Farm Life on the Eastern Shore: Get to Know the Animals of Sugar Water Farm

Life on Sugar Water Farm is full of charm--sunrise over the fields, the sound of geese announcing they're awake, the goats "supervising" with their usual enthusiasm. But as sweet as farm life looks, every animal here has a job... and they take it seriously.

From our loud-and-proud guardian geese to the donkeys who keep everyone in line, each creature plays a role in keeping the farm healthy, safe, and thriving. Think of it as a little community where every species brings its own kind of magic--and its own kind of muscle.

Let's take a peek at the hard-working team that keeps Sugar Water Farm running smoothly.

Guinea Fowl: Nature's Noisy Neighborhood Watch

Guinea fowl are quirky, loud, and absolutely indispensable. Their sharp eyes and sharp voices make them the farm's first line of defense. If something unusual happens--a fox passing through, an eagle overhead, or even a suspiciously rustling leaf--you'll hear the guinea fowl long before you see the cause.

They aren't just alarm systems, though. Guinea fowl are tick- and insect-eating machines, keeping pests in check and helping protect the rest of the animals from parasites. They may be loud, but they make the farm a safer, healthier place every single day.

Ducks and Chickens: Egg Layers, Pest Patrol, and Full-Time Comedians

You hear them before you see them--our waddling, clucking crew that spends their days patrolling the farm for bugs, nibbling weeds, and producing a steady supply of fresh eggs. Ducks head straight for damp areas to munch on slugs and insects, while chickens scratch, aerate, and till the soil like tiny feathered gardeners.

Together, they reduce the need for pesticides, keep pests under control, and add a whole lot of personality to the farm. (If you've ever watched ducks line up for their morning meal, you know exactly what we mean.)

Geese: Loud, Proud, and Always on Duty

Our geese take their job as farm security very seriously. Their honks echo across the property at the first sign of anything new--whether it's a fox, a visitor, or one of us carrying something suspicious like a bucket.

Fiercely protective of the ducks and chickens, the geese serve as both bodyguards and early-warning alarms. They also give us a few large, beautiful eggs in the spring, but their real contribution is their unmatched vigilance and constant commentary.

We provide guests with a goose stick to swing like a pendulum to keep geese at bay.

Cats: Magpie and Mouse--the Feed-Room Enforcers

Every farm needs good barn cats, and we're lucky enough to have Magpie and Mouse holding down the fort.

These two take their job very seriously: no trespassing mice allowed. They patrol the barns, keep the feed rooms safe, and ensure wiring, equipment, and stored goods stay rodent-free.

With Magpie's laser-focused hunting instincts and Mouse's "don't-even-try-it" stare, pests don't stand a chance. Thanks to them, we avoid harmful traps or poisons--just good, old-fashioned feline efficiency.

Magpie and Mouse also count of guests for pets and love.

Goats: The Lawn Crew with Attitude

Goats don't just eat weeds--they dominate them. These natural landscapers clear brush, manage overgrowth, and reach places machinery can't. They keep fire-prone vegetation down, open trails, and maintain healthy pastures by grazing in ways that encourage new growth.

Among the crew are our two long hair silky fainting goats, Willie and Oscar, who bring a unique mix of charm and vulnerability to the farm. Fainting goats can stiffen or collapse when startled, so we keep things calm and steady around them--loud noises or sudden surprises aren't just dramatic for Willie and Oscar, they can lead to long-term health issues. Their gentle presence reminds us to slow down, move intentionally, and create a peaceful environment for all the animals.

Even with their delicate nature, Willie and Oscar add a special dose of personality to the farm. And, of course, all the goats--fainters included--bring endless entertainment. If you know, you know.

In addition to Willie and Oscar we have eight other goats.

Willie is me, author of all of the Sugar Water Manor and 1744 blog posts.

Zoe the Guardian Dog: The Quiet Protector

Sugar Water Farm has a loyal livestock guardian dog--Zoe--and she carries the responsibility of an entire team. She is a full Great Pyrenees that is also a rescue. Though she's deaf, Zoe is remarkably intuitive, relying on sight, vibration, and movement to read the world around her.

She patrols the fields with a steady determination, keeping an eye on the goats, ducks, and chickens she's bonded with. And while she can't hear her own voice, Zoe is famously vocal, letting everyone (and everything) know she's on duty.

Her presence keeps predators away and gives the whole farm a comforting sense of security. When Zoe is relaxed, the rest of the farm relaxes too.

While Zoe is cute and cuddly looking she is a protector, please do not approach the farm or fence without Dana or a memeber of the farm crew.

Donkeys: The Big-Hearted Bodyguards

Our donkeys are gentle, affectionate, and deeply connected to the herd. The leader of the bunch is Gus, the proud father of Bart, Sabine, and Adeline. Gus keeps a watchful eye over his family--and everyone else.

Donkeys are naturally alert, confident, and surprisingly bold. When a predator like a fox appear, they step into protector mode instantly. They're loyal guardians of the smaller livestock, always ready to chase off threats with impressive courage.

And in true multitasker fashion, they also provide nutrient-rich manure that enriches the fields and keeps our soil thriving. A little love, a little leadership--donkeys really do it all.

A Farm That Works Because Every Animal Matters

Here at Sugar Water Farm, every animal--from the talkative guinea fowl to the steady donkeys--plays a role in maintaining a peaceful, productive ecosystem. Some protect. Some clean. Some fertilize the land. And some simply keep us laughing.

Together, they create a balanced environment where the farm, the land, and the animals thrive in harmony.

Healthy farms aren't just made of fields and barns--they're living communities. And we're grateful every day for the animals who make Sugar Water Farm feel alive, safe, and wonderfully full of personality.