than part of a system.
Many of the animals who arrive at Oaksedge would otherwise have faced slaughter, neglect or uncertain futures. Instead, they are given lifelong care within a safe and peaceful environment where their wellbeing always comes first.
Rescue Chickens
Oaksedge is home to 106 hens, many of whom have been rescued from commercial farming environments, including battery, barn, and free-range farms. These hens were all destined for slaughter at just 18 to 20 months old, despite still having plenty of life ahead of them.
We do everything we can to give as many hens as possible a second chance. At Oaksedge, they are free to spend the rest of their natural lives roaming safely in our secure one-acre orchard, where they can dust bathe, forage, perch, and simply enjoy being hens.
Some of our residents are also unwanted pet hens who needed a safe and loving forever home.
Alongside caring for our permanent residents, we also organise regular hen rehoming events for hens from local commercial farms, helping even more birds find safe and caring new homes.
Dartmoor Ponies
Our rescue horses and ponies all arrive with different stories and care needs.
Pearl came to Oaksedge following a Dartmoor pony round-up, pregnant with Gemma. Today, mother and daughter remain together at the sanctuary, where Gemma continues to receive ongoing care for laminitis.
Many Dartmoor ponies face uncertain futures, making rescue and rehabilitation incredibly important.
Sheep
Larry and Barney were rescued from entering the meat industry and now live safely at Oaksedge Sanctuary.
Sheep are highly social animals who form strong bonds within their flock and can live for 12–15 years when properly cared for. At the sanctuary, they are free to graze, rest and live without fear or pressure.
Pigs
Our rescue pigs are intelligent, curious and full of personality. Many pigs raised within farming systems are slaughtered between five and ten months old, despite having a natural lifespan of up to 20 years.
At Oaksedge, pigs such as Squiggly, Piggly and Wiggly were rescued from slaughter and are now able to spend their days rooting, exploring and living naturally in safety.
Ducks
Oaksedge is home to 21 rescue ducks.
From unwanted pets to rescued commercial ducks.
Ducks can live up to 20 years given the best care.
Our rescue ducks live within calm outdoor spaces where they can socialise naturally, explore freely and enjoy access to water and open space. Given the right environment, their playful and social personalities quickly begin to shine through.
Turkeys
There are currently 5 turkeys living at the sanctuary, all of whom were rescued from becoming Christmas dinner.
Turkeys are intelligent, curious and often misunderstood animals. At Oaksedge Sanctuary, they are given the freedom to roam safely, interact naturally and live at a much gentler pace.
Rabbits
Oaksedge Sanctuary is home to 10 wonderful rabbits, each with their own story and personality.
Most of our bunnies came to us as unwanted pets or strays, needing safety, care, and a second chance at life.
Among them are four very special rabbits who were rescued from a farm where they would otherwise have been bred for the meat and fur trade. They are now safe, loved, and able to enjoy the happy lives every rabbit deserves.
Many of our rescued rabbits arrive from neglect, abandonment or unsuitable living conditions. With space, enrichment and proper care, they gradually become more confident, curious and relaxed in their surroundings.
Guinea Pigs
We currently have a herd of 35 guineapigs.
They have all come from pet homes who could no longer keep them or who wanted to find a better life for their guineapigs that they were unable to offer.
All our male guineapigs are neutered.
Guinea pigs are highly social animals who thrive on companionship and routine. At the sanctuary, they live in calm, enriched environments designed to support their wellbeing and natural behaviours.
Cockatials
Oaksedge Sanctuary is also home to 10 wonderful cockatiels, all of whom came to us from different backgrounds and circumstances as former pets in need of a safe and caring home.
Each cockatiel has their own unique personality. Some are very tame and enjoy human company, while others are still shy and learning to trust again at their own pace. We believe every bird deserves patience, kindness, and the chance to feel secure.
One very special cockatiel is Pigeon. After losing his owner, he became extremely stressed and began plucking out his feathers. Since arriving at Oaksedge and joining the flock, Pigeon has become much happier and has stopped feather plucking altogether. Being surrounded by other cockatiels and receiving gentle care has helped him regain his confidence and wellbeing.
Seeing these birds settle into sanctuary life and form friendships with one another is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to give them the loving forever home they deserve.
Budgies
Oaksedge Sanctuary is home to 13 beautiful budgies, each with their own little personality. Most of them came to us as unwanted pets, while others were found as strays with nowhere safe to go.
Thanks to the patience and care of Hattie, our budgies have become wonderfully tame and trusting. Using plenty of food, love, and gentle handling, she has taught them to feel safe around people, and many will happily eat straight from your hand.
They are a very close-knit flock and love spending time together chatting, playing, and flying around their aviary. Watching their friendships grow and seeing their confidence return is one of the most rewarding parts of sanctuary life.
Every one of our budgies now has the safe, caring forever home they deserve.
Quail
We currently care for 12 quail at the sanctuary. Some arrived as unwanted pets, while others were found abandoned as strays. These adorable little birds are always busy and full of character. They live together in our large aviary, where they can safely explore, forage, and enjoy life at the sanctuary.
Cockerells
The 8 Cockerells at Oaksedge have all been unwanted from home breeding, unfortunately we are full to capacity with Cockerells needing homes before we can help anymore we must find homes for some of the current rescue Cockerells.
We regularly receive requests to take in more unwanted and abandoned Cockerells.
Please help us to help them by offering one a home , please don't hatch eggs unless you have space for a Cockerell, we strongly discorage people hatching them and hens when there are so many needing homes.
Llamas & Alpacas
Oaksedge Sanctuary is home to rescued llamas and alpacas, each with their own distinct personalities and care needs. With plenty of outdoor space and peaceful surroundings, they are able to settle into natural routines and live safely within the sanctuary environment.
Foxes
Foxes are regular visitors to the sanctuary and an important part of the local ecosystem. With safe spaces, natural habitats and ongoing feeding support, Oaksedge provides an environment where they can move through the land undisturbed and protected.
Badgers
The sanctuary’s quiet woodland areas and natural surroundings help support local badger populations, who are often seen emerging at dusk. Through rewilding efforts and protected habitats, Oaksedge continues to encourage native wildlife to thrive safely.
Wild Birds
From garden birds and woodland species to birds of prey overhead, Oaksedge is home to a wide variety of wild birds throughout the year. Feeding stations, trees, wildflower meadows and protected natural areas all help create a welcoming environment for local birdlife.
